Mangalore: Elderly Celebrate Christmas at Valencia Day Centre
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
 
Mangalore, Dec 17: The city-based Vishwas Trust had organized Christmas Celebrations at Valencia Day Centre for the senior citizens in the city, from 4 pm onwards on Wednesday December 16.  The place was decorated with crib, X’mas tree and other decorative items, providing an atmosphere of festive fervour and celebration to the elderly citizens. The senior citizens took part in the proceedings with lot of enthusiasm. Over a hundred elderly people from Valencia, Bejai and Jeppu areas participated.

 
The programme started with the singing of Christmas Carols accompanied by the orchestra. Allan Lobo, a BSW student of St Aloysious College, was the master of the ceremony. Preethi welcomed the gathering. A volunteer of Vishwas Trust, Leena Pinto, delivered the Christmas message. It was followed by entertaining items like spot games, skits etc., while Christmas Carols were continued to be sung right till the end of the function.  Merlyn Sequeira, who donned the role of Santa Claus, was the centre of attraction at the programme. Santa Claus gave away the prizes to the winners.
 
The traditional Kuswar and soft drinks were served to every participant.  Vote of thanks was proposed by Felcy Pinto, secretary of Vishwas Trust. The programme came to an end with the rendering of ‘Baila’ dance, which was enjoyed by almost all the elderly and the young, who were present at the venue.

Vishwas Trust director, Dr Olindar Pereira, managing trustee, Santhosh Kumar Kadri, Vishwas volunteers, staff, and senior citizens of the three day centres, were present on the occasion.