Posted by LCFT Lohana Charitable Foundation of Toronto on Feb 09, 2020
JSK
Dear Community members, Family and Friends
 
It has been a great pleasure for me, to have been given this opportunity to serve our community, (Lohana Charitable Foundation of Toronto, ) for the year 2019. I would like to take this opportunity to  thank you all for your support and faith in us.
 
JSK
Dear Community members, Family and Friends
 
It has been a great pleasure for me, to have been given this opportunity to serve our community, (Lohana Charitable Foundation of Toronto, ) for the year 2019. I would like to take this opportunity to  thank you all for your support and faith in us.
 
 
Our Achievements
When I look at our achievements over the last 12 months, I feel proud to be a part of this community. 
 
This year we have done something that we have never done before- we were able to feed thousands of families in the GTA by donation of non-perishable foods and funds to the DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK. In total we donated 14 full boxes, and 2 full bags of non-perishable food, and a monetary donation of $1148.50, surpassing our goal for this initiative.
 
This initiative helped those families and our neighbours that are quietly struggling to put food on the table. We would like to thank the entire community for coming together and supporting this cause. I hope we as a community can carry on with the food drive and make it part of our annual picnic event.
 
We also introduced our first ever ladies’ event, which was informative and brought ladies of all age groups together.
 
This was a pilot project to see what the community would like. The feedback we got was positive. We are hoping to carry on with the ladies event this year too.
 
2019 was a year where the committee tried to introduce new ideas and concepts at our events, the idea was to give better event experiences and try to get everyone engaged.
 
As a team we have started the Grant process and are hoping to have some offers in the coming years, saying that we still need your support.
 
Thank you Rakesh for Auditing our books, we are very grateful for your services towards the community.
 
 
 
The Executive Board
I am especially grateful for the dedicated support of my committee. They worked endlessly burning the midnight oil. I owe a debt of gratitude to the entire committee and team of volunteers who made 2019 such a successful year.
 
Let us once again recognise the 2019 committee who put Seva above self.
 
Alka Panchmatia for her guidance and hands-on involvement as an advisor; 
Anuj Dhrona in his supportive role as Vice President, 
Sahil Radia as our Treasurer, (he made sure that all our events ran within allocated budget… )
 
I know that Ash wishes I would do the same in my home life… But Hey Ash that is wishful thinking!!
 
Kajal Gadhia for her notes and covering the role as Secretary; 
Sejal Thakrar for timely auto-dial communications and keeping us all connected,
Amar Gadhia for the bulletins and newsletters,
Mitesh Kantaria for IT support. 
Sharmil Mithia and Hetal Kara for their valuable inputs as event leads and direction, 
Sanjay Dave our event photographer,
 
I would like to say a BIG thank you to my family Dilipbhai Nisha Ashit Tanvi and Rajvi. They supported me through t the year and always encouraged me.
 
A very special thank you to my parents and sister, who were my greatest moral support throu this amazing journey.

Thank you to our Bereavement Committee
Our Bereavement Committee has been supportive as ever in helping out when and where needed.  Our heartfelt gratitude to these individuals who support our community at the toughest of times.
 
Thank you to Sureshbhai Thakrar, Vipinbhai Mithia, Kantibhai Raja, Ashokbhai Thakrar, Sejal Thakrar, Kamleshbhai Thakrar, Indiraben Somaia, and Sarojben Rach,
 
Our Events
The year’s events were attended by many and enjoyed by all.  Our 2019 events included the AGM,
 
Bhajans lead by Alka and Mehul
Bollywood bowling lead by Hetal and Kavita
Hawaiian Picnic lead by Amar Kajal
Food Drive lead by Neena and Nikkin
Ladies Event lead by Alka and Kavita
Navratri, lead by Kajal and Amar
Chopda Poojan Sharmil and Nisha
Diwali Gala Dinner Entire team effort!!
 
The success of these events is credited to our Executive Board, event leads, sub-committees and volunteers, who all worked incredibly hard as a team.
 
We were also supported and guided by our religious leaders, namely Panditji Kishorbhai Jani, Pandit Roopnauth Sharma, and Panditji Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay who as always are there for the Lohana community when we need them. 

My sincere gratitude goes to each of you for your dedication, hard work, time, energy and commitment to the community.
 
The Incoming Executive Board
I would like to welcome our new President and wish him and his team all the best.
 
I know each one of you will encourage them positively and support them in every way possible

 
 
As always, we are looking to individuals to join the committee, manage new events and programs, and be more involved, with guidance and training where needed. 
 
We welcome new ideas and new energy to continue our development, so please participate at any level you can.
 
 
In closing, I encourage all to remain engaged with our community. Let us stand true our moto of "Unity is Strength!"
 
Once again Thank you for the love and support.
 
JSK