Roland Francis wrote: > I am glad that the youth of GS have started an example of fun with funding. > I have always wondered why Goan organizations in Canada did not do > likewise. The average net surplus of a Goan function held here in Toronto > is anything from $500 to $3000. I know this for a fact. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Folks, I think I have to introduce you to another Toronto. A Toronto where: 1) The Goan Charitable Organisation has been raising funds for the past 25 years. The GCO's mandate is to provide for those in need in Ontario only. The GCO is so well organised that those who work for large companies can request their employer to deduct an amount from every paycheck and forward it to the GCO. 2) The last fund raising dance that I was invited to, raised over $40,000 in a single night. A Goan couple from Tanzania are the organizers of this annual event. The money is donated to local hospitals and research institutions. 3) Surplus from social events usually wind up as donations. The Tanzanite group does this every year. In addition, a call is made at some dances for donations to a specific project e.g. an orphanage, and these calls are well received. 4) In addition to financial support, there is also a network of people who willingly donate their time to help those in need. For example, those born in Pakistan have a tough time getting a visa to visit Goa. Goan volunteers here take the Pakistan born to their contacts at the Indian High Commission and stand guarantee for the visa seeker. 5) This is an extremely generous community. Those who have been here longer do not hesitate to contribute to causes in Canada or their place of birth. The Goan community also organizes and contributes to disaster relief, wherever it may be in the world. 6) I find the generation born here to be the most socially responsible people. I know more than a few friends and relatives who have volunteered with organisations like "Engineers without Borders" and who have spent months in the developing world exchanging skills. Once again, Toronto has an established and well organised Goan community. A community that every new arrival should be able to find and fit into easily. Indeed, the future does look bright here. ML07 1916EST
