2020 A year like never before.
th 13 Annual Newsletter 2 Luso Annual Newsletter
Table of Contents Please note that some photos in this newsletter were taken prior to the beginning of the pandemic. the of beginning the to prior taken were newsletter this in photos some that note Please 15. Luso Thanks our 2020 14. Thank You toour 13. Staying onTrack 12. In Memoriam 11. A Home for Teddy and Friends 10. COVID’s Impact on 2020: Together, Apart 9. Celebrating Abilitieson 8. COVID Couldn’t Stop Us 6. Luso’s COVID story 4. Mission Statement and Vision 3. Message from thePresident Making Luso aLittle “Brighter” Explore Luso’s New Website Holiday Initiatives #GivingTuesdayNow Distinguished Contributors Community Partners 2020 Fundraising with Disabilities International Day ofPersons from Celebrating Board ofDirectors 2020 Luso Support Centre GTA Society Board ofDirectors 2020 Luso Canadian Charitable 28. P Luso Centre Peel Support 26. Luso Canadian Charitable 22. Luso Canadian Charitable 20. Luso Family Testimonials 19. Thank you toour volunteers 18. Luso Volunteers Make 17. Continuing toSupport Despite 16. Luso’s AmbassadorProgram Visit from MPP Sheref Sabawy Celebrating Carnival with Ways toSupport Helping Luso inMany Ways Luso Wins withOLG Steel Drums Duraiappah Visits Peel Sponsors and Donors Society’s 2020In-Kind and Donors Society’s 2020Sponsors a Difference Changing Times Local Gaming Centres Charitable Gaming and eel Police Chief Nishan 39. Luso Support Centre Hamilton 38. Luso Support Centre Hamilton 37. Luso Support Centre Hamilton 36. 2020 Diadas Amigas 35. Updating theHamilton Centre 34. Luso Support Centre Hamilton 33. Message from the Luso Support Centre Hamilton 31. Dr. Paulo Porto Fernandes 30. IUPAT 46Community Day DC Luso Support Centre Toronto 2020 PSSQL Members 2020 Hamilton Ambassdors 2020 Hamilton Board Community Partners and Donors 2020 In-KindSponsors 2020 Sponsors and Donors 2020 Community Members of Directors Hamilton President Visits Toronto 2020, A Year Like Never Before Never Like AYear 2020, “2020, a year like no other” is more than a phrase, but rather the reality we lived this past year. This has been a year of challenge and change and we thank those that have helped Luso Canadian Charitable Society navigate through 2020. Luso needed to be flexible, open to new ideas, adjust and respond to new situations. I am proud of the commitment and response shown by so many. To all, my sincere gratitude; • Thank you to Luso participants and families that showed resilience and stoicism during uncertain and uncharted days. Message • Thank you to the community supporters, sponsors, funders from the and individuals that reached out to Luso so generously, when traditional revenue streams and fundraising were no longer an President option. Your response to Virtual Volta and other fundraising events was generous beyond our expectations.
• Thank you to the staff that recognized the isolation and frustration experienced by Luso participants and families and quickly moved to provide virtual programming when in-person programs had to be suspended.
• Thank you to the community, organizations and volunteers that partnered with Luso to provide supplies, meals, groceries and gifts to reduce depression and loneliness. Such generous support made a big difference for Luso families.
• Thank you to the Board of Directors that provided thoughtful support and direction throughout an unprecedented year.
• And of course, sincere thanks to the many frontline and essential workers that continued to support all of us, each and every day.
2020 was a year like no other that brought out the best in so many. Working together, we reached out to help each other and stay connected! As we move through 2021, Luso remains committed to grow and broaden our commitment to serve those living with disabilities.
Jack A. Prazeres President, Luso Canadian Charitable Society
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 3 Mission Statement
Luso Canadian Charitable Society is a community-based organization that supports individuals and families living with physical and/or 2020 Luso Canadian Charitable developmental disabilities to achieve personal growth. We work in partnership with the broader community to provide access to Society Board of Directors information and person-centered programs and services that facilitate growth, choice, independence and community inclusion. Executive Board
Jack A. Prazeres, President David Mare Vision Joe Botelho, Vice President Erminio Oliveri Tino Alves, Treasurer Filipe Morgado
We envision an inclusive community/society where people with Dante DiGiovanni, Secretary Fortunato Manvati physical and/or developmental disabilities have full access to Directors Frank Melo equitable, responsive and sustainable supports and services; and where their unique gifts, differences and contributions are valued, Alfredo Pita Julio DeJesus welcomed and celebrated through their full participation in Bernardino Ferreira community life. Mario Nunes Cesar Bras Nelson Cidade
Christine Rodrigues Otilia Prazeres
Cristina Marques Rui Ramos
2020 Luso Support Centre GTA Board of Directors Executive Board Directors
David Mare, President Antonio Nunes
Jack Da Silva, Vice President Jack A. Prazeres
Chantel Nascimento, Melanie Da Silva Secretary-Treasurer
4 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before 2 0 2 0
Together Apart Luso’s COVID Story
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 5 Luso’s COVID Story
The words that defined 2020 were “COVID-19” and “Pandemic”. The word pandemic means‘affecting everyone’ and COVID significantly impacted Luso participants and families.
During the March shutdown, Luso quickly understood the impact of changes to come, knowing that participants and families would have difficult times ahead. With that in mind, our teams transitioned to virtual programming to ease the effects of social isolation, providing numerous program activities and contact points such as storytelling, scavenger hunts, virtual dancing and online cooking classes.
To our delight, Luso participants quickly adapted to the new format and benefited from connecting with friends. The response, energy and fun was evident. With such a positive reception, we continued to offer and expand online sessions, even after returning to in-person programming. Luso Zoom Room activities are helpful in reducing boredom and frustration for those unable to attend in person. Notwithstanding the requirements for physical distancing and increased safety procedures, participants and staff were very happy to Staying connected has been a priority and e-newsletters full return to the Centres. Day one of re-opening was joyous, with excited of resources were provided to support caregivers. Group and participants eagerly greeting friends. While program activities have individual calls reduced loneliness and isolation for families. been amended in response to circumstances, the warmth, fun and Many“safe distance” door-to-door deliveries took place, creating sense of belonging at Luso is unchanged. During the shutdown period face-to-face connections and assurances that Luso was there to everyone had to learn different ways of doing things and we are proud support. Community donations of food items and delicious meals, of our Luso families’ positive response to change. donated by restaurants and/or community members, were packed and delivered by Luso volunteers and staff to families in need. Although COVID-19 changed programming, the need to support individuals living with disabilities remains and we continue to provide In August, when in-person programs reopened, our immediate priority programs and services in new and innovative ways despite reduced was to ensure our support Centres were safe and welcoming. Health revenue from program fees and/or traditional fundraising. and safety protocols were developed for all Centres, training delivered and locations equipped with the necessary PPE equipment for a safe The end of the COVID story is yet to be told, but Luso is committed re-opening. Prior to re-opening, all Luso Centres were professionally to providing the necessary support our families depend upon and disinfected courtesy of Spezza Sanitation Service and Safetech deserve. We will continue to support our community through Environmental Ltd. restrictions, lockdowns, re-openings, other changes and ensure we are there when needed.
6 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 7 COVID Couldn’t Stop Us from Celebrating
COVID interrupted many things we enjoy, but Luso continued to celebrate throughout the year.
We didn’t let the pandemic stop us from celebrating milestones or special occasions and we continued to do it virtually and in-person. At every Centre, our participants and staff used their imagination to create fun and memorable celebrations for each special day, while being mindful of health and safety precautions for all.
8 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Celebrating Abilities on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In December, Luso celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities by learning about inspirational role models with visible and invisible disabilities and their unique contributions to art, music and sports.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes understanding and awareness for respect, dignity and justice for persons with disabilities. This year’s theme,‘Not all Disabilities are Visible,’ reminds us of the importance of removing barriers for people living with both visible and invisible disabilities.
This is a special day, and every day Luso values everyone’s abilities.
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 9 COVID’s Impact on 2020 Fundraising
A critical part of Luso’s success stems from the generosity of donors, sponsors and supporters, many of whom contribute to our annual events. However, restrictions on social gatherings forced us to seek alternative ways to raise funds. To support our continued programs and services, Luso adapted its events to virtual models, bringing the community together while staying apart.
COVID created barriers to our daily lives but we did not let it prevent us from delivering the programs and services persons living with disabilities need.
2020 Luso Virtual Volta, Support without Barriers, presented by BPA Financial Group and LIUNA Local 183, was Luso’s first virtual walk, run, cycle and ride event to raise awareness and needed funds.
The campaign ran in the month of August and was a tribute to David Harvey, a Luso supporter since the beginning who believed in education and supporting individuals in need. Our 2020 Virtual Volta was a tribute to his generosity and lasting impact on Luso participants living with disabilities.
Many things were unchanged in Virtual Volta compared to prior years. Participants could still register online, raise funds, invite others to join the event or sponsor them and get active with friends and families. However, this year’s Virtual Volta was a month-long event, allowing participants to personalize their experience at their own pace, time, day and location. We also introduced our first Online Auction. Despite COVID’s limitations, everyone recognized that Virtual Volta was the same great cause and the need was unchanged. Participants, 2020 Luso Virtual Volta included a motorcycle rally organized by the donors, sponsors, media partners, local elected officials and Luso local riding clubs Bravos Açores, Luso MR, Quinas and Highwaymen. families helped us raise a record-breaking $415,000! We thank Over 50 motorcyclists rode 200 KM from Martins Churrasqueira & everyone who supported individuals with disabilities especially our Grill House in Toronto to Madeira Park in Georgina. The beautiful hard-working Volta Committee. Join us for the 2021 Volta! bikes and rider apparel delighted bystanders along the way.
10 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before A Home for Teddy and Friends #GivingTuesdayNow
A Luso participant for many years, Teddy enjoys our Day Programs and As we worked through the Overnight Respite which provide a home away from home for himself implications of COVID-19, and his friends. However, Teddy requires full-time support and both he Luso participated in and his aging parents know that a longer-term solution is required. #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving on May 5 in response to In 2019, we announced our intention to expand into Residential Care, the unprecedented challenges due responding to the needs and concerns of families. As participants and to the pandemic. caregivers age and their ability to care for their loved ones diminishes, they are anxious about the future. There is an incredible need for Thanks to the generosity of our residential care geared towards aging adults with disabilities, outside community, we raised over $10,000 of the need for senior or long-term care. through #GivingTuesdayNow to fund Luso’s expanded virtual Luso understands these changing needs for services and is building services, including e-newsletters, a plan for the future, which the Paterson family feels strongly about. video conferencing and delivering They created a crowdfunding initiative,“A Home for Teddy and support packages directly to Luso Friends”, published on GoFundMe. All proceeds from their campaign family homes. will be directed to Luso’s Residential Project Fund. We were very pleased with the level of support and the number of While interrupted by COVID-19, Luso remains committed to this long- donors surpassed prior years. Thank you again to everyone who term strategy and we thank the Paterson family for raising funds for supported us! this purpose. Let’s all share Teddy’s message with friends and family! Holiday Initiatives
During the Holiday season, Luso asked everyone to spread a little joy by bidding on items from our virtual Holiday Auction or making a year-end donation to our Planned Giving initiative.
Bidders found the perfect gifts for friends and family while supporting a good cause, such as unique art, wines and spirits, sports memorabilia, jewelry and other wonderful items. Our Planned Giving option allowed donors to cover a day of programming for participants, an overnight respite stay or simply make a donation.
With the support of many who bid or donated, Luso raised over $13,000 during the holidays! Thank you to everyone who contributed! 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 11 In Memoriam
Sadly in 2020, Luso Hamilton and Toronto Centres said goodbye to beloved program participants. These individuals will be missed by all and their memory carried in our hearts.
Kyle Edwards Jason Nichols Kyle Edwards was a bright, young man who always had a Jason Nichols was a happy, expressive person who loved attending big smile on his face. He loved attending Hamilton’s ECHO the Luso program and being with friends and staff. He enjoyed program. He will be missed and his memory will remain in our sharing his love for his favourite band Metallica. He will be always hearts forever. be remembered in our hearts.
12 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Explore Luso’s Staying on Track New Website
This year, Luso Canadian Charitable Society refreshed their five-year Luso’s website, lusoccs.org, has a fresh new look thanks to a generous Strategic Plan with input and participation from Luso families, board grant from the Region of Peel. The site celebrates our Luso family and members, staff and community partners. The new Strategic Plan acknowledges many supporters that make our work possible. provides our organization with clear direction and a detailed roadmap Loaded with lots of pictures and content, Luso’s new site shares our to measure progress against key priorities over time. story of a safe, supportive place for individuals and families living During the planning process, Luso confirmed our commitment to with disabilities and highlights the special abilities and contributions explore community-based residential housing for our participants and of our participants. resume the residential capital campaign, started in 2019 and stalled Our new website, a key component of our online presence, will help by COVID-19. Strengthening community partnerships that provide us more effectively communicate with participants, families and the programs to facilitate individual growth, choice and better community broader community as we move forward into 2021 and beyond. Visit inclusion for our participants is another key priority. our website today! With the help of those that participated, Luso has built a strong and sustainable strategy that will keep us aligned moving forward and address participants’ most important needs, now and in the future.
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 13 Thank You to our Making Luso a Community Partners Little “Brighter”
Luso Canadian Charitable Society is proud to recognize the This year, the Ontario Trillium Foundation supported an LED light contributions of our Community Partners and thank them for their conversion project at Luso Support Centre Peel. Replacing the old generous support for our organization. lighting with LED fixtures throughout has created a more inclusive and sensitive environment for adults living with disabilities, as • Government of Canada well as supporting Luso’s environmental objectives to be more • Government of Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs energy-efficient.
• Ontario Trillium Foundation Thank you to Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping individuals living with disabilities build better community connections. • Region of Peel
14 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Thanks our 2020 Distinguished Contributors
Luso is fortunate to have the support of our Distinguished Contributors. These are generous, larger contributions made by sponsors, donors and individuals in the community during 2020.
With Luso’s annual fundraising initiatives impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, our program revenue was significantly affected. These very special donors went above and beyond to ensure that Luso’s programs and services would continue to be delivered to participants and families, especially in these difficult times.
Luso extends our sincerest gratitude to the following 2020 Distinguished Contributors, for their amazing generosity.
• BPA Financial Group
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 46
• João and Maria De Ramos
• LIUNA Local 183
JMDR
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 15 Luso’s Ambassador Luso Wins with Program OLG Charitable
Each year, Luso Canadian Charitable Society’s Ambassador Program Gaming and Local supports our ongoing commitment to provide an interactive and nurturing environment for individuals living with disabilities to Gaming Centres socialize, learn and grow. Since its inception in 2008, many individuals and organizations have joined as Ambassadors and helped make that commitment a reality.
Participation in our annual Ambassador Program is a critical component of our fundraising activities and we appreciate the numerous individuals that have made a significant difference by participating as an Ambassador. We are pleased to provide Ambassadors with special recognition on our letterhead and website for their year of support. Luso Canadian Charitable Society is proud to be involved with the If you are interested in becoming a Luso Ambassador, please contact Ontario Charitable Gaming Association. Thanks to our volunteer Kimberly Lulham at 905-858-8197 (x246) or [email protected]. involvement at Dolphin Gaming in Scarborough and the RAMA Thank you to our 2020 Ambassadors for helping Luso reach new Gaming Centre in Mississauga, additional funds are made available heights, realize bigger dreams and advocate for individuals of all to support our Day Programs. We encourage you to visit the Dolphin abilities, especially during this difficult pandemic year. and RAMA Gaming Centres and experience these two fantastic entertainment centres while supporting local charities. We also thank Jackie Jensen, a Luso Toronto family member, for volunteering her 2020 Ambassadors time with the gaming program on our behalf. Antonio Dionisio Isidro Pita Luso Canadian Charitable Society is grateful for OLG’s support and the value it brings for adults living with disabilities through our Canadian Council of John Ganton participation in the Charitable Gaming Association. Construction Unions José M. Eustaquio Dr. and Mrs. Robert MacKenzie LIUNA Local 183 Fernando Rio Portuguese Cultural Centre Hallmark Housekeeping of Mississauga Services Inc. The Prazeres Family Heather Grand and Rick Arnone
16 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Continuing to Helping Luso in Support Despite Many Ways
Changing Times “Several years ago, our daughter Laura attended Luso’s Day Program and during the few months she was a participant, we came to The Ferreira family have always been strong supporters of Luso, appreciate the many wonderful aspects of Luso – the staff, program, helping out by volunteering, sponsoring and attending annual volunteers and more. After Laura passed away, it was important that fundraising initiatives. For several years, they have sponsored our we continue to support such an incredible organization. events and introduced new people to our Luso Family. How could we do that? How could we continue to help and be part of This year, due to COVID, our Annual Holiday Celebration of Abilities something special like Luso? Making a financial donation, attending was postponed. In response, the Ferreira family from Royal LePage the Annual Gala Dinner and Golf Tournament are always important held a Christmas Fundraiser on our behalf. Tickets were sold for a but offering yourself and your special skillsets is equally welcomed chance to win a lovely gift set with every dollar raised matched by the and needed. I have been able to donate my time, experience and Ferreira family, resulting in more than $3,700 for Luso Day Programs knowledge to help Luso with administrative and financial tasks. When and services. Luso first joined the Charitable Bingo Program, a group of my friends and I offered our time several days a month at Dolphin Bingo. We also We sincerely thank the Ferreira family for their continued generosity volunteer with Luso’s Golf Tournament year after year. and commitment to help Luso during these challenging times. There are many different ways to lend a hand. What special skills do you have that could help Luso?”
- Stephanie Grattan, Volunteer and Luso Advocate
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 17 Luso Volunteers Make a Difference
Luso is grateful for the many volunteers whose contributions add a wide variety of skills and activities to support our daily programming and organizational growth. This year was especially challenging due to the pandemic but it did not stop our volunteers from offering support. Whether it was online or in-person, raising money, delivering meals or working hard to keep our Luso Centres in great shape, these individuals generously contributed to our events, programs and making Luso a better place for our participants.
Volunteers are an important part of the Luso Family and we thank them for continuing to make a difference during 2020! Ways to Support
• Make a donation, one-time, monthly or through your workplace (e.g. United Way)
• Offer to volunteer at programs and/or events
• Be an advocate, follow us on social media and share our posts
For more ways to get involved, visit our website at www.lusoccs.org or contact us at [email protected].
18 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Thank you to our volunteers
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 19 Luso Family Testimonials
“Sebastien has been at Luso for 5 months now Message from and he feels like he is at home with family… a Peel Participant Family every TransHelp bus driver tells him that Luso is the BEST program they take people to and we During the pandemic in 2020, there were a lot of definitely agree! Please everyone stay safe and do not let COVID steal your joy!” sudden changes that occurred… The isolation ‒ The Dorion Family, Peel Participant Family affected Sarah the most because she was used to a regular routine of being in the community, socially engaging at programs such as Luso, which was and is beneficial to her mental, “My favourite thing about coming to the ECHO emotional, social and physical enrichment... Program is: Luso supported us by making regular phone calls Going to the gym – Charlotte to see how the family was doing and how they The dance parties – Meagan can be of any help... We are blessed to have Luso The workers treat me nice and I’m happy – Brandon there to give back and provide emotional and The games and being included in a group – Kim ‒ The Stewart Family online support. Thank you. Hanging out with my best friends – Sarah The computers, it’s fun – Ben I feel like a princess – Anna” ‒ Luso Hamilton Participants
20 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before “Thanks for finding ways to stay “While nothing beats in class programming, connected during [COVID]. What a hot day health and safety will always come first... The to be doing personal visits! We are always daily Zoom meetings have been a life saver in very indebted to you for everything.” COVID-19 times, giving Shauna excitement and ‒ Bev Mackenzie, Toronto Participant Family Member and Luso Ambassador something to look forward to in what would be long boring days at home with me as the entertainment. I very much appreciate having part of Shauna’s day filled with the opportunity “I pray that trillions of angels always surround to stay in touch and continue learning with her the Luso community. Thank you for thinking Luso class... these games have brought fun and of Michelle today and blessing her with your laughter to ordinary days.” ‒ Michelle Brandon, Peel Family Member kind gifts. Michelle told me to let you know she loves you and all her friends. Thank you from my heart. I am so grateful for you in our family. Wishing you and your family health and trillions of blessings.” “Luso made it possible for Racquel ‒ Elsie Cardoso, Toronto Participant Family Member to connect with friends and learn new things through Zoom sessions. She always wears a smile on her face whenever she sees her friends and “Thanks to everyone at the Luso Hamilton participates in activities like scavenger Centre for the dedication and devotion given hunt, Disney trivia and more.” to participants and their families during this ‒ Cheriza Malana, Peel Participant Caregiver time of COVID. It has not gone unnoticed!” ‒ Kim Robinson, Hamilton Participant Family Member
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 21 Luso Canadian Charitable Society’s 2020 Sponsors and Donors
BPA Financial Group 684904 Ontario Ltd. Canadian Council of Galos Masonry Inc. Lucky Carpentry International Union of Painters & 93396687 Quebec Inc. Construction Unions George and Diane Lucy Cardoso Diamond Allied Trades District Council 46 Silver A M A Paving Capela Surfaces Inc. Lulham Luis DaCorte João and Maria De Ramos Active Nutrition Team Capelas Construction Gil Capela Luisa Riquinha LIUNA Local 183 Adolfo Paulo Carlos A. Nunes Harold Seidel Manuel DaCosta Ontario Council of Painters Drywall AG Masonry Carlos Hortiguela De I&A Professional Manulift Industry Promotion Fund Pablos Corporation Alcindo and Paula Maple Spray Foam Ontario Trillium Foundation Boucinha Carlos Martins I&I Construction Insulation Inc. Services Ltd. Region of Peel Alegre Cabinetry and Carlos Santos Marcal Rites Ines Ramos Millwork Chad Brownlee Mare’s Carpentry Alfredo and Marta Pita Christine Rodrigues J&M Renocorp Inc. Brampton Brick Maria Carvalho, Nathan All Star Carpentry Inc. Commercial Two J.T.M. Inc. and Bianca Amaral Carpenters & Allied Workers Local 27 Allied Construction Construction Inc. Jacinta Ribeiro Maria Melo Platinum Drywall Acoustic Lathing & Employees CRH Canada Jackie Fox Insulation Local 675 Maria Oliveira Allyant Design and Cynthia and David Mare Jacqueline M. Jensen LIUNA Ontario Provincial Markat Construction & Construction District Council Da Silva Roofing Inc. Jane Repchull Project Management Always Roofing Ltd. Mercedes-Benz Peterborough David and Arlene Jay Crouse Marlene Mastragostino Andrew Fonseca Dougall National Bank Independent Network Jeff and Diane Rushton Mary Lou Rinomato Anita Rogers Deborah Neale World Fine Cars JME Entertainment Inc. Matthew Lagace Anne Stilman DECO Homes (Richmond Joao Ferreira Mattox Employment Hill) Inc. Antonio Dionisio Joao Rodrigues Services Inc. Canadian Construction Decomax Concrete Antonio Nunes Joao Soares Maximum Transport Workers Union Demelos Construction Services Inc. Any Bins & Waste Joben Construction Ltd. Gold Darteck Construction Services Inc. Equipment Ltd. MDC Media Group Inc. Joe Lima Filipe and Isabel Ferreira AnyCrete General Domingos Sereno Michael and Maria Heather Grand and Rick Arnone Contracting Inc. Donald Ierfino Joe Ribeiro Enterprises Tomas Inc. Infinite Investment Systems Ltd. Araujo Custom Stone Dr. Robert and Mrs. Michael Correia Beverley Mackenzie John and Margaret Construction LIUNA Local 837 Arlene and David Edwards Dougall ELCRM Holdings Inc. Nancy Aideira Lusogolf Fundraising Inc. John and Penny Millar Augusto Silva Elem Rinomato Nancy Fahim and Sam Masonry Contractors’ Association John Ganton Habib of Toronto Benfica Construction Elemental Controls Ltd. Ltd. John Quintal Naswire Inc. Mosaik Construction and EMS Gardening & Management Inc. Bio Binz Inc. Landscaping Inc. Joint Residential Nelson De Jesus Construction Association Oakville Natural Stone Corp. BLAIR Building Materials Eurowood Carpentry Nelson Pereira Inc. 2000 Inc. Jose Fernandes Portuguese Disabled Persons Nusens Niche of Ontario Blockwall Masonry Inc. F.E.D. Construction Julio DeJesus Contracting Services Inc. Management Ltd. ProCon Building Supplies Ltd. Bruno Galle Ken Shaw Toyota Ontario Sheet Metal F1 Systems Inc. Workers & Roofers Routes Transport Group Bruno Larizza Khanani Developments Filipe Francisco Conference Senso Group Bryce Coates LD Law LLP Filomena Roque Oxford Interiors Ltd. Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers Campbell Glass and Legacy Masonry Patrick Primerano Local 30 Mirror Frank and Marie Lilidan Construction Ltd. Florindo Paul and Cheryl Target Drywall & Acoustics Canadian Concrete Linda Zaretsky Masonry Producers Frank S. Alvarez Missiuna 1695093 Ontario Ltd. LIUNA Local 506 Association GAC Masonry Inc. Paul Clara 2608395 Ontario Inc. LMFSynergy Inc. 22 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Paul Marques TaxMart Inc. Al Ridley Antonio Cesar Brendan Wallner Cidelle Dias Paulo Toste TCH-Synergy Carpentry Albert Correia DeSousa Pais Brian Baird Cinclair Billingy Precision General Inc. Bronze Alberto Goncalves Antonio Da Silva Brian Casey Cindy Suffoletta Construction Inc. Tercon Construction Alberto Martins Antonio Do Monte Brian Didone Clara Carvalho Pro Concrete Terry Green Alcino Duarte Antonio Gonçalves Brian Fraser Clara Noronha Progressive Indoor Air Tim An Feng Alcli Distributors Inc. Antônio Goulart Teixeira Brian LeVoguer Clare Ting Yun Solutions Inc. TMCI Aldevino Ivo Antonio Rodrigues Bruna Mazzetti Clarisse Santos Ramiro Marquez Tolin Construction Alex Medeiros Antonio Saraiva Bryan and Tanya Wars Claudia Stewart Ray Norris Management Ltd. Alex Prieto Antonio Veira Bryan Hewitt Cole Repchull RDA Insurance Inc. Tony Binetti Alexander Voronel Anu Nangia Camclilaria A. Connie Correia RDC Construction Ltd. Top-Line Roofing Alexandre Trudeau Anureet Jhajj Canadian Madeira Club Connie Morais RE/MAX Ultimate Realty TORBSA Ltd. Alfred Holbrow Applewood Centre for Carla Virgona Cristina Barata Inc. Brokerage Touchstone Building Adult Learning Alfredo Carreiro Carlo and Dana Guido Cristina DaCosta Residential Framing Technologies Architectural Accents Inc. Contractors Association Tracsteel Ltd. Alice Mare O/A Stonerox Carlos Alves Cristina Marques Of Metropolitan Toronto Alice Neto Carlos Leal Cristina Santos & Vicinity Inc Trio Roofing Systems Arey Adala Inc. Alicja Zielinska Carlos Lopes Cristovao Clementinho Residential Painting Arlene Edwards Contractors Association Two Star Carpentry Alisson Andrade Arlindo Martins Carlos Miranda Crystal Wright-Wilson Contractors Rick Delaney Almar Flooring Inc. Armando Mosho Carlos Pinto Custodio Aranha Universal Construction Alysha Persaud Carlos Sousa Daniel Brodsky Ridgepoint Contracting Inc. Armando Rios Amadeus Silva Caruk-Hall Inc. Daniel Pavao Riley Kisel Verdevez Construction Armindo Gomes Botelho Rio Services Inc. Ltd. Amanpreet Singh Sidhu Arnold and Carol Rushton Carval Homes (Saffron) Daniel Spagnolo Inc. Rogerio Ferreira Via-Con Masonry Inc. Amardeep Grover Arnold Santos Daniela Martins Catherine Chlebus Romica Carpentry Ltd. Vila Building Group Ltd. Amilcar Taipina Arriscraft Canada Daniele Onorati Catherine Smith Ron Starr Virgilio Pires Amy Lam Arruda’s Homecare Dann Kupiec Cathy Jean Rosa Almeida Virgilio Rodrigues Ana and Paul Pimentel Building Centre Danny Cox Cathy Voelker Roysun Contracting Inc. VPM Construction Ana Arruda Arthur Fernandes Danny Luzia Cecil King Rui Ramos Walter Thornton Ana Cecilio Arthur Pimentel Danuta Malysz Cecilia Rodrigues Saagar Design & White Cap Construction Ana Cordeiro Artur Moreira Dario Moreira Celestino and Gail Construction Inc. William Budd Ana Da Maia Aruga A. Darlene Aulenback Bettencourt Select Ornamental Zhuqing Jin Ana Dos Santos Asawari Lele Darsh Jhajj Precast Inc. Celia Kolinsky Zulmar Construction Anabel Aideira-Leite Augusto Menezes Daryl Martin Senso Building Supplies Celina Da Silva Inc. AnaBela Taborda Augusto Turda Dasia Mcalpin Ltd. Celsa Morais 2243026 Ontario Inc. Andrea Bakai Aurora Barreto Dave DaCosta Senso Group Waste Cesar Carramao Management Inc. Abel Leitao Andrei Zavidonov Avelina Bettencourt Dave White Cesario Bras Sexton Group Ltd. Abhinav G Andriy Hankevych Avelino Carvalho David Allan Chad, Melissa, Jack and Adam Andrade Sheldon Richman Andy Dutra Ben Leuenberger Emmy Hawthorne David and Edith DaCosta Adam Korzeniewski Shellard Building Angela Barca Bernhard Schmidt Chantel Nascimento David Arruda Systems Ltd. Adam Mandell Angela Fu Bernie and Marlene Charlaine Cascanette David Correia Silver Carpentry (1997) Adam Salehi Cowan Angelina Matias Charlotte Verbora David Duplin Ltd. Adele Landry Bianca Bozzo Anibal Claudino Chee Wah Chin David Gajich Sonia Ferreira Aderito Morais Bill Dimitropoulos Anibal Jose Sousa Chong-Hyun Paul Kim David Igreja St. Helen’s Meat Packers Aderito Pimenta Blandino Pereira Ltd. Anna Ferrelli Chris Dorigo David Saab Adriana Demello BLOK-LOK Ltd. Stephanie and Keith Annalisa Cipressi Chris Lambrou David Santos Afonso Henriques Bobcat of Toronto Grattan Anthony Iannitti Chris Sliskovic David Sparling Ahmad and Tonya Bonanza Bakery Stephen Buckle Antonio and Beatriz Christiane Luna-Beaudoin Debra Nucciarone Wardak Izidoro Brandon Clementinho Susana Pimenta Christine Russo Dennis Cartwright Akram Ahmed Antonio and Graca Lima Brazil Bakery Sutherland Law (Rob Christine Vazao-Dias Dennis Linkert Moubarak) Brenda Ripley Christopher Toste Desrine Hyatt 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 23 DeWildt Chrysler Filipe Faria Senra Inacio Cunha Joe and Jayne Angus Justin Verissimo Lori Faulhafer Marcus Malisa Diana Vieira Francesca Barreca Inês Catarino Joe Avila Justino Da Silva Lucas Clementinho Margarida Baptista Diane Couto Frank Carvalho Inger Thomas Joe DaCosta Karalena Ktami Lucia Da-Silva Margarida Rodriguez Diane Gomes Frank Ientile Isaac Costa Joe DaSilva Karen Astaphan Lucia Lotito Maria Alcantna Dianne Clark Frank Ventresca Isabel Almeida Joe Ramoes Karen Cochrane Lucia Ramos Maria Amaral Diego Fernandes Fred Tonn Isabel Arruda Joe Rebelo Karina Goncalves Lucia Tome Maria and Jose Tavares Dina and Jean Pierre Gabriela Pollard Isabel Regateiro John Drew Karola Peranich Luciano Quattrociocchi Maria Araujo Fialho Gale Wozney Isabel Rodrigues John Martinho Karyn Deviveiros Lucy Confortin Maria Aveiro Domenic Profiti Gary Betts Isabel Sinde John Paterson Katarina Fragoso Luis Baptista Maria Cabral Dorinda Maia Gary Fraga Isaura Carneiro Jonathan Boucinha Keith Castellino Luis Brasil Maria Clelia Capela Doubletap Sports Inc. Gary Smyth Ismael Madeira Jonathan Clementinho Kelly Robinson Luis Dasilva Maria Correia Dr. Tiffany Florindo, Gaurav Chauhan Israel Argandar Jonathan Pigeon Kenneth Bandeira Luis Faria Maria Custodio MPC Gemma Aguba Ivana Muraca Jonathan Pita Keri Connell Luis Mota Maria Da Costa Duarte Carvalho Gemma Lee J.J. Hunt Jorge and Dina Oliveira Kevin B. Luis Nogueira Maria Do Couto Ed Graca George Kosmopoulos Jackie De Mello-Maslej Jorge Evangelista Kevin Damaso Luis Rocha Maria Dutra Eddie Suliman George Pacheco Jacob Dickinson Jose and Maria Kevin Sparks Luis Santos Maria Fernandes Eduarda Gomes Ger Beckley Jaidyn Mallais Mendonica Kimberley Gadwah Luis Torres Maria Ferreira Eduardo Machado Gertrude Lang James Colby José and Maria Salas Kimberly and James Luisa Agostinho Maria Isabel Pinto Eliana Santos Valle Gilberta Brum James White Lulham Luisa Soares Maria Kirstein Elizabeth Cabral Jose Araujo Giselda Peixoto Janice Furtado Kleber Venancio Luke Verbora Maria Laranjeiro Elizabeth Germond José Cabral Giselle Silva Janos Pal Krystyna DunnBlacklock Lurdes Jesus Maria Leonardo Elizabeth Wimbush José Carvalho Givanildo Lucas Jared Campbell Kurtsten Montague Mac Kotack Maria Lima Ellen Ritchie Jose Eustaquio Gloria Benevides Jason and Amanda Lahcen Abouh Madalena Catarino Maria Pestana Elsa Amorim Jose Ferros Gloria Persaud Tomas Laiyla Valarie Maggie Medeiros Maria Santos Elsie Cardoso Jose Gomes Goncalo Fernandes Jason and Tammy Laura Mallozzi Mahesh Kumar Maria Silva Emanuel DaSilva Schaefer Jose Lopes Goretty DaSilva Laure Trehin Mai Almardini Maria Silveira Emanuel Moniz Jason Auyeung José Paulo Leite Grace and Jorge Lauren Ahad Manny and Raquel Lopes Maria Sousa Pereira Emi Watanabe Jean-Pirate Jacobs Jose Peixoto Ramalhal Lawrence Teh Manny Coelho Maria Teresa Faria Emilia Gafanha Jeetendra Vaswani Jose Pereira Grace, Emily and Helen Leah Mauer Manny M. Maria Teves Enza Mancinelli Riquinha Jeff and Sandra Da Silva José Pinguelo Leandro De Padua Manuel Almeida Maria Viera Enzo Antezza Greg Tino Jeff Diamanti Jose Pinto Leanna Tony Momente Manuel Amaral Marina Bettencourt Enzo Di Piazza Group BPA Jeff Harvie Jose Rodrigues Leanne Morgan Manuel and Maria Canto Mario Carvalho Eric Inspektor Guadalupe Carrasco Jennifer Azevedo Jose Vicente Lebania Da Silva Manuel and Teresa Lima Mario DosSantos Eric Rouleau Gus Carreiro Jess, Ryan and Addi Joseph Leibovitch Leonardo Sales McKinnon Manuel Bandeira Mario Machado Ermundo Carreira Guy Costa Joshua Moothu Les Frohlinger Jessica Borland Manuel Cruz Mario Nunes Fanny Stangolis Hadi Karsoho Joshua Morgan Lesley Ledger Jiafeng Wang Manuel Deviveiros Mario Piedade and Liseta Fatima Custódio Harvinder Pal Joyce Comte Leslie Kellen Susano Jim Clarke Manuel Fernandes Felicidade Fresco Hatem Zarrouk Joyce Umoren Lettla Campbell Marion Rankin Jinghua Shen Manuel Ferreira Fernanda Da Rocha- Helen Selsek Juan Lopez Liberty for Youth Marisa Crisostomo Dimas JMZ Developments Inc. Manuel Lopes Helena Ceia Judee Parsons Life Drywall Systems Mark Rodrigues Fernanda Gilbert Joana Ricardo Manuel Martins Helena Medeiros Judite Vicente Ltd. Marko Zdravic Fernanda Marques Joanne Hames Marc Anthony Herminia Vicente Judith Rodrigues Lilia Dinis Marta Da Costa Fernando Aguiar Joao and Rosa Costa Marc Godin Hong Xu Juliana Sarabando Liliana Brieiro Marta Goncalves Fernando Corvelo João Brito Marc Tropper Humberto Duarte Julie Dzerowicz Lilli Schikolenko Marta Rzeszowska Fernando Do Paco Joao Da Maia Marcela Brand IK 2004 (Igor Julie Veres-Eceri Lina Ashkar Martha Subia Fernando Martins Kurianowicz) Joao Tavares Marcio Ferros June and Dominic Lina Campolargo Mary Malloni Fernando Santos Ilda Costa-Sarnicki Joaquim Soares Barbaro Marcio Lourenco Lina Santos Mary Mardini Fernando Sousa Ilda Silva Joaquina Da Costa Justin Germond Marcio Martins Linda Furtado Mary Tome Filipe Boucinha Ina Azevedo Joe and Daisy Katryan Justin Smith Marcos Da Silva 24 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Mary Vasilak Nellie and Helder Paula Almeida Robert and Paula Sisters of St. Joseph Val and Ana Hortiguela Mary-Joe Figueira Correia Paula Amaral Oliveira Cluny Valdemar Correia Marylou Pires Nelly Morgado Pauline Demelo Robert Hoffmann Sonia De Oliveira Valentina Cortes Matthew and Thomas Nelson Inacio and Pauline Tong Robert Kucheran Sonia Domingues Valerie Nisbit Family Jones Paulo Garcia Rod Evangelista Sonja and Jeff Samek Vanessa Franco Nelson Machado Matthew Da Silva Paulo Machado Rodolfo Goulart Sookhee Yun Venilde and Jon Peterson Nerio D’Ambrosi Maud Cetlin Paulo Martins Rogerio Pereira Sorin Codoban Veronica Nascimento Neville Noronha Maude Boivin Paulo Rebelo Rola Murray Sorin Constantinescu Vesna Lango Nicholas Ferreira Mauro Iriarte Paulo Santos Ron and Estrelle Smith Srinivasan Iyengar Vicente Huerta Nichole Sacco Meena Gaidhu Pedro Almeida Ron and Marie Steph McDonald Vicki MacNaught Nicole Marbella McDonald Meg Petkoff Pedro Araujo Stephen Elliott Victor DaCosta Nina Atanackovic Ron Kirby Melanie Szewczuk Pedro Campos Stephen Santos Victor Martins Nina Hunter Ron McDonald Melissa Laranjeira Pedro Nascimento Steven Samanica Victoria Redden Nobility Homes Ltd. Rosa Floripes Felgas Michael Ciccolini Pedro Santos Sue Hampson Vivian Levstik Michael Denyszyn Noel Lewis Royal LePage Supreme Susan Nguyen Philip Samek Realty Walnuty Technology Michael Florindo Nola Rodgers Susana and Marco Services Philippe Doiron Rui Canto Michael Kenny Norberto Bravo Martins Wasim Hafez Phillip Brock Rui Carvalho Michael Simas Norberto Santos Susana Da Silva Wayne W Phuong Duy Hua Rui Lopes Michael Smith Norbinda Ribau Suzanne Walsh Wendy Attwell Pierre Samson Rui Rego Michele Donahue Norela Gomez Sylvia Holinaty Wendy Hennel Pierre-Henri Madoz Ruth Case Michelle Brandao Normenia Sousa Tadeu Ruiz Wilkerson Desouza Ping Wu Ruth James Michelle Latimer Nuno Barroso Taheria Lewis William Monta De Castro Pooja Mathur Ruth Urian Michelle Silva Nuno Luis Taneisha Woods Wilson Teixeira Priscella D’Cruze Sally Da Silva Miguel Gomes Nuno Pedrosa Tanja Klose Worldsites Toronto Inc. Pro Builders General Sam Barbosa Mike Aguiar Nuno Sousa Contractors Tatiana Do Monte Ledo Xiaofang Ma San Selva Mike Bonney Octavio Deviveiros R. Scott Birnie Teresa Di Iorio Yiannis Soumalias Sandi Wade Mike Tocheri Oktay Inan Rafael Santos Teresa Silva Yubraj Thapa Olga Baltazar Sandra and Paulo Da The Golden Spoon Mike Villeneuve Ragini Vaswani Silva Yvette Posocco Olga Makoyeva Theresa Sapara Milena Vicente Randeep Chatha Sandra Andrego Yvette White Olha Sokolyk Thomas Pita Min Zhuang Randy Lima Sandra McGillivray Zain Akhtar Olivia Faria Tim Ruf Minke Design Raquel Damasceno Sara Cabecas Zelia Brandao Olivia Saraiva Timothy Cilia Minzhi Lu Raquel Calinas Sarah White Zilda Ribeiro Olivier Bovis Todd Brennand MLG Plast Raquel Galvez Sarnjit Singh Olsi Hizmaj Tom Killeen Monica Chimuka Raymond Buttigieg Seher Ali Otilia De Jesus Tomé Santos Monica Marques RE/MAX, Battaglia Team Sergio Baptista Otilia Prazeres Toni-Lynn Marcoux Monica Sacco Rebecca Nelson Sergio Moreira Patricia Costa Tony Pita Mortgages Clarified Inc. Renee Blair Sérgio Santos Patricia Furtado Tony Riquinha Mr. and Mrs. White Restituto Del Rosario Shane Paisana Patricia Hitchcock Tony Shen Muriel Hornby Ricardo Botelho Shannon Liu Patrick O’Rielly Trindade Pontes Mya and Taylor Gassi Ricardo Da Silva Shantelle Macdonald Patrick Yang TSOC Nance Martins Rich Silveira Sharon DeLuca Patsy Lewis Tuggas Contracting Nancy Friday Richard Thompson Shawn Rivers Paul Antoniolli Tyler Brimacombe Natalia Quintal Rickey Dacosta Shirley Boutilier Paul Costa Umberto Martini Natividade Prazeres Rita Raso Shirley Eastman Paul Shrimpton Unilever Canada Neil Woolston Rob DaCosta Shuqing Liang
st st Contributions received from January 1 to December 31 , 2020 are listed above. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If an error has been made, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us to correct the listing. 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 25 Luso Canadian Charitable Society’s 2020 In-Kind Sponsors and Donors
Alfagraf Mercedes-Benz Peterborough Alice Neto Milénio Stadium Antonio Nunes Mississauga Convention Centre Augusta Igreja and Family National Bank Independent Network Bailinho Português Nelson Inacio Bom Dia Nusens Niche Contracting Services Inc. Brampton Brick OMNI (Focus Portuguese) Brazilian Wave (BRZ GROUP INC.) Orkin Canada Breakfast with Santa Foundation Peel Regional Police Camões Entertainment Group Peel Regional Police Toys for Tots Camões Radio Campaign Camões TV PiNK Flamingo Landscaping & Design Casa Loma Progressive Indoor Air Solutions CHIN Radio Revista Amar Churrasqueira Martins Grill House Rotary Club of Mississauga-Meadowvale CIRV Radio 88.9 FM Rui Ramos Correio da Manhã Newspaper Safetech Environmental Ltd. Correio da Manhã TV Senso Group David Mare Senso Group Building Supplies Feed Mississauga Senso Magazine Ferma Unibel Company Ltd. Silva & Son Produce Filomena Vicente Sol Português FPTV Spezza Sanitation Service Gente da Nossa Hallmark Housekeeping Services Inc. Streetsville Founders’ Bread and Honey Festival Imran Hassan Superior Air Duct Cleaning International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 46 Tavora Foods Mississauga Julio DeJesus Th(is) Us Living Keith Jones and Good Company The Keg Steakhouse & Bar Leão D’ouro The Spezza Family Lionhead Golf Club & Conference Centre Tony Arruda Lucy da Silva Toolbx Lusogolf Fundraising Inc. Top-Line Roofing LusoNews Treasure in Clay Macedo Winery Universal Picture Framing & Sports Madhu Wines Memorablia Inc. Marta Pita Upper Canada Native Art Inc. MDC Media Group Inc. World Fine Cars
st st Contributions received from January 1 to December 31 , 2020 are listed above. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If an error has been made, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us to correct the listing. 26 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Support Centre Peel
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 27 Peel Police Chief Celebrating Carnival Nishan Duraiappah with Steel Drums
Visits Peel In the spirit of Carnival, Alysha visited Luso Peel to perform and Luso had a special visit from the newly appointed Peel Police Chief, teach participants about steel Nishan Duraiappah, prior to the pandemic to learn about Luso’s drums. After demonstrating services and history. President Jack Prazeres, Sergeant and Luso different notes on the drums, Board Member Fortunato Manvati and Peter Fonseca, MP Mississauga participants explored and played East-Cooksville accompanied Chief Nishan on a tour of the facility, the drums. Everyone loved the including a demonstration of our popular Snoezelen Room. experience and we are thankful to have Alysha share her talents Chief Duraiappah spoke to participants from Peel and Toronto Centres and kick-off Carnival season about his role in the community and his responsibilities as Chief. Our with Luso! participants were excited to meet the Chief and asked many questions about keeping our community safe and equipment used by the police.
Luso was honoured to have Chief Duraiappah visit our centre and we look forward to seeing him again. Visit from MPP Sheref Sabawy
In early January, Sheref Sabawy, MPP for Mississauga-Erin Mills, visited Luso Peel to meet our participants and enjoy a demonstration of our accessible Snoezelen room. Thank you MPP Sabawy for taking time from your busy schedule to learn more about Luso!
28 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Support Centre Toronto
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 29 IUPAT DC 46 Community Day
Prior to the pandemic, our amazing supporters from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 46 (IUPAT DC 46) came to the Toronto Centre for Community Day, volunteering for an entire day and donating several gallons of paint to give our Centre a fresh new look from top to bottom.
We were excited to have a great team of volunteers, Luso staff and good friends who gave their time to accomplish this big task. The work started early in the morning and it was a busy day as everyone spread out to paint different areas and floors of the centre. IUPAT DC 46 also donated a delicious lunch of Portuguese barbequed chicken for everyone involved.
Upon returning to the Centre, our participants were surprised by the new wall colours and smiled from ear-to-ear! Everyone appreciates their professional work and the beautiful, updated spaces they helped create.
IUPAT DC 46 has been an incredible sponsor for many years and we are grateful for their generosity, especially during these exceptional times. We thank them for choosing our organization as the recipient of their 2020 Community Day initiative and appreciate this act of kindness!
30 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Dr. Paulo Porto Fernandes Visits Toronto
Dr. Paulo Porto Fernandes, Deputy of the Portuguese Republic National Legislature Assembly outside of Europe, visited the Toronto nd Centre on March 2 to learn about Luso’s programs and services. He was impressed by our state-of-the-art equipment and the variety of activities we offer to support the personal development and growth of persons with varying abilities.
Dr. Fernandes took time to greet staff and participants and, after riding our new elevator that accommodates the size of a hospital bed up to the respite floor, he was amazed by the nine lovely, private bedrooms with skylights which provide families with temporary respite relief. We appreciate the time taken by Dr. Fernandes to visit our Centre.
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 31 Luso Support Centre Hamilton
32 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Message from the Hamilton President
Despite the difficulties of the fortunate; the Board members for their continuous commitment past year, I stand proud of and the program staff for their courage and dedication during such a the Luso team, its volunteers difficult time. My sincere gratitude to everyone that contributes to this and supporters. noble cause.
2020 was an unparalleled year of challenges for all of us. The Joe Botelho President pandemic brought hardship to Luso Support Centre Hamilton many for an extended period of time. As an organization, we were not immune to this situation. It was particularly difficult to accept that we needed to close face-to-face programming for participants. This change was quickly accepted by 2020 Hamilton Board of Directors Luso Families who realized that our mission did not change; the means Joe Botelho, President of delivery just needed readjustment. Fátima Custódio, Vice President When we first encountered the challenges of the pandemic, we utilized multiple resources to identify needs among program families Isabel Rodrigues, Secretary and find solutions to best suit those needs. Our team maintained John Carvalho, Treasurer communication with families and offered information and activities in the form of Zoom sessions. In situations with greater needs, we Helena Medeiros, Honourary President delivered prepared meals, food and other provisions donated by individuals and businesses in the community. 2020 Hamilton Ambassadors While the Centre was closed, we utilized this time to repair and A.C.E. Local 1030 maintain the premises. Thanks to a group of volunteers from IUPAT District Council 46, Roysun Contracting and Sherwin-Williams, all Emily Botelho repairs were completed and a fresh coat of paint was applied at no cost Hamilton Paving Inc. to the organization. This was a remarkable gesture from a dedicated group of community members that deserve our utmost admiration. Jacinta and Vítor Ribeiro
In addition, all fundraising efforts were moved online and the Joseph and Enza Mancinelli community support we received was outstanding. I would like to LIUNA Local 506 thank all community members that supported the organization in many ways; businesses and unions for their generous contributions, Manuel and Maria Bastos including those who paid or prepared meals for families less
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 33 Luso Support Centre Hamilton 2020 PSSQL Members 2020 Community Members Adelaide Ferreira Jenny Julião From the beginning, Luso Support Centre Hamilton has been Aldina Couçeiro José Medeiros supported by a number of Luso Community Members who Alice Oliveira José Roque contributed to the establishment, growth and structure of the organization. We thank every member for their continued support. Ana Melo Lubelia Damas Lurdes Ferreira Adérito Pimenta Helena Medeiros António Lima Lurdes Sousa Alcindo Boucinha Isabel Rodrigues António Toste Manuel Leal Artur Mesquita Joe Botelho Carlos Leal Manuela Martins Brenda Fabro John Carvalho Carolina Machado Maria Amaral Chris Dorigo Manuel Simas Conceição Brasil Maria Conceição Raposo Cristina Santos Norela Gomez David Tore Maria Jorgina Paulino Cremilde Cowles Sérgio Santos Filomena Pacheco Maria José Sequeira Donato Nucciarone Susy Nunes Francisco Airoso Natália Gameiro Fátima Custódio Teresa Paula Francisco Lela Natália Oliveira Gina Botelho Venilde Peterson Gabriela Pacheco Paulo Ferreira Greg Daly Gary Roque Grace Vieira Teri Tiffan
Ilda Raposo Zulmira Vieira
Isabel Martins
Isabel Pereira
34 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Updating the Hamilton Centre
During the lockdown, when the ECHO program replaced face-to-face with virtual programming, Luso Hamilton took the opportunity to update our facilities. Recognizing the need for some repairs, a few community partners joined together to refresh the Centre. Thanks to Roysun Contracting and Target Drywall & Acoustics, many repairs were done, including drywall and floors, various bathroom and kitchen issues, including the backsplash and counter, building an additional office, removing rooftop patio stone and replacing it with pressure treated wood. Additionally, we received generous support from IUPAT District Council 46 who applied a fresh coat of paint throughout the Centre, courtesy of Sherwin Williams.
Our most sincere thank you to Joe Botelho and Manny Simas for their outstanding commitment in supporting the repairs at our Hamilton Centre, both for labour and material. Special thanks also to Sherwin Williams and the IUPAT District Council 46 team:
• Bruno Mandic, • Jeff Blyth Business Manager • Nelson Garbett • Nelson Cidade, Business Representative • Oktay Inan
• Armindo Correia • Tom Gibbs
• Franco Santeramo • Walter Qualizza
• Isac Cidade • Zelko Gradiski
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 35 2020 Dia das Amigas
The Dia das Amigas Annual Dinner held in February celebrates camaraderie and friendships, bringing together 450 people for a memorable night of good food and fun. Proceeds from the event directly support the purchase of materials for the ECHO program.
During the event, the“Amigas das Malassadas” presented a cheque for $7,500 from the sale of malassadas. Over a four-month period, these ladies worked evenings and weekends to make and sell these delicious Portuguese donuts, which funded the purchase and installation of a new ceiling lift on the second floor. We sincerely thank the Amigas das Malassadas and everyone who attended the Dia das Amigas for supporting this valuable equipment for individuals with wheelchairs.
Thank you to our 2020 Amigas Event Committee: Adérito Pimenta, Catarina Santos, Fátima Custódio, Helena Medeiros, Isabel Rodrigues, Maria Eccles, Sérgio Santos and Zilda Ribeiro.
36 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Support Centre Hamilton 2020 Sponsors and Donors
Ridgepoint Contracting Inc. Adérito and Maria Pimenta Raymond and Lourdes Buttigieg Roysun Contracting Inc. Alastair Rough Ria Vanderksuk Platinum Target Drywall & Acoustics Bronze Alice Facão Robert and Patricia O’Donnell Alphonso Santos Santos and Capeloa Families Ana Walber Sharon Steffler Angela and Greg Bartolotta Stella Ribeiro City of Hamilton Anne McDowell Steve Turgeon Goverment of Azores Gold Brian Nielsen Teresa Melo Hamilton Community Foundation Christopher Ciavarella Yvette White Diane Johnston Don Bettger Donato and Debra Nucciarone ACE Local 1030 Doug Hynes Catarina and Sérgio Santos Eduardo and Maria Cordeiro Silver CUPE Local 3396 Erin Houle David Duplin and Renee Blair Fernando Ferreira Debbie Turgeon and Christopher Lovett Fiona Rough DESO Construction Ltd. Guilherme Medeiros Gina and Joe Botelho Harris Rebar Hamilton Paving Inc. Health Care Workers of Ontario Jacinta and Vítor Ribeiro Helena Medeiros João and Gorete Gandarinho Ida Glancie John and Margarette Edwards Isabel Rodrigues Joseph and Enza Mancinelli Jackie Fox LIUNA Local 837 John and Maria Moutinho Manuel and Maria Bastos Josephine and Vince Cannizzaro Marina and Brian Bettencourt Kim and Kelly Robinson National Bank Financial, Golf Links Maria and Scott Eccles Road Branch Maria DaCosta Rose Pimenta-Martinho, RE/MAX Marlene Costa Escarpment Realty Inc. Melissa Moniz Sarnjit Singh Nance and Marcio Martins Steel City Deals Natalie Champagne, Champagne Hair
st st Contributions received from January 1 to December 31 , 2020 are listed above. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If an error has been made, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us to correct the listing. 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 37 Luso Support Centre Hamilton 2020 In-Kind Sponsors and Donors
Adérito and Celeste Pimenta Manuel Simas Alcindo Boucinha Manuela Calisto Alda Stewart Maria Carvalho Alice Facão Maria Custódio Alves Meats & Variety Maria Eccles Armindo Correia Maria Julia Goulart Artur Mesquita Maria Lurdes Simas Bianca Amaral Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Blind Tech Installation Michelle Simas Bruno Mandic Nance and Marcio Martins Canadian Tire, Upper James Plaza Natália Rodrigues Carlos Leal Natercia Caçador Chris Dorigo Nelson Cidade Connie Simas Nelson Garbett Costco Ancaster Oktay Inan Elaine Renault Paula Boucinha Emily Botelho Pedro Santos Estrada’s Cleaning Services Inc. Renata Rendeiro and David Santos Evelina Simas Rick Henhawk Fátima Custódio Salomé Ferreira Franco Santeramo Sandra Pereira Gina and Joe Botelho Sérgio and Catarina Santos Harris Rebar and Clara Stanton Sergio Santos Helena Medeiros Sharon Steffler Henriqueta Mendes Stella Ribeiro and Brian Melo Isabel Rodrigues Suzy Nunes Isac Cidade Teresa Paula Silva Jacinta and Vítor Ribeiro Tom Gibbs Jeff Blyth Tomé Santos Joan Pallop Trindade Pontes Julie Medeiros Vagueira Bakery Kelly Pontes, Couture Events Vasco da Gama S.C. Hamilton LIUNA Local 837 Walter Qualizza Luisa de Almeida Zelko Gradiski Manuel Bastos
st st Contributions received from January 1 to December 31 , 2020 are listed above. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If an error has been made, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us to correct the listing. 38 Luso Annual Newsletter 2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Support Centre Hamilton Community Partners
Recognizing the Azorean Government Over the years, the Azorean Government has worked with Luso to ensure that Portuguese history and tradition is included in many cultural activities. This contribution has enriched our work with Luso participants and community members in Hamilton. Our sincere gratitude to the Direção Regional das Comunidades for Hamilton Community Foundation We would like to acknowledge the support of the Hamilton Community their ongoing support! Foundation Emergency Community Support Fund grant to adapt and protect our facility and program participants from COVID-19. Items acquired through this grant included room and table dividers, a disinfectant fogger, an air purifier and technology to support our online programming. Our sincere thanks to the Hamilton Community Foundation for outfitting our program space to be safer for all!
City of Hamilton Thanks to the City of Hamilton Social Services Relief Fund, we were able to offer additional support to families in need during the pandemic. The grant covered some program-related expenses and allowed us to create a safer environment with the purchase of PPE and necessary cleaning supplies such as sanitizers and disinfectants. Thank you to the City of Hamilton for supporting the safe reopening of our program in August by providing appropriate equipment to keep our participants safe and healthy.
2020, A Year Like Never Before Luso Annual Newsletter 39 Luso Support Centre Toronto Luso Support Centre Peel Luso Support Centre Hamilton
2295 St. Clair Avenue West 6245 Mississauga Road 760 Barton Street East Toronto, ON M6N 1K9 Mississauga, ON L5N 1A4 Hamilton, ON L8L 3B1 416-761-9761 905-858-8197 905-522-4612 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Luso Canadian www.lusoccs.org @lusoccs /lusoccs @lusocharities /luso-canadian-charities Charitable Society
Charitable Number: 860258649 RR0001