The PSB Seniors Club Association held a vibrant and impactful Canada Day celebration on July 1, 2024, attended by over 120 senior members. The event was a beautiful blend of festive joy and educational enlightenment, featuring celebrations, a seminar on seniors abuse, and a rich array of cultural performances.
The event commenced with an opening address by Mr. GS Khakh, President of the club, who expressed gratitude for the privilege of living in Canada. “We are truly blessed to be living in the best country in the world,” he remarked, setting a patriotic tone for the day.
A significant highlight of the event was the seminar titled “Aging with Dignity – Stop Senior’s Abuse,” led by Mr. Amarjit Kahlon, Sergeant with the Toronto Police. The seminar addressed critical issues such as seniors abuse within and outside the family, online frauds, telephone scams, and social media threats. Mr. Kahlon provided detailed inputs, guidelines, and preventive measures to combat these issues, followed by a productive question-and-answer session.
The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Shafqat Ali, MP for Brampton Centre, who served as the chief guest. He was joined by Mr. Maninder Sidhu, MP for Brampton East, and Mr. Amarjot Sandhu, MPP, who also honored the occasion with their presence.
Mr. Shafqat Ali, in his address, emphasized the importance of community support and vigilance in protecting seniors from abuse. “Our seniors have contributed immensely to our society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live with dignity and respect. Events like these are crucial in raising awareness and providing the necessary tools to safeguard our senior community.” He further highlighted the significance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in everyday life: “The Canadian Charter is a cornerstone of our democracy, ensuring that every individual is treated with fairness and respect. It empowers us to protect the rights of our seniors and uphold the values of justice and equality.”
Mr. Maninder Sidhu echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Senior abuse, whether physical, emotional, or financial, is unacceptable. We must stand united in our efforts to protect our elders. I commend the PSB Seniors Club Association for organizing this seminar and bringing these issues to the forefront.”
Mr. Amarjot Sandhu added, “The safety and well-being of our seniors is a priority. By educating our community and providing resources, we can create a safer environment for our elderly population. I am honored to be part of this significant initiative.”
The celebration also included heartwarming success stories shared by members, along with lively cultural performances of songs, dances, Gidha, and Bhangra. Mr. SS Bedi, Vice President, shared his views through a melodious song, adding a touch of musical charm to the event.
Mr. Gian Paul, Director of the club and recent recipient of the Citizenship Award from the City of Brampton, emphasized the dual roles of enjoying rights and fulfilling duties as loyal, caring, and sharing citizens to keep Canada crime-free. He also highlighted the significance of Canada Day celebrations by seniors and their focus on health matters: “Celebrating Canada Day together strengthens our community bonds and reminds us of our shared heritage and values. Focusing on health matters ensures that our senior members can continue to enjoy these celebrations for years to come.”
Special thanks were extended to Mr. Ram Singh Daind and Mrs. Joginder Marwaha for their excellent food and entertainment arrangements, respectively. The tireless support of Mr. Harcharan Singh, Secretary, and Mr. Manjit Singh Gill, Accountant, was highly appreciated by all.
In closing, Mr. Gian Paul expressed heartfelt gratitude to all members and VIP guests for their presence, making the Canada Day celebrations and seminar on seniors’ abuse a memorable and impactful event. “Your participation and enthusiasm have made today truly special. It is heartwarming to see our community come together to celebrate and learn. Together, we can continue to build a supportive and caring environment for all.”
About PSB Seniors Club Association:
The PSB Seniors Club Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors through various programs, events, and educational initiatives. The association aims to foster a supportive community where seniors can thrive and age with dignity.
