Team of Good Samaritans cook up a storm, making 400 meals a day for Territorians in need
GOOD Samaritan Sam Kansal and a band of volunteers are providing a lifeline for international students and workers who have lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic but aren’t eligible for welfare payments.
Northern Territory
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GOOD Samaritan Sam Kansal is providing a lifeline for international students and workers who have lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic but aren’t eligible for welfare payments.
With the help of about a dozen friends and family, including his wife Deepti and organiser Bobby Bali, Mr Kansal cooks 400 meals daily for those who can’t afford to buy food.
“I decided to do it because when I came as an international student 18 years ago, I know how hard it is when people don’t have access to income,” he said.
“I know how hard it is to feed themselves.
“We do not want people to have to go to sleep without having a meal and a full stomach.”
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Mr Kansal also runs a clothes drive operation, collecting and delivering clothes to those in need on a weekly basis.
However, he said food had become a priority for families.
Mr Kansal said he had been lucky to keep his job as a government employee but out of the goodness of their hearts, he and his band of volunteers had taken a month off work and spent about $17,000 to ensure others did not go hungry.
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“A lot of people have lost their jobs, which makes their life difficult for them,” he said.
“My message to all members of the community is maintain resilience and have a good mindset.”
Originally published as Team of Good Samaritans cook up a storm, making 400 meals a day for Territorians in need