MAC celebrates Family Christmas Tree - 2007
Media Release
Canada, Dec 16: Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
Christmas is a season for kindling the fire of hospitality, the flame of charity in our hearts, the spirit of love and forgiveness, of believing and sharing with family and friends. The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) held its Family Christmas Tree on December 9, 2007 at the Tomken Twin Arena, Mississauga. This event gave our community a chance to come together in humble surroundings and family like ambience. Most importantly, it gave the children an opportunity to build their confidence and display their talents and enthusiasm.
The evening commenced with a welcome address and prayer from our youth emcee, Michele D’Mello. Ronald Fernandes lit the MAC Christmas tree in keeping with the association’s tradition. Simple yet endearing, confident and proud, Michele excelled in her role as a host while she gave a brief description of the significance of the Christmas tree and proceeded to thank the sponsors of the evening. The generous sponsors were: Ravi Fernandes of Trinity Auto Works, Ronald Mathias of Remax Realty Specialist Inc., Maxim Mendes of Max Mendes Group, Martin Menezes of BMO Financial Group and Flavian Pinto of Sun Life Financial. Reynold Sequeira, of Remax Realty Specialist Inc. sponsored wonderful gifts for the children’s surprise raffle draw.
In brilliant and innovative costumes, with passion and a flair for drama, children ranging from 9 years to 12 years performed a Christmas play, “The Reason for the Season”. The play reiterated the simplicity of the Christmas message that everybody is unique and contributes in small and big ways to make Christmas extraordinary. You just have to look hard within yourself to find that special quality or talent. Every single actor and actress worked with dedication transforming a small play into a precious gift for their parents and audience. The play was followed by a dance by three talented and versatile youngsters. Ashton Mathias did a fabulous job of introducing the play and calling on the actors and singers to come forward and take their curtain calls.
Who is an integral part of Christmas celebrations? It is jolly ol’ Santa, of course. To the tune of “Santa Claus is coming to Town”, dear old Santa swept in distributing handfuls of candy, amidst shouts of joy and wonder from the children and expectations of presents. Youth emcee, Nerissa D’Mello, did a remarkable job of creating the mood of excitement and anticipation. Her smile and poise endeared her to the audience as she briefly explained the significance of Santa. Children were thrilled to be called individually to Santa and receive their presents from him. The Christmas Choir did a remarkable job of singing carols to the accompaniment of music provided by Larson and Lloyd Pinto.
The children were in for another treat by Nick, the magician. A superb showman, Nick enchanted kids and adults with his amazing magic tricks. As active participants, the children got to demonstrate their skills at magic with expert guidance from the magician. The 45 minute show seemed short and children showed their appreciation by clapping and requesting that he continue his magic tricks. A raffle for adults was conducted and the winners walked away with beautiful gifts and festive baskets.
Nerissa D’Mello led the audience to dinner with a prayer and grace before meals. Aloysius D’Souza of Konkan Delite catered a simple yet delicious meal that was greatly appreciated by all. Dessert was a sumptuous and decadent array of homemade Christmas cake, chocolate cake and ice cream. The DJ for the evening was Joyson D’Souza who kept the music and the mood flowing. The evening ended with a Vote of Thanks to all participants of the evening as well as the organizers of the event. MAC is indebted and is grateful for the efforts of the general body of members and the volunteers who sacrificed time and efforts to make this event highly successful. The event affirmed the spirit of Christmas, the humility of the season, the giving and receiving and the joy that comes from a community family gathering.