The first Keralites in London, Ontario, Canada trace back to the early 1950s. The Kerala Association of London was founded in 1977, with the goal of celebrating Kerala arts, culture and festivals in London, while also providing a forum for Keralites to meet. This has had a collateral but important effect on the younger generation to experience and learn their heritage. A little over 300 Keralite families living in London, in South Western Ontario and adjoining areas are members of the association. The Association organizes at least three functions every year -celebration of Onam in September,Christmas in December and a picnic in July.