City of Vaughan Recognizes Youth Award Recipients
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May 7, 2014
The City of Vaughan recognized two young people during National Youth Week celebrations at a Council presentation on May 6. Both youth were nominated by the Recreation and Culture department for their outstanding contributions to the community and the department.
Zachary Blatman, recipient of the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award and the Volunteer Service Award, is a leukemia survivor. He has established his own charity and has raised $65,000 to date to help others battling the disease. Zachary has also fundraised for the United Jewish Appeal, raising an estimated $20,000. He is a dedicated Leisure Buddy volunteer with the City, contributing 900 volunteer hours to providing support to children with special needs. Zachary also serves on the Youth Ambassador Council for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Serena Muraca, recipient of the Volunteer Service Award, has completed more than 1,005 hours of community service working with children and youth with special needs. Since 2009, she has been an active volunteer with the City of Vaughan’s Leisure Buddy, Fun Club and Connect programs. Since 2008, Serena has also volunteered with the Special Olympics of Ontario as well as the Back Alley Cruisers, helping to sell raffle tickets to benefit local charities.
During Youth Week the City of Vaughan celebrates youth who have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication and volunteerism. The City actively participates in this initiative, acknowledging the importance of youth and their contributions toward making Vaughan a great place to live.
For more information, contact Angela Palermo, cultural services manager, at 905-832-2281, ext. 8139 or angela.palermo@vaughan.ca, or visit vaughan.ca/artsandculture.