Media Release

Toronto, Nov 19: The Konkan Organization of Toronto (KOT) organizes several programmes to engage the youth and children besides several religious occasions. This year for the first time ever, KOT organized a day to engage the seniors and conduct a few informative talks on November 16, at St Philip Neri Church, 2100 Jane St, North York, ON M3M 1A1. 

The programme commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr Henry Alva and concelebrated by Fr Sunil D’Costa and Dn Sarfaraz Pinto. Fr Alva highlighted the contributions of the seniors in family building and urged the seniors not to let go but maintain a strong sense of their health and wellness.

Over 100 seniors of the Konkani speaking community of Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton attended the programme and participated in the Mass and the sessions that followed in the church hall. Several eminent personalities from the community were invited to enlighten the seniors on topics that are often left for a later date, viz., wills, estates, investments, health and wellness.

The programme was aptly compered by Gerald (Gerry) D’Mello and Melwyn Sequeira, the president of KOT welcomed the gathering. In his speech, the president thanked Manoj D’Cunha of Esther Ruth Financial Inc.

The technical sessions began with a talk by Perry Villaneuva who shared insights into the procedures, and regulation factors on taxation, health and life insurance. The second session was engaged by Nelson D'Costa, an established CPA and member of several top accountancy institutions (CPA-Ontario, AICPA-USA, ICAI-India, and several others) on the topic around estate & retirement planning. The third session was presented by Arun Mendes and Jennifer Mendes, both holding several prestigious rankings and certifications as lawyers in Canada, shared insights on the risks, issues, costs and procedures with the will and power of attorney process. The last session of the day was by Parvathy, an experienced and well recognized health and wellness coach, who shared insights on physical and mental wellness, with the aim to live a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and mindfulness.

The celebration concluded with a traditional and delicious Mangalorean lunch catered by Mango Mirchi as members took the opportunity to reconnect and enjoy a sumptuous meal together. Several spot prizes were also announced to have the audience engaged and entertained.

With a final word of thanks to all session speakers, honorable priests and deacons, volunteers, and attendees for their active participation, the event concluded with smiles, wonderful memories, and valuable learning from the sessions.

The mission of KOT aims to maintain and grow the vibrant Konkan culture by providing a platform for community members to come together, integrate and celebrate their cultural heritage.