How and when the Sikh
Welfare Society was Established
For sometime an idea was being discussed among a
small group of friends that Waheguru has blessed us in many ways,
and we should do something charitable for people less fortunate than
ourselves. Everyone was clear that whatever we do it must not have
any political connotation to it.
During the 2005 Christmas period, 40-50 close
friends met for lunch and discussed the idea of doing something to
‘give back’ to society and help those less fortunate than us. At
this point we were not clear the precise form in which we would do
this, however the response and feedback within the group was
positive and everyone agreed that this is something that we should
do.
To take the idea forward we began meeting
regularly and having brainstorming sessions to discuss how to shape
the vision into a practical operation. Following a number of
productive meetings we agreed to hold medical camps in Panjab,
particularly in the border areas, where the help was most required.
We drafted a constitution and formally put in a place an Executive
Committee comprising of 25 members.
It was agreed by the Executive Committee that all
funding of the camps and any other form of charitable work would be
self funded by the members of the executive committee. All funds
collected would be spent on the charity work and any travel expenses
incurred by members attending the medical camps in India would be
paid by the members themselves.
With the Executive Committee set up and
constitution in place it was now time to launch the society. On
Friday 18th of April 2008, a function was organised at
Carlton House, 501 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG11TL to launch the
‘SIKH WELFARE SOCIETY.’ All the local dignitaries were invited and
the society was officially launched.
Since the launch in 2008, medical camps have been
held in:
·
Bhuna, Distt Fatehbad, Haryana,
·
Moonak, Distt Sangrur,
·
Ramdas, Near Dera Baba Nanak, Amritsar,
·
Ferozepur
·
Mamdot
We have organised over 2000 cataract operations,
treated thousands of individuals with skin diseases, diagnosed heart
problems, orthopaedic problems, and cancer. The society has also
paid for 21 poor couples weddings. We have also distributed over
20000 books in England, Europe and Panjab, to show what the society
has achieved so far and what it plans to do going forward. The
Society also supports the local Mayor’s charity and this year it
also paid for clothing and sleeping bags for the homeless in the
bitter cold months of the year.
The Executive Committee is satisfied with the
progress so far but there is lot more to do.
May WAHEGURU grant strength and wisdom to the SWS
members to keep this good work going.
Aims and Objectives of Society
1. To promote the physical health of the Public by
providing Medical help i.e. Eye camps, Medical camps
and Cancer awareness / Diagnostic camps in the rural
parts of India.
2. To support charitable causes by donating funds to
established and registered charities in UK
3. To advance the education of the Public by creating
awareness and knowledge about the Sikh religion
especially among young Sikhs.
