Navratri Ann Daan Seva

Navratri Annadaan Fundraiser 2025

Navratri is more than nine nights of dance, music, and celebration — it is also a sacred time for reflection, discipline, and giving back.

Why do we fast during Navratri?

Fasting during Navratri is not only about cleansing the body, but also about purifying the mind and spirit. By abstaining from food, we are reminded of its true value. The most meaningful way to honor this realization is through Annadaan — the donation of food — considered the highest form of giving in our scriptures.

This year, the Gujarati Society of BC (GSBC) is proud to launch the first-ever Navratri Annadaan Drive, a Virtual Food Drive in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB). Over nine holy nights, we invite our community to come together in devotion and service, ensuring families across our region have access to fresh, healthy food.

Why the Greater Vancouver Food Bank?

The GVFB is one of Canada’s most respected and transparent charitable organizations:

• In F2024, GVFB distributed 4.7 million pounds of food to 27,373 unique individuals, averaging 171 pounds per client.

• It invested $7.3 million in food distribution, equating to $267 per client served.

• Through its 150-member agency network, GVFB provided an additional 4.2 million pounds of food, averaging 28,000 pounds per organization.

• In total, 8.9 million pounds of food were distributed with $17.1 million in cash expenses, or just $1.92 per pound delivered.

• Charity Intelligence has awarded GVFB a High Impact Score for its proven impact per dollar spent.

This means that every dollar you contribute goes directly to feeding individuals and families — efficiently and effectively.

How the Donations Work

• All funds go directly to GVFB. GSBC will not receive or handle any funds.

• Tax receipts are automatically issued by GVFB upon successful donation.

A Call to Action

We warmly invite all Gujarati organizations, temples, youth groups, and individuals to join this cause, share it widely, and encourage your members, families, and friends to participate. Together, let us demonstrate the true spirit of Navratri — devotion through compassion and unity.

Please Make a Donation Today

Click on the “Donate” button at the top right.

Your generosity and kindness will help us reach our goal to support those most in need across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore. Together, we can do this!

Remember: for every $1 donated, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank can double the value.

• Online donations are tax-deductible.

• Please check your inbox or spam folder for your automated tax receipt once your donation is processed.

Thank you in advance for supporting our Navratri Annadaan Drive and for ensuring that our communities have access to fresh and healthy food.

Nine Nights of Devotion. One Heart of Giving. Navratri Annadaan 2025.