The Federation of Hindu Temples and Associations of BC (FOHTABC) and Times of
Canada partnered together to raise money for the Surrey Food Bank. With the onset of Covid-
19, many people living in Metro Vancouver had lost their jobs and found it difficult to buy
groceries to feed their families. FOHTABC and Times of Canada met to see if they could start an
initiative that would help the community during these unprecedented times. The Board of
FOHTABC unanimously agreed that members would get donations for the Surrey Food Bank.
One of FOHTABC’s goals in their constitution is to promote and conduct activities of a socio-
religious, charitable, educational, community service and cultural nature.
The Surrey Food Bank opened its door in 1983 and has provided food to families living in
Surrey and North Delta. Since the onset of Covid-19 February 2020, the Surrey Food Bank has
faced a much greater challenge to support the community as there are more people that are
struggling financially. The Surrey Food Bank prides themselves in supplying nutritious food in a
respectful and dignified environment.
On Thursday, June 4, 2020, board members of FOHTABC and Vinay Sharma, of the Times
of Canada Group, presented a cheque for almost $3,000 to the Surrey Food Bank. Much thanks
for the success of this initiative goes to the Board of FOHTABC; Dr. D.P. Goel (Chairperson of
FOHTABC), Mr. Satish Kumar, Mr. Parshotam Goel, Mr. Vinay Sharma, Mr. Suresh Bhayana, Mr.
Surinder Vashisht, Mr. and Mrs. Hari Varshney, Mr. Mohinder Kawatra and Ms. Alka Goel-
Stevens. Thanks also to the members of FOHTABC; Mr. Arun Gautam, Mr. Vineet Aggarwal, Dr.
Preeti Misra and Mr. Mahindra Shah. Special thanks to Mr. Vinay Sharma who is the Founder
and CEO of the Times of Canada.
FOHTABC and the Times of Canada appreciate the work of Ms. Kuldip Ardawa
(Community Partnership Co-ordinator) and Ms. Michelle Murray (Events and Communiation
Manager) at the Surrey Food Bank.
