AGM 2026
Annual
General
Meeting

— Record Participation and Looking Toward Tonari Gumi’s Future —

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On Saturday, May 23, Tonari Gumi held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year’s AGM was especially meaningful, with a record level of participation and interest from members, including 48 members attending in person and 84 proxy votes submitted.

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Many longtime senior members who have supported Tonari Gumi over the years attended the meeting, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was also a wonderful opportunity for members to reconnect with one another, reminding us once again that Tonari Gumi continues to serve as an important place of connection and belonging within our community.

 

During the AGM, members reviewed and approved the 2025 activity reports, financial statements and future organizational directions. In 2025, Tonari Gumi continued to provide a wide range of programs and services to support the community, including the following:

 

• Nutritional support and social connection opportunities for seniors through Meals on Wheels and Social Meals programs.
Through our collaboration with Robert Nimi Nikkei Home, operated by Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society, we successfully expanded the Japanese meal delivery service area significantly. This partnership has allowed us to provide affordable Japanese meals delivered directly to seniors’ homes for $7 per meal across a wider region. Currently, we deliver an average of approximately 120 meals per week.

 

• Health promotion, purpose-building, and isolation prevention through Therapeutic Activation Programs (TAPS).
Through partnerships with Satellite Genki Gumi groups and Genki Lounge programs, Tonari Gumi is now collaborating with five different communities and regions.

 

• Promotion of community participation and mutual support through volunteer development and peer support activities.

 

• Community navigation and caregiver support services that help seniors and families connect with the support they need.
When necessary, staff also provide home visits and light housekeeping support.

 

• Opportunities for friendship, cultural exchange, and community connection through Social Club activities.
Regular gatherings, outings, learning opportunities, and social activities continue to create an important sense of belonging for many participants.

 

• Heritage visits and cultural exchange trips that help preserve and pass on Japanese Canadian history, culture, and identity to future generations.

 

• Intergenerational and cultural programs that strengthen community connection, volunteerism, and cultural heritage preservation.

 

This past year was also an important period of preparation for Tonari Gumi’s future, including building renovations and the expansion of new programs and services. Moving forward, Tonari Gumi will continue working toward creating a welcoming space for multiple generations while strengthening efforts to preserve and pass on Japanese culture and community connections to future generations.

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This year marks Tonari Gumi’s 52nd anniversary. While communities continue to evolve over time, the values of mutual support, connection, and belonging remain at the heart of Tonari Gumi’s mission.

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Thank you sincerely to everyone for your continued support of Tonari Gumi.