Dear Friends
Jai Shree Krishna,
I wish to sit down and have a heart-to-heart conversation with you regarding our Seniors’
Society. Sometimes a personal touch is needed.
First, I wish to say congratulations to you. Our Seniors’ Society is 30 years old, is in great
health and progressing well. We have over 600 members which is an amazing
achievement.
I remember the days when a few seniors met on one late afternoon at the Mandir over to to
form a society to cater for seniors in our community. Those pioneers laid the foundation,
and the Gujarati Hindu Seniors Society was registered. The first dinner was at the Mandir
and over one hundred people, seniors attended. A nominal charge of $5 was asked to
attend the Bhajans and Bhojan while membership was $15. The society was for members
only.
From these humble beginnings and with prudent care of donations, the society flourished
and now we are celebrating over 30 years. Over the years we jointlly shared, celebrated
and enjoyed bhojans, bhajans, picnics, cultural shows, Diwali, Navratri celebrations and
many other social functions. Thank you to those dedicated members of the society who
have wholehearted served year after year.
The current board is no exception. These find board members are guardians of our society
and have proven to effectively manage each function with integrity.
Like the previous boards, our board sat down this year summer to discuss the forthcoming
Navratri event. As every family faces the rising cost in today’s living expenses, our society
is no diVerent and face significant cost increases.
Up until last year, our Navratri function was free to the members of the Society and their
immediate families. We enjoyed seeing our members and their families gather, celebrate
together and share in our community.
Again, the board looks eagerly forward to sharing the community and family spirits as we
celebrate Navratri for another year.
This year, the Navratri function will cost more than $12,000. The board faces a diVicult
choice:
Should the society bear all the cost so its members and their families can attend for
free?
Or
Should our members and their families share some of the cost and have the society
to bear the balance of cost.
The board held very extensive discussions; we examined every aspect; explored the pros
and cons; how the society will feel and that most members expect all events to be free.
A free vote was taken within the board and the board decided that it was in the best in
interest for the longevity of the society that for the 2024 Navratri celebrations, members
and their families will share a nominal cost.
Seniors will pay $15 to attend while family members over the age of 10 will pay $25. This
represents more than a 50% absorption by the society for seniors and 20% absorption by
the society for family members.
We have heard from members that the society has an abundant of financial resources to
fund these events. Unfortunately, our donations over the past several years have declined
and there have been fewer large donors in recent years. As well, the society has no
sponsors to support this event as in other functions held.
Our society must continue for a long time and care must be taken to guard our funds for
future programs, sustainability and our future members.
This winter, the board is planning a free lunch event including a get together, games and
music.
I trust that our members will understand, appreciate and gladly join us with their families
on Navratri with joy and enthusiasm.
Dear friend, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the board’s decision, please
call me directly at 604-726-3378. I am ready to hear your views.
Thank you for your continued support of the Gujarati Hindu Seniors Society.
Jai Shree Krishna,
Chandra Ladva