Mayor Bevilacqua announces Cortellucci family donates $3 million to Hospice Vaughan

July 26, 2018 12:30 p.m.

​Transformational donation is the largest in the history of Hospice Vaughan and will go toward building city’s first residential hospice

Hospice Vaughan and Capital Campaign Honorary Chair, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, hosted a special ceremony announcement at Vaughan City Hall to unveil the Cortellucci family as Hospice Vaughan’s naming donor for the new 10-bed residential hospice facility. The Cortellucci family has generously stepped forward with a $3-million donation towards the building of the new facility, which is currently under construction and expected to open in 2019.

The new facility will be called the Hospice Vaughan - Mario & Nick Cortellucci Hospice Palliative Care Centre of Excellence. This landmark donation is the largest in the history of Hospice Vaughan, bringing the total raised through the “Better Ending” Capital Campaign to $10 million, out of a total goal of $12 million.
 
From the very beginning, the citizens of Vaughan have been trusted partners to transform the dream of a hospice into a reality. In April 2018, Mayor Bevilacqua and the Board of Directors joined supporters of Hospice Vaughan to commemorate the ground-breaking, and start of construction of the new 25,000 square-foot facility. 
 
Located on Islington Avenue, just north of Rutherford Road, the new Hospice Vaughan will include a 10-bed residential hospice, family support and bereavement services, and visiting hospice services facility. It will also serve as a community hub that will support research, education and knowledge translation of hospice palliative care best practices.
 
Mayor Bevilacqua first highlighted this announcement during the 2018 Mayor’s Gala. As a result of the Spirit of Generosity commitment to change lives, since 2011, the Mayor’s Gala and Annual Golf Classic events and efforts have raised more than $30 million, including today’s historic donation.
 
QUOTES
 
“Today marks yet another special milestone for the citizens of Vaughan, front-line health professionals, and the future of hospice palliative care delivery and service in our growing city. I want to thank Mario and Nick Cortellucci, and their families, for their generosity and commitment to our community. I have known the Cortellucci family for 48 years and throughout these years, I have witnessed many acts of kindness and compassion for the greater good. It is this type of selfless giving which makes our community even stronger. I would like to also express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this important, meaningful and community-building project. This $3-million donation is transformational to Hospice Vaughan. This new state-of-the-art facility will be home to advanced health services. It will also serve as a place of strength and support for family members who want the very best for their loved ones. Everyone deserves to rest with dignity and compassion during the last stage of life. Investing in healthcare is fundamental to city-building and it is important that we continue to invest in the care of our neighbours by providing a space that people can rely on in their time of need.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
Honorary Chair, Hospice Vaughan Capital Campaign
 
“On behalf of the Cortellucci family, we are pleased to have been given the opportunity to contribute to Hospice Vaughan and to help with the successful construction, completion and opening of the Hospice Vaughan - Mario & Nick Cortellucci Hospice Palliative Care Centre of Excellence. As a family, we are mindful of the important work that Hospice Vaughan provides to our community. Their care, love and understanding of people’s needs during sensitive and challenging times, is a testament to their nurturing human spirit. The city of Vaughan is a great city with immense potential. A diverse community, with citizens who love their city. We are proud to call Vaughan our home. We would like to thank everyone involved in this project, as well, we would like to thank Mayor Bevilacqua for his leadership. Through his work and deeds, he inspires the spirit of generosity in all of us.” 
-Mario and Nick Cortellucci
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • Total cost for the new facility will be will be $12 million.
  • With a volunteer base of more than 120 volunteers, Hospice Vaughan offers a visiting volunteer program supporting more than 500 individuals in the community.
  • In addition to the many palliative and grief clients Hospice Vaughan currently serves, the 25,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility will serve more than 200 end-of-life clients and countless families per year.
  • The new facility will house 10 residential hospice beds, day programs, family support and counselling services, and visiting community hospice services, and facilities to conduct research and educate healthcare professionals on palliative care best practices.
 
LEARN MORE
 

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ABOUT VAUGHAN: The City of Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities with a population of more than 335,000. Incorporated in 1991, Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This culturally diverse municipality is located in the heart of York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
 
ABOUT HOSPICE VAUGHAN: Since 1995, Hospice Vaughan, a not-for-profit organization, has been providing compassionate support to individuals facing a life-limiting illness or the loss of a loved one. They provide in-home visiting volunteers, a day program and grief and bereavement support. Their services extend out to caregivers, family members and friends who also need support in their time of need and grief. Their programs and services are free of charge for individuals of all ages. hospicevaughan.com
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