Gaurav (Garry) Malhotra first put out a message on social media offering free meals to struggling people when he was in a hospital bed recovering from an appendix operation. It was August 2021 and Canberra had just gone into COVID-19 lockdown.
Within a few months, Garry had used $60,000 of his own savings to provide thousands of nutritious meals to Canberra residents in need, supported by his extended family and many willing volunteers.
Once lockdown ceased, Garry put together food hampers, making them available at four locations around Canberra and containing a week’s worth of meals and long-life food. His Canberra meals and hamper charity Garry Malhotra – Ken Behrens Helping Hands was born.
In late 2021, Gary, who is CEO of AIM Institute of Health & Sciences, donated the use of its hospitality venue training facility at Narrabundah golf course to charity. Disadvantaged people in need are always welcome for free meals.