What makes Association of Past Railway Staff Ceylon, Canada Special?
Our welcome atmosphere to the members from all other ethnic groups, find like minded friends from the other community organizations. Organize and celebrate events like Canada Day, multicultural, Intergenerational, social, cultural, health and safety programs. Provide a safe place to learn, socialize and promote volunteer services.
Message received from The Prime Minister of Canada for the 30th. Anniversary of Past Railway Society of Ceylon-Canada Chapter.
Message received from The Premier of Ontario for the 30th. Anniversary of Past Railway Society of Ceylon-Canada Chapter.
ABOUT US
Founded in 1991 by about twenty five Canadian senior citizens of retired railway staff, from Ceylon Government Railway and serving this community since then. It is a non-profit organization; it was born from the vision and hard work of our elders, who canvassed membership identifying retired railway employees and their families from (Sri Lanka) Ceylon Government and Canadian railways in Toronto and the suburbs. The membership has grown steadily from a humble 25 to over 150. Initially it served as a place for the members and their families to meet greet and share their views and experiences, living in a foreign land forced by circumstances.
APRCC is governed by its own constitution and the board of directors are elected annually by the general membership. Its services include the daily needs of home bound seniors, seniors at risk of emotional/social isolation, volunteer service etc. We help the newcomers to Canada in many ways to integrate into Canadian society and its way of living. We are a provider of community social services with a holistic approach to community development. It has been our privilege to work with so many individuals, service providers and many other cultural groups, for more than 30 years.
Mission
We are committed to provide, interactive and accessible programs that make a difference in the lives of seniors, and adults promoting independence, volunteerism, a sense of belongings to a supportive community and fostering a sense of purpose of life.
Our vision
Our team of committed volunteers, and the committee of management, work together to ensure that every person who participates in the programs and workshops is treated with dignity and respect. The lives of our participants, and the volunteers are enriched through the fellowship, joy and fun experienced at the meetings and other events.
Mandate
To inspire long term learning, advance knowledge and enhance quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to our members and their families through information, advocacy and the provision of programs and services within and anti-racism framework that is racially sensitive, culturally appropriate, and linguistically accessible. We put love into action, brings people together to build and strengthen our community and hope.
To prepare young people in the community to make ethical and moral choices over the lifetime by instilling values of our Canadian diversity.
Respect
Diversity, cultural values and benefits, inclusiveness, and fairness, promoting equality and upholding dignity.
Accountability
Responsibility, transparency, honesty, confidentiality, integrity, and safety.
Aims and objectives
To provide wellness or the members and their families specially seniors, on health promotion and prevention of ill health.
*To provide the maintenance of safety and friendly community environment.
* Being a grass root organization, APRSCC, is aware of local concerns and needs within the wider community. It continues to provide an essential service to vulnerable elderly women and men, which remains the key objective.
* Promotion of racial and social harmony, through working in a multi-cultural and social setting to increase the understanding among people from different social and cultural background.
The Platinum Jubilee celebration of Queen Elizabeth II 2022
Achievements
The association took up certain common issues and concerns in the community such as neighborhood environmental development and safety, Tree planting campaign with the local authority and fund raising for charity.
Activities and events
Our area of activities and interests have widened over the years to cater to not only the seniors and adults of the community but also the families’ members of all ages. Meetings and workshops focus on educating the members on issues faced by the elderly with a view of creating awareness and educating
them on issues related to senior citizens. We invite experts and government officials, Hospital staff to make presentation on specific issues for the benefit of members. Thus, it is not only an association to organize fun-filled activities but enriching discussions and presentations. Monthly meeting of board members is held on every 2nd Saturdays of the month where financial statements are submitted, discussed, and adopted by the board of directors.
Providing Members & Families
Educational Programs
Health & Safety Programs
Cultural and Multi-Cultural Programs
Celebrations of Each Year
Canada Day Celebration
Christmas Celebration
Video
Committee Meeting - 2022/08/02
Canadian Aid Locomotive under Colombo Plan
