They won’t be walking through the door for another two days, but the staff at the Spirit of Punjab restaurant is getting ready for customers hoping to enjoy their meals, while raising funds for the farmers.
Mr Singh, the owner of the restaurant in Halls Gap, a quiet and scenic village in Western Victoria, told SBS Punjabi that the proceeds for the lunch and dinner on February 16 will be donated to the Country Women’s Association Victoria.
- Indian restaurant pledges to donate proceeds to drought-hit farmers
- Over 300 people are expected to participate
- The day's proceeds will be handed over to CWA for distribution to farmers.
“The money from the food sales on the day will be donated to CWA who in turn is reaching out to the farmers affected by drought across the country.
“We are expecting over 300 people to participate in the fundraising. We have received an overwhelming response from the locals for the welfare of the farmers, the backbone of any community,” said Mr Singh, who doesn’t want to disclose his first name.
CWA is a non-profit group that advances the rights of women, families and communities, through advocacy and empowerment, particularly for those living in regional, rural and remote parts of the country.
According to a report by the Bureau of Meteorology, rainfall deficiencies persist across many parts of Australia affecting the crop yield and livestock of hundreds of farmers.
Mr Singh, who has previously hosted fundraisers for the local primary school and Nepal earthquake victims said this time he and his wife chose to help the farmers because they believe “no one understands their pain”.
“People think farmers are not suffering, but the reality is that they are often the worst affected by weather events like drought, floods and fire,” added Mr Singh.
Statues outside the restaurant in Halls Gap, Victoria. Source: Supplied
“When we first set up the restaurant in Halls Gap, not many people were familiar with Sikhs or why we wear turbans.
“Then I went to Punjab and came back with statues of Sikh soldiers on horses, women, cattle and also build up a village well-all of which depicts our cultural richness.
“Today when my son goes to school wearing a patka, everyone in the community knows that he is a Sikh and he gets the respect and privacy that he deserves,” said Mr Singh.
