OSTBA – A UNIQUE ORGANIZTION IN ONTARIO:

As many of our Seniors reach old age, it is natural that we tend to feel unhappy and demoralized, health-wise and security-wise, owing to the diminishing importance given to them. In this context, any effort we take collectively and in a cooperative manner to improve our individual financial position will undoubtedly alleviate our anxiety and instill peace of mind. Many of us suffer from loneliness, senior abuse, and up in n home care.

The objective of the association is well presented in our constitution; as a result of our interaction with the officials of the Ontario Minister of Government services as two components- One is to establish a fund exclusive by our own members, which can yield a substantial amount of money at the time of our demise and-second to render humanitarian assistance, inclusive of monetary awards to those of us who are unfortunate to suffer from critical illness and those who have to reside in long term care homes with severe disabilities. This organization was first registered as an NPO in the year 2012 based on a Tamil benevolent organization in Sydney, Australia.

Admission to the association is limited to paid members of the Senior Tamil Society of Peel, who are between fifty (60) to eighty-five (85) years of age and are free of any terminal illness at the time of admission. Initially, at the time of the establishment of OSTBA, they should continue to be members of the Senior Tamils Society of Peel to benefit from the death donation scheme and be eligible for

distress reliefs. The admission fee is $20, and to be eligible for death donation, a monthly contribution of $20 per month for one year or full payment of 240 dollars beginning from the month of joining the benevolent association will apply. Persons admitted into the scheme will be considered provisional members during this one year. The total of $240 could be paid as a lump sum, but the person will have to wait the one year period to become an accredited member and be eligible for the death donation.

On the demise of a member, every other member in the scheme should pay into the fund $20 on request to replenish the fund. Failure to complete the twelve-month contribution during the stipulated period or those who fail to respond to death call or those persons discontinuing membership in the STSP or OSTBA will lose whatever contribution they have made to OSTBA. Persons in the death donation scheme will appoint two nominees when joining who will receive the donation on a matter of priority.

The quantum of Death Donation payable. The nominee gets 85% of the amount calculated by multiplying the number of members by $20. The balance of 15% is retained by the association for administrative expenses. For example - if there are 100 members, at the rate of $20 for a year period, the nominee will receive $1500. If there are 200 members, the nominee can receive up to $3000. If members in the scheme are more, the amount of donation the nominee will receive will proportionally be more.

OSTBA has digitalized the member's database and has Facebook nad Website Ostba.ca  Iy also obtained two grants: the summer students grant and Redcross Cofid 19 Grant. After 8 years, it is publishing a magazine covering topics about COVID10 and Ostba.