Harbhajan Singh Athwal, a pillar in his community since his arrival to Canada in 1968, has been honoured with a 2021 Community Award by the City of New Westminster. In 2007, he spearheaded the creation of the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen program, providing meals for the homeless community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Over the past 14 years, volunteers have been preparing and distributing meals to this community and others every week. 

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

NEW WESTMINSTER - Harbhajan Singh Athwal, a pillar in his community since his arrival to Canada in 1968, has been honoured with a 2021 Community Award by the City of New Westminster. 

After retiring from his role as a sawmill laborer, where he worked for over 38 years, Harbhajan Singh took on a volunteer position as President of the non-profit Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara Sukh Sagar in 2006. 

Through this society, Harbhajan Singh contributes to the spiritual, educational, and social services available to the New Westminster community. In 2007, he spearheaded the creation of the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen program, providing meals for the homeless community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Over the past 14 years, volunteers have been preparing and distributing meals to this community and others every week. 

Harbhajan Singh has helped to create many youth-oriented programs, services and workshops, including scholarships for high school and university students.

A devout Sikh, Harbhajan Singh follows the service to humankind path, this ethos underscoring everything he does. Over the years, Harbhajan Singh has extended his home to many new immigrant families, and he continues to offer community and friendship where it is needed most.