Media Release
Toronto, Nov 26: The Konkan Organization of Toronto (KOT) successfully hosted its 2nd Annual Seniors Day event on Saturday, October 25th at St Philip Neri Church, 2100 Jane St, North York, ON.
This was an opportunity to commemorate the achievements of seniors in the Konkan Community residing in Toronto and surrounding areas and provide them with critical and practical education focused on cybersecurity, legacy planning, taxation, mental health, and international finance. The event also included a celebration of togetherness with traditional Konkan food, mass celebration and community fellowship.
The day began with guests arriving, a welcome note by Emcee Gerry D’Mello, and snacks catered by Janet D’Souza from Papa Simon’s. This was followed by a welcome speech by the KOT president, Melwyn Sequeira, honoring all the seniors in attendance and stressing on the importance of learning and helping the members together as one community, as seniors face many challenges such as a high percentage of scam, lack of awareness of the financial and social benefits due to the complex nature of its processes and staying fit, particularly regarding mental health. Melwyn also reiterated on behalf of the entire executive committee, KOT’s dedication to supporting the well-being and security of its senior population remains the highest priority, reinforcing the organization's mission to make the seniors' presence their "greatest gift."
The 1st session ‘Cybersecurity for Seniors’, led by Chethan Bharadwaj followed the welcome speech. Bharadwaj shared that while technology, virtual healthcare, and social media help reduce isolation and boost communication, they need to identify the different channels and techniques of fraud and how to watch out for requests on unknown financial transactions, messages inducing urgency or impulsiveness, as these are the most common methods of fraud.
The 2nd session, presented by Eric Orr was ‘Legacy Planning and Taxes’. This session focused on some steps seniors should consider taking on securing their assets and minimizing their estate taxes. He also recommended a strategic planning process that includes designating direct beneficiaries, utilizing multiple wills for assets that do not legally require probate.
The group took a break after the second session to celebrate a Community Mass in Konkani. The Mass celebrant was Fr Henry Alva, supported by deacons Terrence Rebello and Sarfaraz Pinto.
The Mass was followed by a sumptuous traditional Mangalorean lunch catered by Mango Mirchi, and some traditional items such as Sannas and a few other local dishes prepared by the members of the KOT.
After the lunch break, the third session was on the topic of ‘Moving Money from Outside Canada’. Nelson D’Costa clarified complex tax compliance rules regarding international money transfers. He also highlighted the annual limit for Indian residents sending funds from abroad under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) and reinforcing the Canadian resident's legal obligation to report any "Specified Foreign Property" as a regulatory requirement.
The final session was presented by Nikki Barruh on ‘Mental Wellness’. Barruh addressed this crucial topic and provided guidance and resources to ensure the holistic health of the senior member community. Staying fit, mindful and the need for social interactions is key to maintaining positive and good health.
The day concluded with a Vote of thanks by Communications Coordinator Anoushka Dias to all the speakers, volunteers and participants.
KOT and its members thank and acknowledge for all the time and hard work invested by so many people, in making this event a great success, and a memorable one for all the participants.
Fr Henry Alva for celebrating the Mass and expertly guiding the event's organization.
Fr Sunil D’Costa for coordinating the hall and bookings.
Deacon Terrence Rebello and Deacon Sarfaraz Pinto for serving as Mass celebrants.
The KOT Choir for leading in soulful singing – Crystal D’Souza, Leema Martis, Melwyn Sequeira, Gail Patrao, Clementina Castelino, Lorien D’Souza and Juliet Pinto
Volunteers—Dorothy, Hilda, Simran, Reece, Amora, Candice, and Ranjith—for their efforts.
Emcee Gerry D’Mello for gracefully hosting the day.
DJ Joyson D’Souza for the great music that set the perfect mood.
Photographer Gowrish Bollur for capturing all the memorable moments.
Session presenters—Chethan Bharadwaj, Eric Orr, Nelson D’Costa, Nikki Barruh—for sharing their valuable insights.
Raymond and Marie Monteiro for the thoughtful gifts.
Mango Mirchi for the delicious food. Janet D’Souza of Papa Simon’s for the wonderful breakfast.
Priscilla D’Souza, Hilda Mendoza, and Marie Monteiro for the traditional Sannas.
Finally, a huge thank you to Manoj D’Cunha for arranging the food, presenters and helping the organization lead with this initiative to educate, empower and entertain its senior members.