Media Release
Mississauga, Oct 16: Canadian Canara Vision Inc (CCVI) marked a major milestone with its sold-out 10th Annual Charity Dinner and Dance on October 3, at Capitol Banquet Hall in Mississauga. More than 300 guests - families, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, sponsors and well-wishers - gathered for an evening of fellowship, a sumptuous dinner, music and dancing. Yet the celebration reflected something deeper: a community is measured not only by how it celebrates together, but by how faithfully it stands together in moments of need.
A decade of service, dignity and support
Founded in 2015, CCVI was created to make a practical and lasting difference in the lives of people from the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Canara and Konkani-speaking community in Canada. Its flagship achievement, St Peter's Burial Place at Meadowvale Cemetery, provides a dignified final resting place while helping relieve the emotional and financial burden that bereavement can place on families. Five per cent of CCVI's grave inventory is reserved without charge for families in financial need, and several plots have already been donated. CCVI also provides voluntary guidance and support to bereaved families - assistance that cannot remove grief, but can ease one painful burden at a family's most difficult hour.
CCVI's work extends beyond burial assistance. Through seminars and community programs on taxation, investments, banking, mortgages, retirement planning, legal awareness and settlement matters, it helps newcomers and families build confidence and security in Canada. Its outreach speaks to a Konkani-speaking diaspora of more than 35,000 families across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Ontario recognition
The tenth anniversary celebration was further distinguished when MPP Rudy Cuzzetto presented recognition on behalf of the Province of Ontario for CCVI's years of service. The honour acknowledged the organization's support for newcomers and immigrants, its assistance to families establishing themselves in Canada, and its advocacy for the needs and aspirations of the Mangalorean and Canara-origin community. For an organization sustained by volunteers, directors, spouses, donors, sponsors and well-wishers, the recognition affirmed that years of quiet service have made a meaningful impact.
A bold vision for the future
As CCVI enters its second decade, it is looking beyond past achievements toward an ambitious goal: the establishment of a permanent Community and Cultural Centre in the Greater Toronto Area for Catholics whose roots trace to India's Konkan region, including Mangalore and Goa. The proposed centre is envisioned not merely as a building, but as a living home for the community - a place where faith, Konkani heritage, language, music and traditions can be preserved; where seniors can gather in fellowship; where newcomers can find guidance and belonging; where children and youth can discover their roots and develop leadership; and where families can meet for educational programs, cultural events, charitable initiatives and community celebrations.
To turn this vision into reality, CCVI is making a heartfelt appeal to philanthropists, benefactors, families, professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses and well-wishers in Canada and across the global Mangalorean, Goan and Konkani diaspora. Support may take the form of donations, pledges, sponsorships or legacy gifts toward the future acquisition of land, construction, development and operation of the centre. This is more than a fundraising appeal; it is an invitation to help build a shared legacy. Imagine the day when members of the community can point to a thriving centre in the GTA and say with pride: "Our community built this together."
A tradition of philanthropy
CCVI has long celebrated generosity because good examples inspire others to serve. Among those honoured over the years are David Frank Fernandes of Dubai/UAE, recipient of the Canara Vision Yeoman Award 2015; Martin Menezes of Toronto; Dr Ronald Colaco of Dubai, honoured with the Canara World Visionary Award in 2018; Dr Dorothy Rego of Toronto, recipient of the Yeoman Award 2022; and Romeo Jack Barbosa of Canada, recipient of the 2025 Yeoman Award.
Their support has translated into real impact. Frank Fernandes announced a C$10,000 contribution to CCVI's charitable cause in 2015. Dr Ronald Colaco later acquired 10 graves, valued at more than $30,000, to assist less fortunate families. Romeo Jack Barbosa has been recognized for his generosity, leadership and sustained support of community and charitable initiatives. Their example carries a simple message: personal success acquires deeper meaning when part of it is returned to society.
The people behind the mission
CCVI's 2026 board and their spouses comprise Anthony & Josephine Soosay, Arun & Jennifer Mendes, Boniface & Sharon Viegas, Flavian & Miriam Pinto, Martin & Vinalini Menezes, Maxim & Nancy Mendes, Nelson & Veena D'Costa, Peter Lobo & Werrel D'Souza and Ronald & Dorothy Rego. CCVI also remembers those who helped build its foundations, including founding visionary Maxim Mendes and the late Gilbert D'Souza, whose networking, leadership and commitment strengthened the organization in its formative years. Their efforts, together with those of volunteers, sponsors and supporters, have helped transform a community idea into an enduring institution.
From celebration to remembrance
CCVI also invites the community to its annual All Souls Day Prayer Service at St Peter's Burial Place, Lot 34, Meadowvale Cemetery, 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, on Sunday, November 1, at 3:00 pm. Fr Henry Alva will lead the prayers and bless the graves. Families are invited to submit the names of their dearly departed by October 25 so they may be remembered and prayed for during the service. Whether loved ones rest in Canada, Mangalore, Goa, elsewhere in India or anywhere in the world, they will be remembered together. Light refreshments will follow.
A message to the community
After ten years, CCVI's message is clear: the organization does not belong merely to its directors; it belongs to the community it serves. The burial place serves families in grief. Its educational initiatives support newcomers. Its proposed Community and Cultural Centre belongs to the children and grandchildren who will inherit the faith, values, culture and traditions preserved for them today. Those blessed with greater resources can give more; those with modest means can give what they can. Professionals can offer expertise, businesses can sponsor programs, retirees can share experience, and young people can contribute energy and ideas. Everyone has something to give.
As CCVI enters its second decade, it does so with gratitude for the past and ambition for the future: celebrate together in moments of joy, stand together in moments of sorrow, help newcomers find their footing, preserve the culture entrusted to us, honour those who came before us, and build something lasting for those who will come after us. That is the enduring vision of Canadian Canara Vision Inc.
For donations, sponsorships and information
Canadian Canara Vision Inc. | 7050A Bramalea Road, Suite 18, Mississauga, ON L5S 1T1 | Tel: 647-800-7347 | canaravision@gmail.com | www.canaravision.com
For more pictures - https://ashcinematics.pixieset.com/ccvifundraising2026/