Chilliwack companies offer free meals, discount on gas for health-care workers and first responders

Some businesses in Chilliwack have been saying thanks in their own way to health-care workers and first responders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jag Deol, owner of Sangam Restaurant and Catering, has been doing it in the form of food and is handing out 50 free lunches a day to show his appreciation.

“We would like to sincerely thank all the wonderful people working on the front lines helping the community right now during this COVID-19 pandemic,” Deol said. “We would like to do our part to help you during these difficult and uncertain times.”

The lunches will be given to health-care providers and first responders (firefighters, paramedics, police), but also single-parent families and the less fortunate.

Chevron gas stations across B.C. and Alberta are giving back as well.

The company is offering $10 off every gas fill-up of 20 litres or more to all hospital and emergency service workers. The offer is good until April 17.

Deol started handing out the meals today (March 31) and is unsure exactly how long it will continue.

“I’m going to keep it going to see what the demand is,” he said.

Deol opened his first Sangam Restaurant in Chilliwack, located on Young Road, less than a year ago. He opened a second location in December in Sardis and also has a restaurant in Mission. The free lunches are being handed out at 8705 Young Rd. in Chilliwack and 32034 Lougheed Hwy. in Mission.

People have a choice of butter chicken, mixed vegetable, or chana masala. All meals come with basmati rice and a veggie samosa.

He is kindly asking that only people who are “sincerely in need of a meal” take advantage of the offer.

Orders can be placed from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and pickup time is from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Text Jag Deol at 604-217-1989 with what you would like to order and what location and time you will be picking up.

Both locations have curbside pick up or contactless pick up at the front counter, though he’s encouraging people to pick up inside due to high volume.

If you would like to volunteer, they are in need of delivery drivers to help distribute meals to those who might not be able to come pick up.

Check out these two videos of people showing their support for frontline workers:

People asked to make noise, applaud health care workers every night from front porches

First responders thank health-care workers at Chilliwack General Hospital