More than $60,000 raised at Walk for Abruzzo

More than 400 participants, including families, seniors, students and community leaders, joined forces on September 20 for the Walk for Abruzzo – a 4 km walk at Boyd Conservation Area that raised funds and awareness for the victims of the earthquake that struck 49 towns and cities in Abruzzo in April.
The event, organized by the Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund (AERF) and generously sponsored by the Carpenter’s Union, also featured a family barbeque and a very special surprise visit by Toronto Raptors stars Andrea Bargnani and Marco Bellinelli, who thanked the crowd for their efforts and signed autographs for adoring fans.
Some of Canada’s well known entertainers, including Jimi Bertucci and his pop/rock band Abraham’s Children, the Coro Italia L’Aquila choir and soloist Alessandra Cannito, gave performances on the main stage.
Other prominent members of Toronto and Vaughan’s political community were on hand to cheer on the participants, including Gianni Bardini, Consul General of Italy; Hon. Justice Frank Iacobucci (Ret.), Honourary Chair, Walk for Abruzzo; Senator Con Di Nino; Julian Fantino, Commissioner, OPP; Armand La Barge, Chief of Police, York Region; Sam Ciccolini, member of the Order of Canada; Maurizio Bevilacqua, MP Vaughan; Borys Wrzesnewskyj, MP Etobicoke Centre; Greg Sorbara, MPP Vaughan; Laura Albanese, MPP York South-Weston; Joyce Frustaglio, Councillor, City of Vaughan; Bob Sacco, Chair, Walk for Abruzzo
By the end of the day, over $60,000 was raised, not including the generous $100,000 donation from the Carpenter’s Union.
In cooperation with other organizations across Canada, the Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund intends to carry out meaningful projects that will support a return to normalcy for the people of Abruzzo. The Canadian contributions will be based on the needs of the residents affected by the earthquakes; this may include community centres, seniors’ or children’s centres, or programs needed by the people whose lives have been so tragically affected.
For more information on AERF, visit www.abruzzoearthquakerelieffund.ca.