Announcements

• For the first time, Toronto’s population in 2001 was estimated to comprise of over 50% of
  visible/racial "majorities."
• Immigration was a major factor behind population growth. More than 445,000 immigrants
  settled in the Toronto area between 1996 and 2001.
• Potential employers cite lack of "Canadian work experience" as a reason for not offering work to immigrant women.
• Lack of Canadian work experience remains a problem.
• International Medical Graduates (IMGs) offer a potential pool of physicians to fill shortages where the opportunities for licensing are available.
• Need to facilitate accreditation of foreign-trained trades-people.
• Since 1999, over 49,000 immigrants have arrived in the GTA with international engineering
  university education and work experience.
• According to The Conference Board of Canada, $4 to $6 billion is lost to the Canadian
  economy every year due to unrecognized qualifications of immigrants (Albomin, 2002)
  Attached is a matrix of sponsorship opportunities available.
  Call Karyanne Newton at 416-493-4400 to discuss your objectives.

Month's mass for Mr. Succor Carvalho Sat Feb 05
"Claude Fernandes" <fernandesclaude@yahoo.com>
We are having a month's mind Mass for Mr. Succor Carvalho, Sat Feb 05 at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish - Burnhamthorpe/Central Parkway on Saturday, February 5 at 9:00 a.m. Please let everyone know. Some people missed his funeral and may want to come to the Mass.
Thank you ...Patricia

The Annual General Meeting of the Quebec Goan Association
From: Maria de Souza, Secretary.
Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2005 at the Forest Village Condominium Hall,
address: 457 Spring Garden Road, DDO, at 2.15 p.m.

Celebration of the Feast of St. Anthony
By the Villagers of Siolim
Location - Claireport Place Banquet & Convention Centre
Date - June 11, 2005
Mass Celebrant - Father Martin Pereira

Message from Vincent Azavedo, Chairman of the Nairobi Institute
Dear Members and Friends of the Nairobi Institute,

Happy New Year!

On behalf of the Centenary Management Committee, I extend warm wishes to all of you and hope that the year brings Good Health, Happiness, and Peace to each and every one of you.

With just over four months to go before our Centenary Party, the time has come to prepare in earnest and to put the final touches into place for this historic event. All the hard work of the past two years will come to fruition with the various functions planned by our Centenary Celebrations Organising Committee, in May and June and culminating with the GRAND ANNIVERSARY BALL on the 11th of June 2005.

I would like to urge as many of our past members and friends from far and wide now settled in Britain, Canada, the USA, Australia, India and our East African neighbours to join us for the milestone celebrations. Kenya has been home not only to the present membership of the Nairobi Institute (formerly the Goan Institute) but also to the wider Goan Community since the turn of the 20th Century. Taking this opportunity to visit Kenya will surely prove a very nostalgic experience.

While preparations go ahead on the social front, it would be pertinent to address the issue of repairs and maintenance needed to be carried out on our 50-year-old Clubhouse. Falling revenues over the years, mainly due to the declining numbers of paying membership, has led to a serious lack of adequate finance to carry out much needed maintenance works. Funds are therefore required to put in hand badly needed repairs, renovations and refurbishing of the Clubhouse.

I make a special appeal to all well wishers, members and friends alike both in Nairobi and especially past members from overseas to assist generously with funds so as to complete the necessary repairs in time for the celebrations.

In conclusion, I once again appeal to all members and their families to put their best foot forward and become a part of a joint effort to ensure the success of the forthcoming celebrations of which we as a Community will be proud.

Best wishes to all and God Bless,

VINCENT AZAVEDO

31st January 2005
Nairobi, Kenya

For Immediate Release
Popular TV Personality, Top Entertainers, and Generous Sponsors Team Up For Local Charity!
Toronto, ON, February, 2005 - TV Ontario's "More to Life" Host Mary Ito to emcee 2nd Annual Fun-d-raiser for the Toronto Special Olympics (www.torontospecialolympics.com). Awesome entertainment line-up for the afternoon event includes Hypnotist Adolfo B., Illusionist Ryan Joyce, Comedians Adam Pal and Steve Levine, Two-man Band Tabasco, Elvis Impersonator James Begley, Juggler Dan Cole, Walkabout Magician Alex Leono, and Sound & Music wiz Earl "Sqrl Sound"!
Where: Madison Avenue Pub (Host Sponsor)
14 Madison Avenue
Tel.: (416) 927-1722
When: Sunday, February 27, 2005
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $15 (includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres)
There will be many great items for the silent auction table, balloon pops, door prizes, and a "SurpriZe(!) Grand Door Prize" for one lucky winner, thanks to our sponsors (CIBC, VIA Rail Canada, BDO Dunwoody., Maple Leaf Sports., FIDO/Microcell Solutions, G.A.N.C., Cadillac Fairview Corp., Bosley Real Estate, Greyhound Canada, Rainbow Cinemas, Fairmont Royal York, Shaw Festival, Casa Loma, Tilley Endurables, etc.).
Participating in sporting events helps to boost the morale, self-esteem, and confidence of these special athletes with mental disabilities. With YOUR help we can make 2005 a good year for the Toronto Special Olympic athletes by ensuring there are sufficient funds for them to have continued sports programs and tournaments. We hope to see you on Sunday, February 27th!
For more information, please contact:
Steven Ratnik: steven@torontospecialolympics.com
Chrystal Gomes: chrystal@chrystalgomes.com Tel.: 416-265-0779