Tara Abraham

My name is Tara Abraham and I have served on the Board as Secretary for the past year. As a Board we have begun important work establishing policies and procedures and supporting the executive director as she works toward building a smooth running organization and a healthy workplace. I enjoy working with the rest of the Board. I look forward to utilize my training in management as well my professional experience in Public Health for the furthering of the Society's mission.

Marilyn Jennings

I am a second generation member and have been involved with the centre for about 12 years. I find the centre very welcoming and I enjoy meeting with all of you. I previously served on the Board of Directors; this past year has been the most rewarding. As Chairperson for the Fundraising Committee, I organized successful raffles to fund for programs and outings.

Matthew Brikis

Treasurer

Matthew is a newly qualified Chartered Accountant. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University where he majored in accounting. Matthew has four years of healthcare audit experience while he was working with the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario. Matthew believes strongly in giving back to the community and creating effective infrastructure to enhance seniors quality of life. He is very excited about contributing to the board of Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society.

Poonam Kaila

I started volunteering at the Renfrew Collingwood Seniors' Society in 2008-09. I have always enjoyed volunteering and wanted to continue to be in the community while pursuing my university education. I found the centre via an internet posting for volunteers. After my first visit and talk with Donna I left very happy with the decision. I have been helping with the newsletter and other activities ever since. This past summer I was able to work at the Renfrew Collingwood as the summer student; I enjoyed my time very much. I heard that the board had openings and with my school schedule changed I would be able to join. So, now I am a member of the board; I look forward to helping move the centre forward to the betterment of the seniors. I have learned so much from my time here; especially talking with you wonderful seniors. I truly have a greater respect and admiration for seniors and the running of the society. Currently, I am in the process of enrolling in graduate studies in law. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. I hope to be a useful asset to the board and you all. I will continue as long as I can to be a part to the centre. I am very much blessed and thankful for the Renfrew Collingwood Seniors' Society, for what it is doing in the community and beyond.

Alice Frith

Happy greetings to everyone from Alice Firth. My work experience over the years has been long term employment as secretary, bookkeeper, and administration. I was also kept busy as a volunteer treasurer in a Child Care Centre and also as registrar for United Church conferences. I enjoyed working with the other Boards members here this past year. The Board's aim is to make the time spent here for everyone as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. As a Board Member, I was active on the Personnel and Senior's Committees and phone convener.

Kamaljeet Kler

Arriving in 1904, my family was Vancouver pioneers and my grandchildren are fourth generation. I have a Masters Degree in Literature and Bachelors in Teaching. I was the Principal of a high school in India and then worked in rest homes with seniors. I have a special passion for working with seniors. I love coming to the Centre and seeing each of you – it makes me happy! As a Board member last year I was on three committees: Fundraising, Nominating and Liaison. We also helped raise money. God bless you and have a happy healthy and wonderful year to come. Lots of hugs, good luck and best wishes.

Charlotte Tsang

Charlotte Tsang is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of accounting and tax experience in small, medium and large corporations. Charlotte is known for her strong business and tax strategies planning skills. Charlotte has solid experience in a variety of industries, including retail, wealth management, high technology, and private client services. Charlotte was Manager, Tax and Business Advisory Services of TD Waterhouse Ltd. and specialized in estate and business succession planning for small to medium size owner manager businesses. Prior to that, Charlotte was Senior Taxation Manager of Best Buy Canada Ltd. Charlotte also had experience in a well known accounting firm mainly handling financial accounting and reporting, corporate tax reorganization, estate planning, tax compliance and coordination of tax issues with Canada Revenue Agency. Charlotte has two sons. She is involved in the supervision activities of her younger son's school. In her spare time, Charlotte enjoys skiing, swimming and travelling with her friends and family. Charlotte is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Ellison Fernandez

Ellison Fernandez is one of the youngest members to ever serve on our Board of Directors. Ellison volunteered at the Renfrew Seniors Society for approximately one year, a couple of times a week and that experience had a significant impact on his life experience. Currently, outside Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society, Ellison is a freshman at Douglas College working on Associate’s Degree in Science; his hope is to get into Nursing and then to Medical School. Ellison promises that when he becomes a doctor he’ll come back to the Centre and care for all of us. As a young person he hopes to achieve his goals, learn variety of things, and utilize them as he grows older. He hopes he can contribute to the Society by bringing diligence, composure, and a sense of humour to our organization.

Francis Tierney

Francis Tierney became a member of RCSS in April 2013 and was elected to represent the seniors as a member of our Board of Directors in October 2013. Francis was born in Edmonton, AB and grew up on the prairies. In 1944 his family moved to Vancouver and Francis has called it home ever since. Francis drove trucks for a living, servicing the entire Lower Mainland. He did this for Vancouver Supply for 22 years before moving on to a company called Fleck Brothers where, a short time after starting, he became a manager. One of Francis' passions is rocks and crystals. He now has one of the biggest collections in all of BC with around 70,000 specimens!