Incorporated in 2014 under the laws of Quebec, the Indo-Canadian Seniors Foundation of Quebec (ICSFQ) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of Montreal’s senior population with roots in India. Headquartered in Pointe-Claire, ICSFQ proudly serves members throughout the Greater Montreal region. Recently granted charitable status, the organization continues to expand in both mission and impact.

ICSFQ was established to address the challenges commonly faced by seniors—particularly loneliness and isolation—by offering culturally meaningful support tailored to their unique linguistic, social, and emotional needs, often beyond the scope of existing local services.

Over the years, ICSFQ has actively engaged in a wide range of initiatives that directly benefit the senior community. These diverse activities have created meaningful opportunities for social connection and community engagement. The key areas of focus include:

• Combating isolation and loneliness

• Empowering seniors within a supportive and vibrant community

• Promoting mental and physical well-being for a healthy, active lifestyle

• Encouraging social interaction and a sense of connectedness

• Fostering intergenerational connections through youth engagement programs

• Enhancing overall quality of life.

ICSFQ also promotes volunteerism as a powerful way to build lasting relationships and strengthen the community support network. In 2024, we successfully completed two important projects titled: “Active Engagement to Support Healthy Aging, Address Social Isolation, and Promote Wellness”, supported by the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) and “Strengthening Community Capacity to Support Mental Health and Wellbeing”, supported by the Canadian Red Cross (CRC).

We are deeply grateful to both funding agencies for their generous support, without which this vital work would not have been possible. Since the pandemic, we have placed particular emphasis on supporting the wellbeing of our seniors and encouraging their active participation in community life. In 2024, our primary mission was to alleviate loneliness and isolation by offering a range of culturally appropriate activities. These included social gatherings to interact, nature outings to promote physical health, virtual weekly yoga classes for fitness, cultural music and singing sessions for mental wellness, educational seminars and webinars on relevant topics, and various recreational activities. One of the year’s highlights was the provision of healthy Indian vegetarian meals to seniors in need, supporting their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In addition, ICSFQ has been working to strengthen intergenerational connections, recognizing the mutual benefits of this support system. To foster interaction, young adults interviewed seniors on video to learn about their life experiences and journeys in Canada, and participated alongside them in talent shows. One of our immediate goals is to establish a Daytime Drop-in Centre, providing seniors with a welcoming space for activities, socialization, and wellness programs—helping to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life. At the same time, we are laying the groundwork for an Indo-Canadian Retirement Home that will offer culturally-relevant care, food, activities, and a deep sense of belonging within a supportive residential setting. You’ll find more details about these initiatives and the activities in the following pages.

Thank you all for your continued and invaluable support.

Dr. Shanta Srivastava,

President, ICSFQ

About Indo-Canadian Seniors

Volunteer Board members, who will serve the various roles, are:

President: Dr. Shanta Srivastava

Vice President : Mohinder Gulati

Secretary: Mr. Suresh Chawla

Treasurer: Mr. Brij Sehgal

Assist. Treasurer: Mr. Ishwar Lal

Directors: Mrs. Kamlesh jain, Mr. Alan Marolly, Mrs. Veena Kashyap