Photo description:

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - One of a dozen or so volunteers, Freas Alameddine gets a sneak peek reading Valentine Cards as he stuffs them into gift bags. Part of the World Sikh Organization of Canada and Sikhs across Canada, volunteers in partnership with local community organizations, mark February 14th by delivering baked goods, Valentines cards, chocolates and personal care items to women’s shelters as part of the One Billion Rising movement. This event, which was initiated by the Sikh community in 2012, is taking place this year in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. In the spirit of the Sikh tradition of Langar or the free community kitchen, the Sikh community of Winnipeg and the World Sikh Organization of Canada, will be baking treats and purchasing daily care items such as tooth brushes, shampoo and hygiene items to be put into individual care packages . Local school children will be preparing Valentine's cards to be included with the items. See release. February 13, 2019