How Sarbat Da Bhala in Surrey Is Feeding the Hungry and Spreading Sikh Value
Sarbat Da Bhala Truck Spreads Sikh Spirit of Seva in Surrey
Parvesh Sharma
Surrey : Amid Surrey’s busy 135 A street, a brightly painted truck bearing the words “Sarbat Da Bhala”—meaning “Welfare of All”—has become a moving emblem of compassion. Whenever it halts at a corner or crosses a road, heads turn and hearts warm. Inside that truck lies more than food; it carries the Sikh Spirit of Seva—selfless service.
The Sarbat Da Bhala Free Aid Society (SDB), a registered non-profit organisation based in Surrey, British Columbia, is deeply rooted in Sikh values and guided by the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Organisation’s mission is driven by the core belief of ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’—the well-being of all.
Through its simple but powerful motto, SDB has turned Sikh philosophy into a humanitarian mission. Volunteers work hard to ensure that no one faces hunger or the harsh Canadian cold . Members describe its purpose succinctly: “We dedicate ourselves to serving the homeless with nutritious meals and warm clothing, especially during the unforgiving winter months.”
Sarbat Da Bhala Serves 5,000 Meals Monthly in Surrey
“SDB was started five years back. Every week our volunteers serve food for four days and every month, we serve more than 5000 meals. We are working hard to do maximum Sewa of society. If anyone wants to do Sewa or anyone needs Sewa, we welcome all .” Said Harjit Singh Gill, leader of SDB.
SDB team rolls out its customised food truck—its name emblazoned boldly on its sides—to serve fresh, comforting meals to anyone in need. The spread is generous and diverse: pizzas, bananas, apples, rice pudding, cold drinks, jalebis and laddoos—a taste of home for all communities and a gesture of love.
The sight of smiling volunteers distributing food , steaming plates, and sweets is now familiar with majority.
“The number of volunteers has been increasing since the start of SDB. We are hopeful that in coming days , we would be able to serve the food all days of week. If anyone wants to contribute, he can call us anytime on 778-882-6149” said Baljinder Sangha director of SDB,
A Small Seva That Became a Big Movement
What started as a small, faith-driven effort has now grown into a movement. The number of donors and volunteers associated with Sarbat Da Bhala has been steadily increasing.
Each act of kindness inspires another. Witnessing the group’s relentless efforts—feeding the hungry and distributing warm clothes through snowy winters—residents, students, and business owners have all come forward to contribute.
From serving hot meals and donating winter jackets, the community has rallied around SDB’s mission.
“We all are working to serve maximum number of needy persons .” Said Kulvir Singh Gosal, another member of SDB.
Beyond sustenance, the initiative seeks to nourish dignity and inclusiveness. True to Sikh principles, the organisation’s doors—and meal lines—are open to all, regardless of religion, background, or status. It is service without discrimination, anchored in love and equality.
The SDB team also emphasises the emotional connection that grows between volunteers and the people they serve. For many, the food drives are not charity—they are fellowship. Conversations spark, laughter flows, and gratitude circulates freely. In those fleeting moments, area becomes what Sarbat Da Bhala envisions—a community bound by shared humanity.
