The Indian family in Ireland has once again caught the public’s attention by providing free 2,000 face masks during the pandemic.
The Indian Sing family, who live in the direct province of Cork, took to the streets of the city yesterday to offer 500 free face masks. In addition, they had provided free masks at their accommodation center where 300 people live.
They has been living in Ireland for over three years and is well known to everyone in Cork. The family had gained popularity online two months ago by distributing handmade masks. They are very active in the community, and have distributed self-made face coverings in Cork City Center for free on several occasions.
Raminder Singh came from India to Ireland three years ago with his wife Harinder Kaur and their three children. He currently resides at the Kinsale Road Direct Provision Center.
Youngest son Gurcharan plays cricket for Cork County. Daughter Sandeep wants to train as a beautician and start her own business in Cork. The eldest son, Gursewak, is a talented tabla player.
They say the aim of the distribution of masks is to give back to a country they came from three years ago. Raminder says the core belief of the Sikh religion is engaging in Seva. He said if you can help you help, that is what his religion teaches. He added that they are doing this without expecting result or award.
Nevertheless, in January this year the family received a letter from the government informing them that they could not continue in Ireland. They have been on the verge of deportation for months. Following this, they filed an appeal and friends helped the family of five to submit an online petition to the government.
Even so, Raminder and his family love Ireland and the Irish people. They say then and now that they want to stay here. “We are very happy in Ireland. We like this country and Irish people. My wife and daughter make the masks. Everyone helps. This is our fourth time giving out masks (in the city centre),” said Raminder.
“We don’t know what is going to happen. My wife is very depressed. We would like to stay,” he added.
They are not doing this service for publicity. A woman who received a free mask took to twitter to praise the Singh family’s efforts. That’s how they got so much attention in public.