The Sikh community of Whatcom County collaborated with Sikh business owners in the Seattle metropolitan area to raise $75,000 for the flood relief efforts. The Whatcom Community Foundation provided a one-to-one matching grant, bringing the total to $150,000.
The fundraising effort was spearheaded by Satpal Sidhu, a prominent Sikh community member who serves as Whatcom County Executive. He made an appeal to Sikh gurdwaras (temples) and business owners to come to the aid of victims of recent floods in Sumas, Everson, and other areas of Whatcom County. The Sikh community not only helped by providing hot meals (langar) during the initial weeks of the floods but also organized an appeal to local community members to make donations to the Whatcom flood relief through Guru Nanak Gursikh Gudwara in Lynden.
On December 15, Mr. Sidhu together with several local Sikh community elders participated in a radiothon on Radio Punjab, an ethnic radio station with coverage across the western United States and Canada. These efforts raised $75,000 within four hours. “I am very thankful to all the donors for their generous contributions to help community members in this difficult time,” said County Executive Sidhu.
Satpal Sidhu, Whatcom County
