Mayor Bevilacqua announces record-breaking donation to toy drive
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Vaughan comes together for annual Christmas tree lighting celebration
During
the City of Vaughan Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua,
alongside Members of Council, delivered the following statement:
“Let me
begin by welcoming everyone here to City Hall to mark the occasion of our
annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This is a special time of year, during
which we celebrate the holidays with family, friends and neighbours. This
annual event brings together the entire community to mark the beginning of the
festive season and to look toward the promise of 2019.
“Every
year, families take the time to put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with
ornaments and lights, which brighten homes in neighbourhoods throughout our
city and helps to create new and cherished memories. The lighting of the tree is
a symbol of hope, peace and love that thrives within our great city.
“I had
launched the ninth annual City of Vaughan Toy Drive, in support of the CP24
CHUM Christmas Wish. The City of Vaughan has collected more than 73,000 toys
since 2010. It is important, during the holiday season, that we remember and
help those in our community who are less fortunate, for reasons beyond their
control. All donations will bring smiles to children in need across the Greater
Toronto Area. I wish to further remind everyone that donations are being
accepted until December 10th at City Hall.
“This
year, Tony Romanelli and family of the RCC Group of Companies, stepped forward to
once again remind us of the Spirit of Generosity that shapes our city. I am
proud to announce that they have donated 5,500 toys, valued at $105,000
- the highest contribution ever made to the City’s Toy Drive by a single donor!
“This is
a profound act of citizenship. I am energized by the people of our community
who give of themselves and help make our city a more dynamic, inclusive and
welcoming place to call home.
“On
behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, I want to wish everyone a
Merry Christmas and the very best for the holiday season.”
*Check against delivery
QUICK FACTS:
- The City of Vaughan Christmas tree tradition began in 2011.
- The tree stands at 40 feet tall; the tallest and largest tree used by the City of Vaughan.
- The tree has a total of 35,000 LED lights that have been strung onto the branches; the most lights used on a City of Vaughan Christmas tree.
- The City of Vaughan Christmas tree weighs a total of 4,500 pounds.
- The species of the City of Vaughan Christmas tree is a Colorado Blue Spruce.
- The City of Vaughan Christmas tree is from Drysdale’s, a sustainable tree farm in Barrie, ON.
- The City of Vaughan crew required six full days to string the tree.
- The City of Vaughan Christmas tree will remain on display in the courtyard at Vaughan City Hall until Jan. 7, 2019.
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