On May 12, 2012, The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) of York South Particular Council (YSPC) came together in the spirit of unity in diversity with Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold (MIOTC), two not-for-profit registered charities, to hold their first Walk Against Poverty at Richmond Green Park and Sports Centre located in Richmond Hill to raise greater awareness and funds to most effectively meet the basic needs of the poor in the community.

Over $40,000 was raised through the generosity of individual and corporate sponsors. MIOTC will put their funds toward the building of an emergency shelter for the thousands of vulnerable that they serve in the York Region with meals, clothing, medical care, and support services. The SSVP will use their funds for their home visitations, voucher program, Marygrove and Ozanam Camps for disadvantaged children, recovery homes, homes for developmentally handicapped adults, their home for adults facing mental health challenges, their retail stores, court services, and prison apostolate.

Jeff Moore from Rogers TV greeted Richmond Hill Members of Parliament, Costas Menegakis, Reza Moridi, Vito Spatafora, Mayor, Dave Barrow, Director of Education for the York Catholic District School Board & Co-Chair of the Human Services Planning of York Region, Susan LaRosa, Director of MIOTC, Rehana Sumar, and President of YSPC for the SSVP, Theresa Riccardi. A warm-up by Pure Motivation Fitness Studio preceded the five kilometer walk. While all participants enjoyed a tasty barbecue, they were given the opportunity to browse the information booths, and listen for their ticket number to be called for the various prize donations. Live entertainment of various genres of music from the talented Patricia Duffy, Derek Christie, St. Elizabeth Catholic High School’s Tamika Bobbitt, Andrew Mariano, & accompaniment, York University’s Sally Dawoud, Craig Visser & Cortney, Myvanwy, and Jackob Franiczek, & accompaniment, Justin Mchugh, from Humber College, & Jonas Pearson Paevola, from Mohawk College lifted everyone’s spirits.

Please join us at Richmond Green on Saturday, May 11, 2013 for our second annual Walk Against Poverty, so that we can continue to build community by putting forth the needs of our most vulnerable in society.

Sincerely,

Theresa Riccardi,
Founder,
Walk Against Poverty

See pictures below;