Sikh Riders of America delivered 2,300 face shields to healthcare providers and first responders this week.
The non profit organization was established in 2012 after a gunman opened fire in the Oak Creek Gurdwara, a Sikh house of worship in Wisconsin. According to the organization’s main website, Sikh riders of America aimed to spread education and awareness about the Sikh religion.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the non profit has been busy assisting workers on the frontline with all the personal protective equipment they need.
23ABC News said the nonprofit made 5,000 face shields to distribute to the Kern County Fire Department, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and to local assisted-living facilities.
Immediately after construction, the group delivered 2,300 face shields to KCSO, KCFD and the Rosewood Retirement Community on Friday, according to Bakersfield.
Gurinder Singh Basra, the President of the Sikh Riders of America told KGET why he decided to donate to the respective departments. Basra said he first spoke to a correctional officer from KCSO that came into his convenience store.
Basra recalled the officer “having no masks or shields” at the jail he worked for. “I reached out to [KCSO] and they told me that they needed 1,000. After that I reached out to [KCFD].”
Soon later, the fire department made a similar request which immediately motivated the Sikh Riders to deliver 1,100 face shields each to the two entities. Basra told KGET, “If they’re [officers] safe, then we’re safe.”
“We brought them [face shields] to the fire department because they respond to all the 911 calls. So I wanted to make sure they are safe and they have everything they need to stay safe from the Covid-19,” said Basra. “They have families so we want to make sure they go home safe. And that’s why we brought them and we will bring more.”
As a result of their kind donations, Andrew Freeborn, KCFD’s public information office told Bakersfield how appreciative he was. “The personal protective equipment donation was a practical way for them to thank the firefighters on the frontlines of this pandemic.”
KCSO Deputy Marcus Moncur also said, “We really appreciate [the Sikh Riders] for reaching out to us. You guys are awesome, thank you.”
Sikh Riders of America is currently planning to ship 1,000 KN95 masks to additional frontline workers on Monday.
To participate in Sikh Riders of America‘s cause visit their website or contact them at [email protected].
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