Our Story
Where it all began
Khalsa Aid International is a UK-based humanitarian relief charity providing support around the world to victims of natural and man-made disasters such as floods, earthquakes, famine and war.
The charity was founded by Ravinder (Ravi) Singh, who was struck by the plight of the refugees in Kosovo in 1999. The year happened to mark the 300th birth anniversary of the Khalsa.
Ravi saw the footage of the Kosovan refugees on the news and was inspired by one Sikhi ideology in particular – “Sarbat da Bhalla” meaning “well-being for all” – recognising the humanity in us all and reaching out to those in need, regardless of race, religion, borders.
Khalsa Aid became the first ever cross-border international humanitarian aid organisation based on the Sikh principles.
Ravi Singh describes the birth of Khalsa Aid:
"At the time of the Millennium celebrations across the UK, and around the world, there were terrible images on the news of refugees struggling to cross the cold and mountainous border to reach a safer and peaceful Albania."
"I read in the newspaper about a small group who were organising an aid convoy to Albania – the Sikhi teaching of ‘Sarbhat da Bhalla’ came rushing to my mind."
"I phoned the group from the newspaper and asked to join them to help deliver aid donated by the Sikh community who had been extremely generous in giving food and money – within two weeks were on our way with two trucks and a van load of aid to Albania.
Khalsa Aid was born."
Our work is for all
Whilst the inspiration for the charity stems from a strong belief in the Sikh principles, our work is by no means restricted to the Sikh community.
Since 1999, we have provided vital support to millions of people worldwide, offering aid to victims of the Yemen Civil War and refugees arriving on the shores of Greece from the Middle East.
Khalsa Aid extends its assistance globally, responding to disasters such as devastating floods in Europe and earthquakes in Nepal, Australia, and the Caribbean. We also deliver targeted support to those affected by conflicts, including in Gaza and Ukraine.
Closer to home, our teams have helped residents in the UK cope with the devastating floods that swept through Cumbria and the south-west of England; and we were there to support the families who escaped the horrific fire at Grenfell Tower in London.
