The Province: World Sikh Organization to spread Valentine’s cheer across the Lower Mainland

Although the community doesn’t recognize Valentine’s Day, the World Sikh Organization (WSO) will be spreading some festive cheer at local shelters on Saturday.

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VANCOUVER DESI

Although the community doesn’t recognize Valentine’s Day, the World Sikh Organization (WSO) will be spreading some festive cheer at local shelters on Saturday.

About 20 WSO volunteers will visit shelters in Vancouver, New Westminster, Surrey and Abbotsford to drop off flowers, chocolates, baked goods and toys to women and children. It’s the organization’s third annual Valentine’s event in conjunction with One Billion Rising — the global movement to end violence against women.

The WSO took on the annual project in 2012, when One Billion Rising officially started up.

“As Sikhs we don’t believe in Valentine’s Day per se,” said Rupinder K. Dhaliwal with the WSO. “But we celebrate community involvement … and service.”

“And this is something that spoke to us – we’re serving a group of people that generally don’t get remembered on Valentine’s Day.”

“In shelters there’s women and children and men that have been victims of domestic abuse and violence – so that was the reason we got involved.”

The WSO plans to visit 12 different shelters across the Lower Mainland and ultimately donate goods to about 700 people.

Donations will be organized Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Surrey’s Sri Gurdwara Singh Sabha. Minister of multiculturalism Tim Uppal is also expected to speak at the gurdwara before the group takes off to deliver its donations. To donate to the WSO’s cause, call 604 356 2561.

Surrey’s Guru Nanak Free Kitchen has also taken on a similar campaign for Valentine’s Day and One Billion Rising, and will be visiting 40 shelters across the Lower Mainland to donate roses and chocolates to vulnerable women on Saturday.