By Adit Kumar

PDM Entertainment hosted its second Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Cherry Downs Golf and Country Club, Pickering on June 25, 2011. As in the previous year the proceeds from the tournament were donated to the Devi Mandir. The event which included a raffle and auction realized over $14,000.
The tournament brought out thirty foursomes who enjoyed a good day. The conditions were cloudy and some early light rains threatened but the green was real quick and this made it a challenging day for most of the golfers. Prior to heading off to the greens the golfers had lunch at the club house where Devi Mandir CEO Vishnu Sookar thanked them for their support and the event coordinator Brian from Cherry Downs Golf and Country club explained the house rules.
At the end of the day the players returned to the club house for dinner and presentation of awards. Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan emceed the dinner presentation. Also in attendance were Provincial MPP Joe Dixon; Pickering/Ajax Councillor Renwick Ashby; and Police Inspector Jamie Grant.
An auction followed, conducted by Rick Johnson, that raised $4,000. A raffle also took place, first prize, a 55' Flat Screen TV donated by Jodee trucking, Markham; second prize, a 32" Flat screen TV donated by The Printing Press, Scarborough and third prize, a high performance bicycle, donated by Automotive Sunroof Custom Craft, Mississauga.

For more information visit website: http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/NewsCentre/IIFA_Markham.htm

By Manshad Mohamed

Twelve years and getting stronger. That's the Kissoon Annual Charity Golf Tournament spearheaded by its Patron - lawyer, philanthropist and community activist - Mr Dhaman Kissoon.
The heavily supported event which has been growing over the years will see this year's proceeds go in the direction of helping to rehabilitate the health of those most in need. Beneficiaries include Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital, the Three Rivers Kids Foundation and the Guyana health care system.
One hundred and forty eight players got off to a shotgun start on a warm and sunny day at the beautiful Royal Woodbine Golf Course in Oakville. Just 10 miles east there were dark threatening clouds with intermittent rain but nothing enough to dampen the spirit of these highly motivated enthusiasts. It was a day full of fun and entertaining golfing.
Then there was a sumptuous dinner that followed to the accompaniment of music by tenor steelpan player Hurban Johnson and trumpet player Francis Glasgow. MC for the clubhouse programme was young Navin Kissoon who is following in the footsteps of his illustrious father Dhaman.
Representing Sick Kids was Jessica Dorsage. Jessica is the recipient of a heart transplant as a child and grew up to become a Nurse in the same hospital.
David Boothby, retired Chief of the Toronto Police Force said that he was amazed by the large attendance which led him to jokingly refer to Mr Kissoon as belonging to Bollywood. In a more serious vein, the ex-Police Chief blurted out, "I would like to see Dhaman being made a Judge in my lifetime."
M.P.P. Bas Balkissoon was also in praise of Mr. Kissoon, calling the contributions going to Sick Kids a "worthy cause" as that institution provides a worldwide service.
Mr. Dwarka Persaud spoke on behalf of Three Rivers Kids Foundation. "Since 2005 we have saved the lives of 85 children. This year 25 children are being escorted to India for surgeries that would cost $175,000," Mr Persaud informed. Last year the Kissoon Golf Tournament donated $10,000 to this cause.
Mahendra Singh spoke on behalf of a group of Guyanese concerned for their country that has an extremely high mortality rate. He stated that his Associates are sending medical equipment and trained personnel to instruct local health care workers there. Some of the proceeds of the Golf tournament are being donated to that cause.
Among celebrities in attendance was the legendary Wendel Clark, former Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs who donated autographed hockey sticks that fetched $5,000 in open auction.And Orlando Bowen, former linebacker with the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger Cats had the crowd cheering wildly in response to his hilarious presentation.

By Adit Kumar

The Devi Mandir has confirmed receipt of a grant for $422,230 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which represents 50% of the cost of a number of capital enhancement projects to be carried out on the building. The Mandir will be responsible for financing the other 50% of the project costs, in accordance with the agreement with Ontario Trillium Foundation.
CEO of the Devi Mandir, Vishnu Sookar told Indo Caribbean World that the application for funding was submitted in April this year and they received their cheque on June 21. He said Devi Mandir has secured a loan from the bank for their commitment and would repay the bank. through fundraising.
Sookar said the funding has been approved for the following projects: roof repairs to correct significant leaks in the roof structure; installation of a Solar Panel as part of the greening initiatives reducing the carbon footprint and investing in a readily renewable source of energy; kitchen expansion and enhancement of its facilities; car park expansion to boost capacity from 107 spots to 160; and acquisition of a vehicle to transport groups to various outreach events such as seminars, cultural, sports, health and wellness events throughout the region.
For further information with respect to the grant, please contact Vishnu Sookar at 416-897-8005, or Cecil Ramnauth at 905-686-4960.