BY VISHNU BISRAM
Guyanese senior citizens were treated to a special luncheon fete in Richmond Hill on Sunday for the holiday season. The banquet was organised by community leaders and sponsored by several local businesses, Indo-Caribbean Federation District Leader, Dr Taj Rajkumar, RHDC, Pan American Travel, and others.
It was a wonderful, entertainment-packed holiday luncheon held at Villa Russo in the heart of the Indo/ Guyanese community at the Villa Russo Italian restaurant that made available its catering hall and staff free of charge.
George Russo gave a short talk wishing all happy holidays.
The community organisers and sponsors provided the food and drinks.
It was done to show appreciation for the seniors who have had a very lonely life in America. As the organisers noted, in today’s society, senior citizens are often not treated with the respect they deserve and it was great to bring them together for special honours and gifts for the holidays.
One of the scourges of old age is loneliness especially during the winter.
The holiday luncheon allows seniors to be out of their homes and to socialise with others they had not seen for some time.
The elderly had a most joyous time celebrating the yuletide season and the end of the year.
The elderly did a lot for us as children growing up and it was a terrific gesture honouring and treating them well.
The event included a traditional Guyanese luncheon, with seasonal music and dancing interspersed with speeches.
Big party
This is the eight consecutive year of the luncheon that was initiated by Frank Singh, the Indo-Caribbean Fed and others. It started very small with just a few dozen seniors. But this year saw some 500 persons being feted in Richmond Hill and the guests included several non-Indians and non-Guyanese from the greater Richmond Hill area as well as from Brooklyn.
The event helps to promote partnerships between businesses and the local communities as a gesture of goodwill to the elderly and their families. It was funded by donations from several businesses and a host of volunteers who worked very hard to put together the programme and organise gifts for everyone.
The hall was transformed into a festively decorated atmosphere with balloons, trimmings and buntings and other party favours and Christmas paraphernalia.
Villa Russo had a Christmas tree and other decorative items, providing an atmosphere of festive fervour and celebration for the elderly citizens.
Fried rice, chowmein, dhal puri, curried meats, jerk chicken an assortment of vegetarian dishes, cakes, kheer, salad, fruits and drinks were served.
The senior citizens enthusiastically cheered the singers and dancers who performed at the luncheon.
