Our Mission

NALMA's primary objective is to provide opportunities for our members to participate in the cultural traditions of Kerala while embracing the Canadian way of life. We strive to:

• Preserve and promote Kerala's culture, language, and traditions: We organize cultural events and educational programs to keep our heritage alive.
• Provide opportunities for socialization, education, and recreation: We host various events and activities that bring our community together.
• Support newcomers and seniors: We offer programs to help new immigrants settle in and provide social and recreational opportunities for seniors.
• Foster community engagement and cultural exchange: We encourage interaction and cooperation with other organizations and the broader community.

Governance and Leadership

NALMA is led by a dedicated board of 12 directors, appointed annually to coordinate the Association's activities. These voluntary positions encompass various responsibilities, including:

• Communication: Ensuring effective communication within the community and with external partners.
• Education: Organizing educational programs and initiatives.
• Event coordination: Planning and executing cultural and social events.
• Financial management: Maintaining the Association's finances and accounts.

For larger events, we form sub-committees of community volunteers to manage specific aspects such as decorations, cultural programs, and entertainment.

Programs and Services

Newcomer Welcome Program (NWP)

Our NWP assists new immigrants with their initial settlement, offering support in areas such as:

• Grocery shopping: Helping newcomers navigate local stores and purchase essentials.
• Obtaining essential documents: Assisting with obtaining Social Insurance Numbers (SIN), bank accounts, and mobile numbers.
• Providing guidance and resources: Offering information and support to ensure a smooth transition.

Cultural Events

We organize various cultural celebrations throughout the year, including:

• Onam Festival: A major harvest festival celebrated with traditional games, music, and dance.
• Religious celebrations: The association embraces a vibrant tapestry of religious celebrations, highlighting the diversity of traditions throughout the year. These include Easter, a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ's resurrection; Ramadan and Eid, significant Islamic observances of spiritual reflection and community; and Vishu, the Malayalam New Year festival.
• Christmas and New Year events: Festive gatherings to celebrate the holiday season.
• Youth Festival: The upcoming Youth Festival, set to launch in 2025, aims to create an inclusive platform for young people to explore their creativity and engage with diverse cultural expressions. This initiative will feature a variety of programs in performing arts, creative writing, and other artistic disciplines. Participants will benefit from mentorship opportunities, workshops, and curated performances that foster skill development and industry exposure. By providing a supportive environment for emerging artists, the Youth Festival aspires to inspire a new generation of creatives and promote inclusivity within the arts community.

Sports and Recreation

NALMA promotes physical and mental well-being by:

• Renting school and community center gyms: Providing spaces for sports and recreational activities.
• Organizing sports teams: Forming teams for Volleyball, Badminton, Cricket, and Soccer.
• Providing professional coaching: Engaging volunteer coaches from within the community to train and mentor participants.

Educational Initiatives

We offer a range of educational programs, including:

• Dance: Providing space for practice in School Gym.
• Informative sessions: Providing valuable information on topics such as taxes, mortgages, and insurance.

Vision 2025 Sports

As part of the Vision 2025 initiative, the association is excited to announce the introduction of a comprehensive Sports Day, featuring a series of competitive tournaments aimed at promoting physical activity and community engagement. The event will include:

• NALMA Summar Cricket Tournament: Showcasing local talent in this beloved sport.
• NALMA Summar Football Tournament: Teams competing for glory on the field.
• NALMA Winter Badminton Tournament: Highlighting skills in this fast-paced game.
• NALMA Spring Chess Tournament: Fostering strategic thinking and mental agility among competitors.
• NALMA Spring Volleyball Tournament: An opportunity for teams to demonstrate teamwork and athleticism.

This multifaceted Sports Day aims to encourage participation from all ages, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community bonds through friendly competition and sportsmanship.

Community Impact

In the past year, NALMA has:

• Renewed existing memberships and welcomed new members: Expanding our community and strengthening our network.
• Supported numerous newcomers through our NWP: Helping new immigrants settle in and feel at home.
• Provided mental health support for newly arrived immigrants: Offering resources and assistance to ensure their well-being.
• Hosted successful cultural events: Celebrating our heritage with events attended by hundreds of participants.

Join Us

Whether you're a Malayalee looking to connect with your roots or a curious neighbor interested in learning about Kerala's rich culture, NALMA welcomes you. Together, we're building a diverse and inclusive community that celebrates our heritage while embracing our Canadian identity.