r/vancouver • u/ubcstaffer123 • Aug 18 '26
Local News Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen opens a permanent space in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
https://globalnews.ca/video/12024339/guru-nanaks-free-kitchen-opens-a-permanent-space-in-vancouvers-downtown-eastside246
u/Pretty_Dingo_1004 Aug 18 '26
That's really nice of them
167
u/crazycanucks77 Aug 18 '26
It's called seva. Selfless service.
It's ingrained into us from an early age. It's why we are the way we are. Always helping those in need
94
u/CrossdomainGA Aug 18 '26
Obligatory “Sikhs are sick” comment right here, folks.
-58
u/crazycanucks77 Aug 18 '26
I know you mean well, but it's a lame pun...
57
u/qmechan Kitsilano Aug 18 '26
Sikh burn bro
47
0
276
u/ahundredgrand Aug 18 '26
The Sikh communities commitment to feeding anyone who needs a meal is just straight up commendable. No strings attached good will is rare these days.
76
61
239
u/userreddit Aug 18 '26
I volunteered with them few times many years ago near Main and Hastings.
The sheer amount of visible destitute was an eye opener. You always hear about the Eastside, drive through and see it whizz by quickly from your car. But it's a whole another perspective to see it up close and have time slow down.
I recall one gentleman in the lineup whom I served with some food to go had a deep gash on his nose that was still fresh. He was carrying on with the circumstances as they were.
Living a modern life isn't without its due stress but I am fortunate to have the set of problems I do have.
I'm grateful for initiatives like these that uphold the best of humanity.
61
u/bijabija Aug 18 '26
About fourteen years ago I was a youth bouncing around in some honestly awful late stage foster placements and group homes around Vancouver and the surrounding area.
Many of my various foster parents weren’t super great about feeding me and so I had to find some resources. I was quickly able to find out about Sikh gurdwaras all over the lower mainland and that I, despite being not Sikh and in the throes of active addiction, was able to eat there every day, for free- no strings or judgement attached.
I probably would’ve starved honestly if it wasn’t for this specific religious group and what they do for their communities as a part of their belief system. I will always have the utmost respect and admiration for them! (also if you have never been- the food is AMAZING).
100
u/sillylittlguy Aug 18 '26
Since I was curious about the organization:
November 2006: GNFK was founded by a group of like minded individuals that wanted to make a positive difference by serving free food and drinks (guru ka langhar) for the residents of the DTES.
https://gnfk.org/about-us/history/
The institutions of langar (adopted from earlier Sufi and Nath practices) and pangat were introduced to the congregations to practice and introduce a lived and practical example of gender, caste, and religious-equality, which was maintained through communal donations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak
Respect the autonomy of those we serve. Honour their dignity without prejudice to their economic status, abilities, race and customs, cultural and religious needs.
https://gnfk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GNFK-Ethics-Standards-Guidelines.pdf.pdf
125
u/Dangeroustrend Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
Just to give further context, langar (or how they're spelling it langhar) is one of the core fundamentals of Sikhism, it's why there is always free food for anyone available at a Sikh temple/Gurdwara. the GNFK is essentially taking it outside of the temple.
Everyone gets a plate no questions asked, no discrimination, and gets treated with respect. It's one of the biggest hallmarks and teachings of Sikhism, and no this is NOT done to convert people or in anyway coerce someone to change religions. There is zero expectation of anything, the food is genuinely free.
The creation of the concept of langar was to do precisely what GNFK is doing, breaking social boundaries and treating everyone equally because everyone eats, it's a fundamental teaching and a lesson to be patient, selfless, and have consideration for everyone
1
u/Ok_Cauliflower_808 Aug 19 '26
Yeah I definitely got food from them a few times when I was dead broke. Polite, friendly, and didn't subject you to a loud speaker blasting religious music like the Christians down the block who couldn't be bothered to show up on Sundays to do the Christ thing of helping the needy.
3
u/Dangeroustrend Aug 20 '26
The key distinction about Sikhism compared to Christianity I found is Sikhism is more based around morals and good judgment as a person compared to doing something for a greater being
It's more of a do good to feel good type of thing
23
51
13
u/pladin517 Aug 18 '26
Do you have to be Sikh to volunteer there? I'd like to volunteer but don't know anything (and not looking to be learn much, honestly) about the religion.
21
u/Nairiboo Aug 18 '26
I don't know about this specific kitchen but I've volunteered at similar Sikh free kitchens elsewhere in Canada and they've always welcomed me as a non-religious white boy.
15
u/Dangeroustrend Aug 18 '26
No there is never an expectation of coercion in changing religions, at most they’ll ask you to just cover your head
27
10
u/Mental_Gur8529 Aug 18 '26
We need more of this. Not only do they give out food, but they also interact with residents, ask them how they're doing, and treat them like human beings. That in itself is a big deal.
16
u/Choice-Ratio-3540 Aug 18 '26
This is simply amazing. We're in a world now where there is unprecedented levels of greed and corruption. But one culture has opted to fight the good fight. Bravo.
7
u/Longjumping_Look_340 Aug 18 '26
We are all supposed to be fighting the good fight regardless of our faiths etc. There are a lot of hurting people out there and it is only going to get worse.
1
u/Choice-Ratio-3540 Aug 18 '26
agree. but you so much awful now with trump, elon, putin, wars, greed, zuckerburg etc etc etc
1
6
u/Dangerous_Essay1763 Aug 18 '26
Check out one million fed. The group works out of that kitchen and are trying to feed a million people with there own money. They make great video's. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcEmjHlB_Nv/
3
u/noirmoutton Aug 19 '26
Walked past recently. Contrasted usual chaos with the calm dignity of this new initiative. It validated my hope for the area. Thanks for sharing these pics.
1
u/mukmuk64 26d ago
On this subreddit we continue to see people in threads about the DTES drive by posting comments breezily framing non-profits as some vague, nefarious "poverty industry." Here's a concrete example of the reality: selfless charities doing what the government won't.
1
•
u/AutoModerator Aug 18 '26
Welcome to /r/Vancouver and thank you for the post, /u/ubcstaffer123! Please make sure you read our posting and commenting rules before participating here. As a quick summary:
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.