Press Release
The 2016 Sikh Helpline Charity Bike Ride was an even greater success than last year, with more then 100 cyclists registering to take part in this charity event. Members of the local community including priests, police officers, local business owners and teachers all came together with high spirits and used pedal power to cycle across the West Midlands to raise money for The Sikh Helpline charity. The cyclists set off on their 30 mile bike ride journey, stopping at 11 local Sikh Gurdwaras and the renowned vegetarian restaurant Mr Singhs Pizza, who are all engaging in this worthy cause. Cyclists were greeting at each stop with free food and drink (langar) as well as amazing Kirtan to spur the riders on and to show the support for the Sikh Helpline and the essential work that is carried out.
The event was filled with an amazing spiritual energy and this was fedback by many of the cyclists and sevadars. Cyclist Jazz Bansal said “I had a great day as always, I was honoured that I had a chance to serve an amazing cause and hang out with great sangat”. Once again thank you & thank god for a lovely day, great community spirit and an awesome fun day”
Many shared this view commenting on how uplifting and enjoyable the day was, being surrounded by positive people spreading good wishes throughout the day. One of the sponsors of the bike ride, Sukhdev Singh from the TV Repair Company said: “I really enjoy being part of the award winning Sikh Helpline team and help organising the bike ride as well as cycle marshalling for the past two years?the previous years have been a huge success and with Maharajs kirpa this year?s bike ride was an even bigger success”
The Sikh Helpline has built connections with a number of agencies to ensure callers are signposted to receive the right help. Jag Singh from the West Midlands Police Sikh Association works closely with the Sikh Helpline, witnessing the work of the charity first hand. He commented that “The Sikh Helpline carry out invaluable work for vulnerable members of the community who need a helping hand. The Helpline addresses some of the issues that tend to be ignored by the community and give that advice and support to those who need it most”.
The Nishkam Centre Director Amrick Singh Ubhi, also a cyclist participant in the bike ride event said that “the work that the Sikh helpline are doing is very much needed, the service they provide is important to the community”. He also said that “the Nishkam centre and Guru Nanak Sevak Jatha (Gurdwara) are very happy to work shoulder to shoulder with the Sikh Helpline and Giani Sukha Singh the CEO of the Sikh Helpline, in helping towards the well being of the community”
The Sikh Helpline is receiving high volumes of calls and its demand has become nationwide. This annual bike ride raises both awareness and fundraising to help support The Sikh Helpline to continue the vital services provided to members of the community.
Giani Sukha Singh, The C.E.O of The Sikh Helpline, said, “We need the support of the local communities to help us keep up with the increasing demand of calls. Every call matters and a missed call may be the only attempt someone makes for help. It is crucial that every call is answered. The Sikh Helpline handles hundreds of calls each month on issues ranging from grooming, domestic abuse through to racism and substance addiction. Due to cultural barriers and protection of “honour” within the local community, such victims suffer in silence. We want people to call for help and not suffer in silence. With an understanding of these cultural issues and barriers, the Sikh Helpline offers a support network for these victims.”
Asian Express Newspaper – CHARITY CYCLERS: Father and son, Suki and Jaidev, were joined by over 100 charity cyclists for a 24-mile route through Birmingham, Speaking to son Jaidev after crossing the finish line, the inspirational young fundraiser said: “The pain in my legs was nothing compared to the pain and struggles that other kids endure every day. ?The money I?ve raised will help kids like me to deal with issues beyond their control.”
Barrister Baljit Singh who supports and volunteers for the Sikh Helpline said, “Taboo subjects within the Asian community very rarely see victims speaking out; this service needs to ensure they continue their amazing work.”
Visit the Sikh Helpline website at www.sikhhelpline.com to make a donation You can also donate via cheque, please post donations to: Sikh Helpline 86 Birmingham St, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 4EB