2021 Ward 1 Civic Hero Award presented to Caterina Martelluzzi
During today's Council meeting, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate and Members of Council presented Vaughan resident Caterina Martelluzzi with the 2021 Ward 1 Civic Hero Award.
Caterina's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship began more than two decades ago when she joined other like-minded citizens to advocate against the expansion of the Keele Valley Landfill site in Maple, which was the largest garbage dump in Canada for more than 20 years. The grassroots group was successful in their mission to close down the Keele Valley Landfill site.
She has been an active member of St. David's Parish for more than 40 years and is a devoted parishioner and lector. Caterina also volunteers her time to support many community groups and local organizations, including St. David Catholic Elementary School, where she assists with religious studies and is a Parent Teacher Association member. Further, she lends a helping hand at neighbourhood food drives throughout the holiday season.
In recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, Caterina led the Every Child Matters initiative in Vaughan to honour and remember the First Nation, Métis and Inuit victims and survivors of residential schools in Canada. She encouraged her fellow citizens to tie orange ribbons to trees in Vaughan as a visual symbol of their unwavering solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada.
QUOTES
"It's a pleasure to present Caterina Martelluzzi with the 2021 Ward 1 Civic Hero Award. She is passionate about fostering a healthier environment that will better the lives of all citizens. Caterina shares the City of Vaughan's mission to safeguard the environment now and into the future. Further to her work as an environmental steward, Caterina remains guided by her faith and tethered to the higher values of love, hope and optimism. Caterina's light shines bright on many corners of our community. In addition to her ongoing volunteer efforts, Caterina is a selfless community leader. She is whole-heartedly committed to creating an inclusive and equitable society and fostering a city, province and nation where every child matters. In Vaughan, we are grateful for citizens like Caterina, who dedicate their time to help others who need it most. I want to express my warmest and sincerest gratitude to Caterina for her meaningful contributions to the community and congratulate her on receiving this award."
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
"On behalf of the residents of Ward 1, I am honoured to recognize Caterina Martelluzzi as the 2021 Ward 1 Civic Hero for her ongoing volunteerism and environmental advocacy. She is a caring, dedicated and engaged citizen who is determined to make our community a better place to live, work, learn and play. She protested the expansion of the Keele Valley Landfill site, which helped lead to its closure. In addition, Caterina has devoted countless hours of her time volunteering for various groups within the community, which continues to make a positive impact. To honour and remember the children of residential school systems and their families, Caterina Martelluzzi championed the Every Child Matters campaign, where orange ribbons were tied to boulevard trees within her community and beyond. She is also passionate about supporting children's education and unlocking opportunities for youth to succeed. She is very deserving of this year's Ward 1 Civic Hero Award for all this and more. Thank you, Caterina, and congratulations!"
- Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Ward 1
QUICK FACTS
- Mayor and Members of Council presented Caterina Martelluzzi with the 2021 Ward 1 Civic Hero Award during a special virtual ceremonial presentation at the Tuesday, Nov. 16 Council meeting.
- Vaughan’s Civic Hero Awards are presented annually to one resident from each of the City’s five wards.
- Recipients are nominated by their local Ward Councillor and acknowledged by Vaughan Council.
- The awards began in 2005 and recognize outstanding achievement and individual contributions to the community.
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