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MINUTES OF THE 44th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON APRIL 7th, 2019

Minutes of the 44th   Annual General Meeting held at 260 Spring Garden Road, Coolbrooke Chalet, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec

The quorum was attained at 3.10 pm with 40 members in attendance. The President, Donny Coelho thanked and welcomed all present.  He informed them that at the last AGM it was agreed to send out the minutes via email one week prior to the current AGM to save cost and saving the planet.  A few copies printed for those who do not have access to email. Copies of the Audited Financial Reports were on the table for all along with a few copies of the minutes. He proceeded with the Agenda.  

1. Opening Prayer:  Donny requested all present stand in unity to pray the Our Father.  He continued by saying that we have lost seven members in this past year and should pray for them:  Edna Soares, Teresa Correa, Felix D’Sa, Neru Rodrigues, Josephine DeRozario, Josephine Lobo and Effie Martin who left us.  He requested Juliet Coelho conduct this part of the prayer for the repose of their souls.

2. Approval of the Minutes of the last AGM:  Donny told the members present that it was their meeting, and he gave them time to peruse the minutes of the last AGM held on April 15th, 2018 and that he would do his best to answer their questions and let them know there would be a separate question period. He stated that he would like to run this AGM on a question/answer bases and discuss the future of the association. There were no questions, the minutes were approved by Alan D’Souza and seconded by Alan Marolly

3. Membership Report: Marian announced that in 2018 we had 178 members.  We lost seven members through death.

4. Treasurer’s Report:  Donny asked all if they have all the copies of the financial report and gave them time to peruse it.  There were no comments.  The report was approved by Blaise Pereira and seconded by Donna Coelho 

5. President’s Report:  Donny begun by thanking his committee for their hard work.  He thanked the spouses for their support and being involved in the background.  He continued to thank the members Atwell for phoning; Alan D’Souza, Gerry Alfonso, Linda-Mae Vanderlowen, Norbert for being returning officer and for the work with the seniors – good job.  He asked Norbert to take the floor and update all about the Senior Project. Norbert informed all that the volunteers in place -about 20 have been calling a list of senior/shut-in on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly bases and it is going very well. This is checked by 5-committee members of this sub-committee to ensure there are no issue. We would like to extend this to non-members of our community going forward. All applauded.  Donny stated to all present that all current members 80 years and older would be free and in order to be fair to them as they have been paying their dues, that any new member joining i.e., 80 plus will pay a onetime fee of $10.  He said that a refund will be made to any current 80 plus member who has paid for 2019.  The following motion was passed:

“All current members 80 years and older would-be honorary members, new registration would pay a onetime $10 fee per person and a couple $20 as off this year 2019” Motion was accepted by Linda-Mae Vanderlowen and seconded by Sarita Warren.

Donny continued by speaking about the future of the CanOrient Association, saying we had a lot of good going for us – government recognition; insurance coverage; the Chalet; relief fund; senior project; and the membership.  He said that this committee has been in place for many years and some for almost 17 years and no one wants to take over!  He asked all present if we should shut down the association.  There was silence in the room.  All present via show of hands wanted the Association kept functioning.  Donny continued saying that we have a lot of talented people in the association, and they should come forward. He continued by asking “what do you want from the CanOrient”.  Some of the answers were: Just to feel part of the community; community spirit; bingo; the chalet get-togethers.  Donny continued saying we need new blood and fresh ideas.  This committee does not believe in destroying what has been built over the years.  Donny proposed on working on a date to close shop in four years as our membership is aging. This notion was thrown out.  Norbert suggested that every event we should get 10 volunteers to help and not make the committee do everything. Carl said it is hard to get the people to come to the shows; Norbert asked if it was possible joining another organization? Donny said that the Italian and Filipino organization have shown interest.  This would need discussion.  Finally, the topic was closed with a commitment of a list of volunteers to Norbert’s suggestion to help with shows/sale of tickets/help for chalet events along with help from the committee:  Linda, Austin, Alan Marolly, Rita, Maria, Atwell, Alan D’Souza.  Anita, Linda-Mae and Gerry will do a show. Anita suggested when the email goes out to suggest we bring a friend.

1. Relief Fund:  Donny informed all to look at the report included with the financial statement and the attached relief fund report, to date there is $3459.37 which includes donations from members of $1934.  He said it is crucial to make donations to this fund in order to keep up the good work done through this fund.  To date we have donated to worthy causes around $36,400. All applauded. He said the recipients are incredibly grateful to receive from us.  All Donations for $20 plus receive a tax receipt from the recipients.  He said through this fund we continue to sponsor two children via Chalice – one through the fund and one via an anonymous donor from our membership.  Last year it was suggested we collect money for building wells, but no donations were received.  Norbert asked about the request from Father Lawrence.  Norma said it was for his project to build a church in Tamil Nadu for the poor who are praying out of a shed that is too small.  They walk miles to get to it and it is getting small for them.  Donny said that donations will be accepted for this through our relief fund and the tax receipts will be given by the Society of African missions.

2. Web Page – Thanks to Dale who keeps up the site from Alberta.  He suggested we visit it for all updates and pictures

3. Question Period: There were not questions

4. Varia:  no discussion

5. Hand the floor to the Returning Officer: Donny handed the floor to Norbert Pinto but said that we would break for a snack as after the meeting there would be a get-together and meal.

6. Elections for 2019-2020: Norbert thanked each of the committee members for their hard work over the years and for their dedication to the community, considering they have commitments of their own and some have medical issues.  He stated that “I have not received any nominations and I am pondering as to where this association is headed.  This association was not started today and over the years has had ups and downs but has survived. All committees have worked hard to give all an enjoyable time.  This committee has been doing a good job for years. On this note, I had the floor to Donny” All applauded 

7. Comments from the Elected President: Donny returned to the table and continued “As I was saying before, we have put in a lot of time, hard work, effort, money over the years.  We have also had a good time doing it.  But how long are we going to do this, things must change.  If we close, the senior project we have started which is going well will also wind down. So, is it worth closing and compromising the happiness of these people? Plus, there are many of you who look forward to the get-togethers at the Chalet”.  At this point, Norbert said that his visitor has come to a couple of Chalet events and had a good time.  His guest could not understand why we would want to close the association when all attending enjoys themselves.  Norbert and Alan felt that if it closes what then?  Maybe another one will start and maybe charge $50 for membership? this is something to think about and preserve the good thing we have going for us now.  Donny continued saying if he returns it would be to keep things going.  He said that Norma, Mary (on vacation), Blaise, Philomena, Julian and Heather would do the same and he asked them to return to the table. He said that Carl and Marian want to take a break after the many years of service for which he thanked them. All applauded.   Donny asked if there was anyone who would like to join the team.  At this point Donna came forward to join the committee to which all applauded

1. Appointment of the Auditor for 2019 -2020: Donny said that we only have two members audit and sign the books.  Norma said the correction will be made for next year and this point will be removed.

2. Relief Fund Elections:  Besides the executive, the following volunteered:  Linda-Mae, Austin, Jimmy, Alan Marolly, Alan D’Souza, and Norbert.  Funds are disbursed in October  

Meeting was adjourned at 5.30 P.M. 

Minutes taken by Norma Rego

Secretary