Removing Barriers: Mayor Bevilacqua Announces $20,000 Donation to RecAssist Program

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua has announced that $20,000 from the money raised this year at the Mayor’s Gala and the Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Annual Charity Golf Classic will be given to the City’s RecAssist fee assistance program.

“This City will move forward without leaving anyone behind. The RecAssist program speaks to values that are important to me, and that is human dignity, respect and social justice. I believe an enlightened city is one that practices the politics of inclusion, not exclusion,” said Mayor Bevilacqua. “Regardless of your family income, no barriers should exist to participation in cultural and recreational programs in the City.”
 
RecAssist, which was established and approved by Vaughan Council in January 2009, subsidizes the cost of Recreation and Culture programs for low income individuals and families in the City of Vaughan through fundraised dollars, and is administered by the Recreation and Culture Department. Since 2009, Recreation and Culture staff have raised approximately $17,500 for RecAssist through various events such as Staff Talent Shows, Beach Volleyball, Celebrity Basketball, Hockey Tournaments and a Spinathon in 2011. In addition, residents, local businesses and community service groups have donated approximately $4,500 towards RecAssist.

As of October 2011, 187 individuals and families have received fee assistance towards recreation programs.

“There is a demand for assistance with regards to program registration from the community and due to limited funds we are only able to help a small number of individuals and families,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “This donation will go a long way towards being able to help many more families in the community.”

The Mayor’s Gala and the Annual Charity Golf Classic raised a combined total of $650,000 to help support Vaughan’s not-for-profit and community organizations.