Indonesia board for natural disaster affairs honors United Sikhs

Humanitarian Aid and Daily Langar to Serve More Than 1,000 Families Through the New Year

DONGGALA, INDONESIA – In recognition of the “Feed-a-Family” campaign UNITED SIKHS launched in response to the recent tsunami and earthquakes, the National Board for Natural Disasters today awarded volunteers of the humanitarian organization with a certificate of appreciation.

“UNITED SIKHS has carried out the service of public kitchen (langar) emergency response to the earthquake and tsunami,” the certificate read, in part. “Our hope is from the government of Donggala Regency that UNITED SIKHS can help provide public kitchen services up to 28, December 2018.”

UNITED SIKHS Volunteers Receive Certificate of Appreciation from Donggala City Hall Officials

“We are honored to receive this certificate of recognition,” said Gurvinder Singh, Director of Sikh Aid for UNITED SIKHS. “It is our mission and duty to serve those most affected by disasters whenever, wherever needed. We once again look forward to fulfilling the work of God and uplifting humanity with aid packages and langar meals twice a day for the local community, which has overcome so much devastation in recent weeks.”

Following several high-magnitude earthquakes, a tsunami and volcanic eruption, Indonesia officials are shifting concern to an ongoing public health crisis as torrential rains threaten to spread malaria, dengue fever and acute respiratory infections. To date, the string of recent disasters have claimed 2,105 lives and injured 4,612, according to the World Health Organization.

There are currently 222,986 displaced individuals living across make-shift tent villages and 68,451 houses reported damaged. The death toll is estimated to surpass 5,000 as search and rescue teams continue to recover and identify the deceased.

Muslim Donggala Villagers Come Together with UNITED SIKHS Volunteers to Prepare and Pray for Langar Food Service

“This degree of devastation has taken almost everything from the people of Indonesia,” said Parminder Singh, UNITED SIKHS Humanitarian Volunteer. “Though they have lost so much, they still have hope. With hot meal langar distribution, we come together with villagers to sing, pray and spread the love of God. Their resiliency is emblematic of true humanitarianism and the strength of the human spirit.”

Forty five healthcare facilities have been affected by the disasters, with nine health facilities severely damaged. To supplement ongoing relief work, UNITED SIKHS will begin mobilizing additional volunteers to help combat the growing health crisis. Medical care focusing on pregnant women, children and elders will remain a top priority for the non-profit organization, as well as mental health counseling to address trauma sustained by the mass devastation.

Funds collected from the “Feed-a-Family” campaign will allow UNITED SIKHS to adopt three Indonesian villages—Tanjung Batu, Gunung Bale and Kabonga Besar—through the rebuilding phases of the disaster recovery. The campaign is encouraging supporters to pledge a donation of $30 to help provide enough food and aid for a family of four for one month.

Certificate of Appreciation to UNITED SIKHS from Indonesia Government for Langar and Humanitarian Aid