Volunteer helps deliver 80,000 meals during the pandemic

A volunteer who galvanised the Sikh community to deliver more than 80,000 meals and food parcels during the pandemic has been honoured by the Prime Minister.

Charandeep Singh, from Glasgow, received Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award.

Mr Singh, who is deputy chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, formed The Sikh Food Bank at the start of lockdown.

The project delivers groceries and cooked meals, as well as providing a volunteer shopping service for those self-isolating and a check-in phone service in English and Punjabi.

Supported by a 50-strong team of Sikh volunteers, Mr Singh has helped families across Glasgow as well as in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

In a letter, the Prime Minister told the volunteer: “Over the last few months we have all been uplifted by the stories of those who have brought their communities together in the service of others.

“So I wanted to write personally to thank you and everyone involved with The Sikh Food Bank for the fantastic support that you have provided during our battle against coronavirus.

“I was amazed to hear that your team of volunteers have now delivered 80,000 meals and food parcels to families across Glasgow.”

The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals. Mr Singh is the 1470th person honoured.

He said: “It is a great privilege for The Sikh Food Bank to be honoured with a Points of Light award by the Prime Minister.”