It’s hard to imagine a more challenging year for Saranagati Village than 2024 which brought the devastating July wildfire that destroyed homes, outbuildings, machinery, and most of the forest surrounding the village. Without traditional insurance (because they are an off-grid community), the residents have depended chiefly on the largesse of devotees worldwide and the kindness and generosity of their local community.
Traditionally, they cook thousands of prasadam cookies to share with locals during the Christmas season, and no one would have faulted them for putting that outreach on hold this year. Still, all agreed it was an important way to reciprocate the kindness from neighbors and strangers alike. “One of the items we lost in the wildfire this past summer was our cookie oven,” said Nandini Devi Dasi. “We decided that the money raised at the Fall Fair would go towards replacing that oven since it is an important part of our Christmas Cookie Marathon which we have been doing in Saranagati for over 30 years.”
In November, Jai, a community member, found a replacement oven, and thanks to the kindness of a friend, it was delivered just in time for them to begin baking.
On Sunday, December 15th, many community members, young and old, gathered at the school to mix, roll, and bake over 8,000 cookies. “The following day, a smaller group of community members including our school students, bagged, tagged, and tied a bow on over 1,000 cookie bundles, which were distributed to businesses, services, and friends in the area and nearby towns,” said Nandini, “We also dropped off over 150 bags to the regional office in the nearby city of Kamloops in appreciation for all their help with wildfire relief and recovery.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/baking-hope-and-gratitude-saranagatis-cookies-warm-hearts-after-a-challenging-year/
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