Team Goemkarponn
CANSAULIM: The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Cansaulim Group marked Founders Day with a heartfelt tribute and quiet celebration during its weekly AA meeting, commemorating the birth of the worldwide AA movement in June 1935.
This year’s observance was special, as the group — one of the oldest in Goa — also recently celebrated its 48th anniversary on May 18 at Three Kings Hall, Cansaulim. Established by the late Walfredo A. from Arossim-Cansaulim, the group has been a beacon of recovery for nearly five decades. Members took the opportunity to fondly remember and pray for departed members including late Camal, Olly, Rosario, Edmund, Donald, and many others who had been part of their recovery journey. “May God bless their souls,” members said in unison.
A cake was cut to mark the Founders Day, recalling the first meeting between Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. in Akron, Ohio on June 10, 1935 — an encounter that sparked the beginning of AA, now a global fellowship with over 1.9 million members.
The group also expressed deep gratitude to the late Walfredo A. and his family for providing the AA room at Cansaulim that continues to host regular meetings. Significantly, the Cansaulim group also launched its first women-only AA group this year, coinciding with its 48th anniversary — a milestone towards inclusivity in recovery.
Adding to this spirit of support, a dedicated women’s helpline was recently launched by Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas to ensure safe, gender-sensitive assistance to women seeking help with alcoholism.
With regular meetings held every Sunday, Tuesday, and a special women’s meeting on Saturdays, the Cansaulim AA group continues to offer strength, hope and community to those on the path to sobriety.
