As a registered non-profit, Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) abides by the terms and agreements set out by the BC legislation. As a registered Charity, GNFK meets all requirements and expectations of the Canada Revenue Agency. GNFK is made up of Board of Directors who bring a wide array of skills and expertise that assist in the task of governing the organization.
We are blessed to draw on an exceptionally broad range of talents and experience of members who contribute to the guidance and growth of GNFK. But we would be nothing without our volunteers. Every volunteer gives freely of their time, skills, and resources and to them we are forever grateful.
As stewards of the community’s financial donations, we are committed to transparency. We understand that the public has invested interest in how GNFK operates. It is our promise to use all charitable donations appropriately. We are accountable to the public, donors, sponsors and to our dedicated volunteers.
Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen was founded in 2006 by like-minded individuals who wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of residents from the Downtown EastSide Vancouver (DTES) and the Lower Mainland. With the basic principle of Sikhism, “Sarbhat da Bhalla” (well being of all), the organization established its motto as, “Love All Feed All” and began serving cooked meals for those in need.
We are now blessed to support the community by providing hot nutritious meals to those who are hungry every weekend. With the help from generous donors, we are able to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by also providing essential items. We have the ability to mobilize quickly to offer emergency relief for those who are affected by disasters. As a pillar in the community, we are inspired to be a resource to other organizations.
Again, this growth has been made possible through our many volunteers who provide service by embodying the values of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Our basic principles
- KIRAT KARO (work hard and honestly)
- NAAM JAPPO (always remember God)
- WANND CHHAKO (share with those in need)
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji
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OUR BOARD
Indy Panchi, Chair
Even before moving from England, Indy had been involved in seva with the local Birmingham Sikh community since his teens. Once settled in the Lower Mainland, he sought spaces where he could continue his seva, and being part of the sangat at Gurudwara Sukh Sagar – which had adopted him as their own – he found a group of people with the same keenness, and together, in 2006, they would start serving meals in the Downtown Eastside, unwittingly laying the foundation of what would become Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen. As Board Chair, he brings decades of bold business experience which spans a number of industries, and his tireless dedication to the cause. He has also leads GNFK’s fundraising campaigns and donor relationships.
Raman Khaira, Director
Raman Khaira is a community leader with over 19 years of experience providing meals and supporting people to find housing. Guided by a commitment to equity, equality, and justice—and deeply rooted in the Sikhi values of Seva (selfless service) and Vand Chhako (sharing with others)—Raman has spent years working firsthand with the homeless population, supporting clients through mental health challenges and addiction using a trauma-informed approach. With a strong background in organizing community services and handling emergencies, Raman works hard to build strong networks of support and collaboration so that every person receives compassionate care.
Having previously managed shelters and housing programs, Raman helps run community initiatives that provide food and essential supplies across local neighborhoods. Raman also trains other workers on how to support vulnerable people safely and respectfully. Through team leadership, volunteer work, and community outreach, Raman is dedicated to creating welcoming, fair, and lasting support systems that uplift the dignity of every individual.
Tej Kaur Sumbal, Director
Having grown up, and now working, in the Lower Mainland, Tej brings 18 years of experience in special education, multicultural and settlement work with the Surrey School District. She has taught Punjabi, led youth camps, and helped newcomers navigate settlement in Canada. A GNFK volunteer since 2006, she has been involved in anywhere from cooking and delivering, serving meals, to coordinating outreach events such as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Cupcake Drives, etc. Outside her professional role, Tej is a proud mom of two, and wife. Her guiding belief is that seva must stay rooted in Guru Sahib’s teachings and come from a place of compassion; a principle that keeps her grounded, intentional, and deeply connected in her work with GNFK.
Roveen Kandola, Director
I was fortunate enough to meet like minded individuals in 2006 and become involved in what would become Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen. This initiative was seen by myself as a way to create a positive image of our community within the Lower Main land at a time where negativity and division regulatory dominated the news media. Over the last decade my seva has been primarily on the administrative side, and since registration of the non-profit I have been a director.’
‘As an entrepreneur, I have amassed over 20 years of experience in healthcare, housing, construction, recycling, real estate, land development, and non-profit management. I am grateful for the opportunity to help others on behalf of the sangat while building lifelong friendships alongside volunteers. I have a vision for this organization to become self sufficient through strategic investment and eventually a common name for everyone in the community whether it’s if individuals need help or want to help.’
Paul Hundle, Director
A proud grandfather, father and husband, Paul Hundle sits as a director on the GNFK board. Born and raised in Burnaby, Paul has been a long time volunteer with GNFK, having been involved since the very early days. He has been supporting a wide range of GNFK seva, like procurement, logistics, administrative, prepping and cooking organization. He has also helped manage the GNFK’s equipment, been part of the food recovery team, and led the annual Toy Drive. He’s been a core part of the sangat, and a volunteer, at the Sukh Sagar Gurdwara, and has a deep commitment to seva and community.
Kiran Toor, Member
‘Growing up in Panjab, our parents introduced my three sisters and I to Langar seva at the gurdwara sahib and by having congregations at home. When my sister sponsored our family’s first seva celebrating her daughter’s birthday in 2013, serving with GNFK brought the childhood feeling of seva came back to me. Gradually I started volunteering with GNFK, and eventually became a member of the board, and to this day I am very grateful that I became involved. I bring over 15 years of experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant, and Director of Finance at an insurance company, to the board, and have assisted with the accounting and book-keeping here at GNFK. I also help organize the Langar seva with the sponsor families, and over the years I have made a lot of friends through that.’
‘Of all my involvement with GNFK, it is Sunday morning cooking, and the community around it, that I enjoy most – some of my family joke about that I am happiest when I am volunteering at Sunday morning cooking. I like the fact that GNFK has grown its operations and size, and yet continues to maintain its feeling of home and community. This organization has had an immense impact on me, personally and professionally, and I see it as my family, one I wasn’t born into but one that adopted me.’
Nav Sanghera, Member
Nav Sanghera is a society Member with GNFK. After completing an MBA in Finance and HR at UBC, she worked as a financial analyst with Vancouver Airport Authority, before taking over management of a busy medical clinic. She has volunteered in various leadership roles, including as the executive director of a local nonprofit. Nav started volunteering with GNFK’s cooking seva in 2015 and since 2021 has been a lead organizer with many of GNFK’s annual events, including tree planting, toy drive, golf tournament and bike-a-thon. She is a wife and proud mom of 2 adult children, both training as health care providers. Her passion for seva is driven by a desire to embody Guru Nanak’s teachings in daily life. And she is inspired by GNKF’s potential to build and strengthen community and deepen our impact on the wellbeing of underserved community members.
Harpreet Kaur Minhas, Member
‘I have over 20 years of experience in banking and have been involved with GNFK for more than 12 years as a volunteer, member, and sponsor family. Being part of GNFK has given me the opportunity to give back to our community and support families in meaningful ways. I’m a proud mom of two and have grown up and lived in Richmond. and I’m grateful to be part of an organization that brings our community together and makes a positive difference.’
Navneet Kaur, Member
Tony B, Member
