Abbotsford’s Patna Sweets and Restaurant has won the Frontline Excellence Awards at the 2020 Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards presented by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and the Abbotsford News.
The Frontline Excellence Award is sponsored by Baker Newby LLP and is awarded to a business or entrepreneur who has gone above and beyond in the provision of frontline products or services to meet the unique demands created by COVID-19. This business or individual will have shown leadership in the development of new strategies to serve and meet the needs of the community.
The recipient is a leader in their field of expertise or industry sector. The recipient business responds to adversity with professional grace and uses those events to turn a negative into a positive.
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“From the entire team at Patna Sweets & Restaurant we would like to thank the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and the Abbotsford News for the opportunity to be a part of this year’s Business Excellence Awards,” stated Gurbir Brar of Patna Sweets and Restaurant. “We are extremely grateful to have been nominated for the Frontline Excellence Award. Our Community Lunch Program has provided a beacon of positivity and hope in Abbotsford and we will continue to contribute to the well-being and growth of Abbotsford. The positive feedback we have received only fuels our passion to create a difference in this city.”
From the Judges:
When COVID-19 became a reality, it was clear that everyone needed to do their part. As a family, they decided that food security was one aspect of daily life that was not being addressed. As a result, the Community Lunch Program was created. They provided over 250 free lunches daily to health care workers, front line workers, law enforcement, elderly, single parents, and those at a disadvantage. They also made daily deliveries to Abbotsford Hospital, Mission Hospital, and long-term care facilities. Through these contributions, they were able to be the bright spot in the day for many individuals.
For several months when the seating area of the restaurant had to remain closed, they chose to keep all of their staff working by taking money from their own pockets to purchase food and pay wages to make food for the frontline workers. This is truly giving back to the community.
RELATED: VIDEO: 2020 Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards
Other nominees for the award included:
Chalo! FreshCo
Chris Drinovz, Kane Shannon Weiler LLP
Loudmouth Brewing Co. Ltd.
Otter Co-op
RELATED: To read a full list of the winners click anywhere in this sentence.