28^th September Latest Statement: Morocco Earthquake

Following our initial assessments, our team on the ground swiftly prioritised areas with the most pressing needs. Families displaced by the earthquake received vital supplies, including food, cooking utensils, clean drinking water, and tents. Many of these affected communities were located in remote, mountainous regions.

Khalsa Aid has identified 100 families in dire need of shelter, and we're committed to delivering this assistance in the upcoming weeks. For the latest updates on our relief efforts in Turkey, please follow Khalsa Aid on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

We want to thank all our supporters for your continued support.

Start of Aid Relief - September 2023

The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.8, was centred in the High Atlas Mountains, about 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech. The earthquake has caused widespread damage and loss of life, with the death toll surpassing 2,000 people and over 1,800 injured. 

KAI, has deployed a team to Morocco to help with relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on September 8, 2023. 

KAI’s team arrived in Morocco within 24 hours of the earthquake and is currently working in the affected areas to assess the needs of the affected people. The team also provided much-needed supplies like food, water, and medical care.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by this earthquake,” said Ravinder Singh (CEO). “We are committed to providing immediate and short-term relief to the people of Morocco.” 

KAI is calling on the international community to support the relief efforts in Morocco. Donations can be made here to our general donations funds.

Several regions of Panjab heavily flooded due to torrential rain.

On Monday, 10^th July 2023, Khalsa Aid India coordinated emergency relief efforts in the recently flood-ravaged regions of Panjab. Over the past few days, torrential rain has caused havoc across several cities in Panjab, including Ropar, Morinda, Chamkaur Sahib, Rajpura, Patiala, Anandpur Sahib and Sirhind, Fategarh Sahib.  

Increased waterlogging has uprooted trees, flooded homes, and closed and damaged major roads in several affected areas. Rescue efforts are underway after thousands of people were stranded in their villages without food or shelter.

Khalsa Aid India has mobilised teams on the ground in Ropar, Morinda, Patiala, Rajpura, Sirhind Fategarh and Jalandhar to assess the needs of those impacted by the floods. The priority is to save lives; our teams are rescuing people stranded in villages using dinghies. The local government is helping to relocate displaced residents. The second priority is to ensure those that are safe have access to essential items such as Langar (hot food) and clean drinking water. We also have teams working around the clock with local suppliers to secure vital aid supplies.

“Our teams are working tirelessly to help support the victims of the floods. A huge thanks to our Khalsa Aid India volunteers and director, Amarpreet Singh, who are on the ground providing essential emergency aid. We would like to thank them for their continued efforts. Our hearts are with the people of Panjab.” Ravi Singh, Khalsa Aid International CEO

Please follow our social media channels for live updates.

Although we are carrying out flood relief in Panjab, Khalsa Aid hasn’t set up a dedicated Panjab floods page for fundraising. However, those who wish to donate to our general funds can do so by clicking on the following link:

As a response to the severe floods, Khalsa Aid global chapters have announced the following funds for the clear-up and rebuild task after the floods:

• Khalsa Aid International: £500k
• Khalsa Aid USA: $250k
• Khalsa Aid Canada: $150k

We stand in solidarity with the affected communities and hope that these funds will help in the recovery process.

Khalsa Aid Australia has begun its annual Blood Donation Drive. Across Australia, Khalsa Aid is encouraging volunteers and supporters to give blood to help those in need. In Australia, 1 in 3 people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only 3% of Australians give blood.

Khalsa Aid’s Blood Donation Drive is dedicated to two important events in the Sikh Calendar: Vaisakhi, the Birth of the Khalsa and Remembering the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

In June, Khalsa Aid Australia is targeting 84 blood or plasma donations in each Australian state to commemorate those who lost their lives during the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

Giving blood is a simple five-step process:

1. Create an account at donateblood.com.au
2. Login & select ‘My Team’ from the Teams Menu
3. Search ‘Khalsa Aid’ and click on submit
4. Select ‘Make Appointment’ from the Appointment Menu
5. Book your blood donation at your nearest blood donation centre

Here are four key facts about Khalsa Aid Australia’s Blood Donation Drive:

1. In Australia, one blood donation is needed every 24 seconds.
2. A single blood donation can save up to 3 lives.
3. Since January 2020, Khalsa Aid’s Blood Donation Drive has helped save over 5000 lives.
4. Khalsa Aid is working with Red Cross Australia to reach a goal of 1800 blood donations by 30th June 2023. Find out more here: Lifeblood challenges (donateblood.com.au)

To learn more about the Blood Donation Drive, follow Khalsa Aid Australia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Be a part of team Khalsa Aid and give blood today – thank you.

Join us for an unforgettable experience by hiking Mount Snowdon on Saturday, 8th July 2023

In the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, you will commence your trek along the Llanberis Path. This great challenge will see you and fellow fundraisers hiking to the Snowdon summit, enjoying spectacular views along the way! 

This challenge will test your physical and mental limits, but you will be rewarded by knowing that all your fundraising will go towards supporting our global projects. 

On return, celebrate your achievement with delicious food, snacks and drinks served by our Langar Aid team. You will be awarded a medal to commemorate your achievement and plenty of opportunity to take pictures with the Khalsa Aid team, volunteers and fellow hikers.

In the past year, the UK has seen an unprecedented rise in living costs that have left many unable to afford to pay for daily necessities. According to the Office for National Statistics, 94% of adults in Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living from January-February 2023.¹ From this low-income households were reported to spend a larger proportion than average on energy and food, so were more affected by price increases.

Many food bank charities have also seen an increase in demand; the Trussell Trust reported that in April-September 2022 they provided almost 1.3 million emergency food parcels – an increase of more than 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.²

Khalsa Aid’s outreach program, Langar Aid, is a long-term relief project providing aid to the homeless, vulnerable, and those facing poverty in the UK. Our team, based in Coventry, has been helping tackle the cost-of-living crisis with more families and individuals reaching out to Langar Aid for support.

Currently, our Langar Aid volunteers serve hot meals 6 days a week. In addition, the teams deliver 300 large food parcels to local schools, community groups, and Ukrainian refugees. Over 18,000 meals are distributed from Langar Aid House across the West Midlands on a weekly basis, preventing hundreds of families from going hungry.

“The Cost of Living Crisis has plunged people into a situation where they have to choose between paying the bills or eating. This is even more devastating when you realise young children are going hungry because of this. We’ve had lots of people tell us that Langar Aid has become a lifeline in the community because people now have access to at least one hot meal a day.” – Avtar Kaur, Langar Aid Project Manager.

Langar Aid’s extraordinary efforts were showcased in a short film, “Feeding Humanity One Meal at a Time.” The team’s inspiring work was recognised when they won the People’s Choice Award at the Charity Film Awards on 21 ^st March 2023. The film highlights the struggles of the homeless and those facing food insecurity in the UK. The film also highlights the selfless acts of kindness and generosity by Langar Aid volunteers who are determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Charity Film Awards is an annual event that recognises and rewards outstanding contributions to charity filmmaking. Being a winner in the awards demonstrates Langar Aid's impact on the lives of those we serve and the importance of telling their story.

“We are thrilled to have our short documentary recognised by The Smiley Charity Film Awards,” said Ravinder Singh, the CEO of Khalsa Aid. “This film is a testament to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and the critical role they play in supporting those in need. We hope it will inspire others to participate and make a difference in their communities.”

Thank you to everyone for their ongoing support of Khalsa Aid. If you want to learn more about Langar Aid, click here.

[1] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9428/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Office%20for%20National%20Statistics%2C%2094%25,biggest%20fall%20since%20comparable%20records%20began%20in%201956.

[2] https://www.trusselltrust.org/2022/11/10/almost-1-3-million-emergency-parcels-provided-to-people-across-uk-experiencing-hunger-over-past-six-months-as-cost-of-living-emergency-drives-tsunami-of-need-to-food-banks/

4^th May 2023 Latest Statement: Turkey Earthquake

As of May 2023, Khalsa Aid's volunteers are still on the ground in Turkey, providing essential aid relief to those impacted by the devastating earthquake.

In the coming weeks, Khalsa Aid is heading into its final stage of distribution and will help local organisations by providing essential aid. For the latest updates on our relief efforts in Turkey, follow Khalsa Aid on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

We want to thank all our supporters for your continued support.

April 2023 Update

Volunteers were initially giving hot meals to those displaced by the earthquake. However, as the direct aftermath of the earthquake began to settle, the type of aid needed began to change. As such, Khalsa Aid expanded its operations and focused on filling the gaps in terms of the type of aid required by distributing essential WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) items such as dignitary packs, along with continuing to provide food packs and blankets.

Volunteers have provided 2000+ food packs, 8000+ blankets, 10,000+ dignity packs and hygiene kits, 19,000+ hot meals, and over 133,000 water bottles.

March 2023 Update

Volunteers bought toys for Children's Day in İslâhiye and continued distributing food and water in Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep with the Iqra Charity. A second team of Volunteers collaborated with a local charity, Yardimeli Charity, to deliver food and water in Şanlıurfa as well as to help the people affected by the flood.

Distribution of 400 food packs continued with BCF in Adıyaman's camps and 100 to Gaziantep and Altar. Khalsa Aid also worked with Iqra to distribute 200 food packs in the villages around İslâhiye where people have been displaced.

Towards the end of March, Khalsa Aid volunteers distributed thousands of water bottles (2000+), hygiene kits (2000+) and dignity packs (3000+) in various areas including Şanlıurfa, Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman Afad Camps, and Gaziantep.

Start of Aid Relief - February 2023

Khalsa Aid International mobilised a global response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Turkey. The first response was from the Khalsa Aid Iraq team, dispatched on the ground in Turkey within 24 hours of the earthquake to carry out assessments and deliver emergency support. A truckload of 3,500 blankets accompanied the team for distribution, and the team also set up the initial hot meals service.

Khalsa Aid CEO Ravi Singh arrived in Turkey to support the operational aid efforts. Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF), a non-profit NGO based in the Kurdistan Region-Iraq, has supported Khalsa Aid in setting up Langar (community kitchen) for those displaced in Şanlıurfa and İslâhiye. Our teams were based in Şanlıurfa and İslâhiye and served 3000 hot meals daily.

Special Thanks

The President of Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani, thanked Khalsa Aid for the work in Turkey during a visit to the area. We again thank British Airways for supporting Khalsa Aid to transport aid. The cargo allocated was four tonnes of water survival boxes (200 boxes), including water purification equipment, shelter and survival tools, hygiene supplies, and food/drink supplies. These have been donated for free by Watersurvivalbox Ltd.

Thank you to Lotus Flower for their incredible support and for working with Khalsa Aid to pack nearly 2,000 more winter coats, jackets, and socks for children impacted by the earthquake. Sweets were placed in the pockets as a tiny surprise. We thank both Sartaaj Foundation and Jeevan's Gift Foundation (UK) for donating to our earthquake relief efforts.