By Mata Press Service

A hand sanitizer distribution program that was held in conjunction with the Vaisakhi celebrations has become a catalyst for local businesses, organizations and individuals wanting to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in B.C.

The “It’s in your hands” program, now in its third week, was launched in conjunction with the Vaisakhi celebrations in Surrey and Vancouver by local entrepreneur Harbinder Singh Sewak with support from the B.C. Dairy Association.

As the pilot program winds down, demand for the Asli Alooatta hand sanitizers continues to grow, especially with a national shortage of the product, said Sewak.

“We are now expanding the program to other groups and companies who want to help the community and channelling whatever we can from the sales to charity organizations,” said Sewak, the CEO of the Surrey-based Alooatta.com 

“Caring and providing for others is the very essence of Vaisakhi and the Sikh way of life…by helping us make and distribute these Health Canada approved hand sanitizers you are helping keep your family, your neighbour and your community safe,” he said.

Health Canada this week said that there was a sevenfold increase in sales of hand sanitizer in mid-March compared to sales during the same one-week period last year.

This high demand has led to shortages of raw materials, such as ethanol, which has led to searches for substitute ingredients.

“Proper hygiene and disinfection is essential during the COVID-19 outbreak to reduce the risk of infection. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds remains the most effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19. If soap and water are not available, a hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol, that has been approved by Health Canada should be used,” states Health Canada.

Medical experts are also warning against the use of online recipes for homemade hand sanitizer.

These recipes for homemade hand sanitizer concoctions have been multiplying online but experts are warning that many of the DIY solutions are ineffective — even harmful, reported CBC.

"You don't want anyone making up their homemade hand sanitizers that might have a component that's going to lead to some kind of toxic reaction on their hands," said Dr. Alyson Kelvin, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax and a member of the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology.

"We don't need any more people in the hospitals right now."

Health Canada — which considers alcohol-based hand sanitizers to be natural health products — authorizes the products that can be sold in Canada and assigns each one an eight-digit Natural Product Number, displayed on the product's label.

The Alooatta.com/BC Dairy Vaisakhi “It’s in your hands”   program was launched after the annual mammoth parades to commemorate the Sikh Holy Day were cancelled this month. About $100,000 worth of hand sanitizers have been distributed at Sikh temples, schools and community centres.

The response to the program has been overwhelming, said Sewak.

"I encourage businesses and organization to do their part and help in this undertaking as this is a good way to contribute to a worthy cause and keep us all safe," said Rajeev Mohindru, Director of Care at the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society  (PICS) Seniors Care Facility; a service designed for South Asian seniors who are physically frail or require emotional support.

Giani Narinder Singh, head priest of the Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran in Surrey said the “It’s In Your Hands Program” is an extension of the Sikh tenet to perform Sewa or sacrifice.

“It is Sarbat Da Bhalla (Goodness for the world), and we are happy to partner with Alooatta as they have provided us with the hand sanitizers that are needed by volunteers who reach out to hundreds of people on the front line and those in need,” he said.

“Contributions from the sale of the hand sanitisers will also help us buy things that are needed for our other outreach programs,”

Raj Dhillon who operates Mantra Beauty & Spa is urging her friends and customers to spread the word about the “It’s in Your Hands” campaign.

"Be safe and do your part..buy the sanitizers for yourself and distribute it to seniors and those who need it", said Dhillon.

Agreed Rajini Sharma, a Surrey insurance salesperson

“We are one big Canadian family…we must take care of each other…If you can, please contribute to this worthy cause.”

If you are interested in purchasing and distributing Asli Alooatta hand sanitizers during the current health crisis please email [email protected] or visit the website at alooatta.comalooatta.com .

It’s in your hands…what you should do

To limit the spread of COVID-19, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If this is not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol that has been approved by Health Canada.

Always follow the label directions on hand sanitizer products.

Check whether a product and its claims have been authorized by Health Canada.

Authorized hand sanitizers have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN).

Some hand sanitizers that may not fully meet Health Canada requirements and may not have a DIN or NPN on the label are being permitted for sale as an interim measure given the shortage of supply of hand sanitizers because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check for these products by searching the List of Products Accepted under Interim Measure.

Report any adverse reactions to Health Canada by calling 1-866-234-2345.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus. — Health Canada