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Toronto:
The Goan Overseas Association (GOA) raised at least $12,000 Ann D’Souza and Ezekiel Rego, both kids in, need of medical care. at a well attended Viva Carnival charity dance, held at the Capitol Banquet Hall, Mississauga, on Feb. 6.
A live band, Sound Advice, DJ Kaya, singer Rachael Castelino, salsa dancers Ronson Fernandes and Kayann D’Souza entertained the guests. The highlight of the evening was the arrival of the traditional King Momo in all his finery with a band of young men and women who trailed him.
GOA President Oscar Furtado thanked the guests for supporting the cause. He said the GOA would embark on a strategy to help seniors.
The 55Plus Goan Association of Mississauga handed over a cheque for $2,500 to the charity fund.
The event was coordinated by a committee of Seira Furtado (chairperson) and Audrey Almeida, Abel Nunes, Yvonne Rodrigues, June D’Souza, Lorraine Lawrence and Akhtar Akram.
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Ezekiel Rego (known as Ezek) is seven-years-old and has a mild case of autism. He has behavioural and social issues. His parents Maria and Elvis see the difficulty their son experiences in fitting in with society as he has the challenge of learning how to act and carry himself with others. Ezekiel attends a school that has a split class (grade 1 and 2) and has a special needs teacher forn half-a-day. Because Ezekiel’s autism is mild, the government does not cover the cost of any therapy. This is not something that is an affordable option for the family as Maria works and cares for Ezekiel, an older son, husband andM mother in law. Swimming is another activity this little boy wants to be a part of, however he is not able to manage with the children in his class and as a result, the instructor has advised one on one classes for him. Sadly, the family is not able to afford this as Elvis is not able to work and Maria is the only breadwinner in the family.
Ezek is full of life and a very active little boy who will win your heart over instantly. He does require assistance with his speech and social skills. He needs therapy. He needs to go to summer camp where he can learn social skills and fit in with his friends and society
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Ann D’Souza is five-years-old who was born premature at seven months and underweight. Sadly, she has a condition referred to as Microcephlia. What this means is that she has an underdeveloped brain. Jessie D’Souza, Anne’s mother is a special needs mother, as she is required to provide constant care for Ann. Ann’s food consists of formula, administered via a feeding tube, which is in use for 9 hours per day. The port site for this tube is located in the abdomen causing pain and discomfort depending on the clothing worn.
Currently, Jessie’s sister looks after Ann while Jessie goes to work, this however is a short term arrangement as the sister will be going back to school shortly. Ann attends a local school and has a special education teacher for ½ the day. The family will be in need of a caretaker for Ann. While there is government funding for this, it is specific to 8 hours per week and Anne requires 24-hour assistance. A caretaker cost approximately $15 per hour and Jessie’s income supports her family (Ann, three-year-old brother and Jessie).
Ann is a beautiful child with a crowd-stopping smile. She is very alert and hyperactive, hence requiring constant care. She weighs only 20 pounds and is approximately 85 cm tall. She enjoys music, dancing and loves shoes.
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