The first chapter of Adelphotis Arahoviton "Karyae" was established in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on February 4, 1924, only six months after the founding of Adelphotis in Gastonia.

The first Board of Directors consisted of Const. G. Boukides, President; Paras. P. Mentavlos, Vice-President; Nicholas G. Matalas, Secretary; and Anastasios P. Kopsiaftis, Treasurer. The Chapter of Toronto was very active for a number of years and co-operated closely with the headquarters in Gastonia. We regret that we do not have a complete account of the activities of the Chapter of Toronto. In the Convention Program Book of 1937, we find that the Board of Directors for that year consisted of the following: Anast. G. Kopsiaftis, President; Panag. P. Kopsiaftis, Secretary; James Th. Karavos, Treasurer; and trustees, Par. Th. Kyriazis, Paras. P. Mentavlos, Const. G. Boukides and Const. Io. Karavos. The Chapter at that time had 26 paid members.

At the drive conducted after the War for contributions for the rehabilitation of our hometown, the Arahovitans of Canada collected the amount of $9,055. This amount was deposited in the treasury of the Chapter and with interest it was increased to $12,500. At one time it was voted to send it to Karyae for the construction of an irrigation reservoir, which was planned to be constructed there, but since the project never materialized, part of the amount collected was returned to the donors and the balance, in the amount of $8,500, was sent for the construction of the Church of St. Andrew, in Karyae.

After 1947, the society of Toronto ceased to exist as a Chapter of the Adelphotis and a separate and independent society was founded in its place, under the name of Adelphotis Arahoviton "AI KARYAI" TORONTO, after a meeting held in the Diana Sweets on Bloor Street of the late Const. G. Boukydis. Its main objectives were the rehabilitation of our beloved Arahova after its destruction by the German invaders. As narrated to us by Mr. Nicholas K. Kerhoulas, we noted herewith the principal details of the activities of the Toronto Society somewhat restricted due to insufficient space.

The first Board of Directors were the following: Gus G. Boukydis, President; Peter P. Copses, Vice-President; Nicholas Kir. Kerhoulas, Secretary; Const. J. Karavos, Treasurer; and Board members Anton G. Karigiannis and George Kir. Kerhoulas as the out of Toronto Representative at large.

Since the first Board the following have served as Presidents: Peter E. Diamandouros, John A. Karavos, Dinos D. Panousis and Peter N. Boukydis. In the interim years the following have also served as officers regretting if we omit any who served: George Karigiannis, George Maheras, Perry Panousis, Theotokis Mavroidis, Soter. Th. Karavos, Tony Demas, Jim P. Diamantouros, John P. Diamantouros, Peter Maheras and George Theodorokakis.

The present Board consists of George V. Skiouris, President; Soter. Th. Karavos, Vice-President; Maria D. Theodorakaki, Secretary; Nicholas K. Kerhoulas, Treasurer; and members Harry Theodorakakis, Angeliki Theodorakaki, and Demetrios G. Diamantouros (We now elect female members to the Board of Directors).

There are approximately 70 families living in Toronto and London, Ontario, about 30 Arahovitogamvroi, plus a number of families in Montreal and other Canadian cities. Among the first to arrive in Toronto were Mrs. Eleni N. Matalas with her two daughters, John A. Karavos, Soter. Th. And John Th. Karavos, Panos and Michael T. Karavos, George Meheras, Perry D. Panousis, Bill and Peter J. Copses (now both in Spartanburg), Tony and Terry Demas, Kostas I. Karagiannis, Vasilios I. Skiouris, Theotokis and Panos E. Mavroidis, followed by Peter and Jim N. Boukydis, Dinos D. Panousis, George A. Kiriazis, George D. Theodorakakis, George Kosnt. Kerhoulas (Arianas), Peter and Jim Maheras, Parry P. Matalas and many others later.

The Society has sent to the late John G. Darmos for Aghios Andreas approximately $7,300 with these generous donors heading the list: Gus G. Boukydis $1,500, Gus P. Mandas $1,000, Antonis G. Karagiannis $500, Peter P. Copses $500 (all four now deceased), Gus J. Karavos $500 and many others with various sums.

In the early 50s the later Peter Kiriazis (Koutroulis) while on a visit to Arahova donated a large sum for the complete renovation of Aghia Paraskevi which was damaged during the occupation. Our Society has also sent the sum of 77,000 Drachmas for the electrification of the Plateia of Aghios Andreas, a project of which we can all feel proud.

Mr. Gus J. Karavos on his recent trip to Arahova in 1969 together with Mr. Andreas G. Lambrakis of California donated sufficient funds to cement and adorn the Plateia of Panaghias.

At present with approximately 40 paid-up members (largest number ever) and about $3,500 in our Treasury, we are looking for some worthwhile project locally which will benefit the members and their families, perhaps a home (Kentron) that we can call our own. Who Knows? Nothing is impossible as long as we can work and cooperate unselfishly and generously like true brother Arahovites. We have a long standing tradition to live up to, WE MUST UPHOLD IT. N.K.K.