Goans in Greater Toronto Area also help lesser fortunate sections in society
Volunteers of the Goan Charitable Organisation (GCO) prepared hampers filled with the delights and necessities for the lesser fortunate sections of society in Toronto, as part of the 'Holiday Hampers' event on December 9.
The Goa Overseas Association (GOA) Toronto and the Goan Charitable Organisation (GCO) have been involved in a number of programmes during the Christmas season. Right from giving, serving and helping the lesser fortunate people in society to singing and celebrating Goan traditions, Goans have been offering their services with dedication and enthusiasm.
HOLIDAY HAMPERS
The GCO hosted the 'Holiday Hampers' event on December 9 from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Many families cannot afford much of what we take for granted during the holidays: toys, treats, a pantry full of food and warm winter clothing. Each year, with the help of donors and volunteers, the Knights Table prepare hundreds of hampers filled with the delights and necessities that make the season magical for families in need.
Volunteers with the Goan Charitable Organisation (GCO) spent an afternoon at the Knights Table on December 9, to organise toys and clothes that were included in personalised holiday hampers for the less fortunate. These holiday hampers were warmly received by needy families in Brampton.
The GCO volunteers included Clive Ferrao, Alba Ferrao, Eurema Collaco, Lucy De Souza, Nina Fernandes, Elsa Lobo, Doreen D'Cruz, Sandra Don Paul, Evelyn De Mello, Chiara Chong and Vince Fernandes.
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
The Goan Charitable Organisation took part in the Holiday Food Drive in association with the Mississauga Food Bank on December 10.
"Energetic youth volunteers between 12 and 17 years helped collect cash and food donations from customers going in and out of The Real Canada Superstore in Mississauga and while one group was stationed between 10 am and 1 pm, the other group volunteered between 1 pm and 4 pm."
TOY MOUNTAIN
The GCO organised the 'Toy Mountain' campaign from November 18 to December 16.
We were proud to continue the GOA/GCO tradition of giving and were proud to join CTV and The Salvation Army in bringing smiles to the faces of thousands of children and teens on Christmas morning.
Toys were dropped off at the Goan Community Centre and the final drop-off date was December 14.
CHRISTMAS CHIMES
The GOA Toronto hosted a 'Christmas Chimes' carol singing event at the Goan Community Centre on December 17 from 6 pm onwards.
There were exciting prizes and snacks were available at the Goan Community Centre for all those attending the event.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS TREE
The GOA Toronto organised the Children's Christmas Tree programme at the Goan Community Centre on December 18 from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Children up to 13 years had a fun-filled evening with arts and crafts, fun, games and pictures with Santa.
SILVER LININGS
The GOA Toronto conducted a Silver Linings 'Kuswar' event on December 18 at 1 pm.
The idea was to keep Goan traditions alive with in-house Kuswar lessons for children between 3-12 years.
Expertise in making Kuswar (Christmas sweets) were passed on by Marcelina Dias, Joan Do Rosario and Eurema/Grace Collaco.
The importance of cooking Goan cultural dishes for children is two-fold: it provides adults an opportunity to teach their children how to cook and keeps Goan heritage alive. Food is more than food; it's a reason to gather, to celebrate and to share stories about traditions.
The ingredients were provided by the GOA Toronto and there was hands-on experience learning grandma's Christmas baking secrets. Children also took home a loot bag of goodies prepared with their very hands.
CHRISTMAS SUN DOWNER
The GOA will host the Christmas Sun Downer at Casa de Goa, the Goan Community Centre on December 26 from 5 pm onwards.
It will be a fun-filled evening, with music to be presented by the band 'Rhythm Nation'.
FEED THE HUNGRY
The Goan Charitable Organisation will join the Mississauga Food Bank to support the Food Bank 2 Home programme, a parent and youth event, on December 29 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
12 volunteers will help sort donations and prepare deliveries.
(The writer is President of Goa Overseas Association-Toronto)
