The Sikh community in Reading has been fundraising and knitting for Royal Berkshire Hospital and raising money for the Alexander Devine Children Hospice. Friday 4th November 2002 saw a presentation take place at The Sikh Centre Ramgarhia Reading in which the Sikh lady’s Knitter Knatter Group presented knitted lap blankets for elderly patients and hats, clothing, and blankets for newly borne babies.
The presentation saw organizer Rupee Chagar present a £600 cheque to the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.
The invited representatives to the presentation included
- Maria Walker Senior Patient Experience Facilitator
- Sarah Bailey, Head of Midwifery Royal Berkshire Hospital
- Richard Bentley, NHS Trust Chaplain
- Kate Wright, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice
Knitter Knatter Group Appreciation
The group of Sikh ladies who created the woolen, toys, blankets, and clothing were awarded a certificate of appreciation signed by the Head of Midwifery for Royal Berkshire Hospital
Alexander Devine Children Hospice
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Rupee Chaga Presenting a £600 cheque to Kate Wright for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice
Royal Berkshire Hospital Maternity Unti
Sarah Bailey spoke of the problems that exist at the maternity unit owing to the age of the building, she thanked the Knitter Knatter Group for creating the warm clothing that newborns needed to keep warm
Sikh Welfare Awareness Team – SWAT
The Sikh community is behind SWAT a charitable organisation operating in Reading twice a week on a Wednesday and Sunday evening outside the Town Hall in central Reading. The purpose is to feed the homeless and vulnerable community in the Reading area. This service brings diverse communities together in raising awareness about the issues that the homeless community faces. Lately, children of refugees have been using the hot food charity read more here
Sikh Philosophy of Seva
Seva means “selfless service,” meaning service that is done with no thought for one’s personal gain. Sikhs believe that charity should not be given in an attempt to carry favour with God; instead, it should be given out of the pure desire to help others, an act that itself brings one closer to God. Seva should be practiced without any thought for a reward; rather, it is part of one’s duty as a person to do good for others and for the community.
