Media Release

Toronto, Nov 7: The Konkan Organization of Toronto (KOT) successfully hosted its 3rd Annual Seniors Day event on Saturday, October 24 at St Philip Neri Church, 2100 Jane St, North York, ON.

The occasion was an opportunity for seniors members from all Konkan associations in the Toronto/GTA area to gather and celebrate the day with Holy Mass, fellowship and education on sessions related to wealth & taxation, reverse mortgages, and wills and estate planning.

Event flow

The day began with guests arriving, with traditional breakfast and a welcome note by Emcee Gerry D’Mello. This was followed by a welcome speech by the KOT president, Melwin Lobo, thanking all the members for their participation and a vote of thanks to all the speakers.

The 1st session was conducted by Bill Huang (Insurance advisor), on the topic of wealth and tax planning focusing on maximizing net retirement income, preserving wealth by reducing CPP & OAS taxes, and the new revised credits or rebates available for senior members.

The group took a break to celebrate a Community Mass in Konkani. The Mass celebrant was Fr Henry Alva, supported by Deacon Sarfaraz Pinto.

Immediately after mass, the 2nd Session was presented by Kelum Hewaje (Regional channel manager, Equitable Bank) focusing on reverse mortgages and how senior homeowners can convert their primary home's appraised value into tax-free liquidity without being required to make monthly mortgage payments

Followed by this session, a lunch break where a sumptuous traditional Konkan lunch catered by Konkan Delight and a warm up session by Teresa Menazes to help all members feel relaxed.

The final session was presented by Clementina Costa-D'Aguiar (Barrister, solicitor, notary) on the topic of wills and estate planning offering essential estate planning tips for Ontario families, highlighting key legal tools, procedures, and responsibilities.

The day concluded with a vote of thanks by KOT executive member Anita D’Souza to Fr Henry, Deacon Sarfaraz, all the speakers, volunteers and participants.

KOT and its members thanked and acknowledged for all the time and hard work invested by so many people, in making the event a great success, and a memorable one for all the participants, Fr Henry Alva for celebrating the Mass, deacon Sarfaraz Pinto for serving as Mass celebrant, The KOT choir for leading in soulful singing – Melwyn & Gail Sequeira, Raphael & Myra D’Souza, Crystal D’Souza, Carmen D’Souza, Clifford Lobo, Anthony & Carmen Castelino, Lorien D’Souza and Juliet Pinto, emcee Gerry D’Mello for gracefully hosting the day, DJ Joyson D’Souza for the great music that set the perfect mood, Session presenters — Bill Huang, Kelum Hewaje and Clementina Costa-D'Aguiar for sharing their valuable insights, and Konkan Delight for the delicious lunch and Udupi Madras Cafe for the sumptuous breakfast.

Manoj D’Cunha was also thanked for arranging the food, presenters and helping the organization lead with this initiative to educate, empower and entertain its senior members.