Active Green + Ross - Community News
     

The following news articles feature many of the community initiatives Active Green + Ross has been involved with in the past.
COSTI’s Ralph Chiodo Family Immigrant Reception Centre PDF Print E-mail
 

COSTI’s newly renovated downtown building will now be known as The Ralph Chiodo Family Immigrant Reception Centre. The edifice at 100 Lippincott Street was built 90 years ago, and for the past 22 years has offered temporary shelter to over 15,000 refugees. The building is being re-named today after the well-known Calabrian entrepreneur, Ralph Chiodo, president of Active Green & Ross and head of Peel Chrysler Fiat, who donated $300,000 towards renovations. The project, costing $3 million, was completed thanks to contributions by the federal and provincial governments, each donating $1 million to COSTI. The remaining $1 million comes from fundraising by several entities in the private sector such as Fausto Gaudio’s Banca Italiana IC Savings.

130 people gathered in front of the historic building for the ribbon cutting. Also present were Don Meredith, and Charles Souse, the Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

“This is a big day for us. We’ve been waiting many years to renovate the centre which has been in operation for 22 years,” affirms Mario Calla, executive director of COSTI. “It was in bad condition recently. The federal and provincial governments came to the rescue, as well as, obviously, the great contribution by Ralph Chiodo and his family, and the support of IC Savings. Today it’s a safe and comfortable centre for refugees who come to us directly from the airport. It’s their first home, so we want it to be the best possible.”

The structure offers a fundamental service for those arriving to Canada with refugee status.

“This structure has 42 bedrooms and can accommodate 100 persons,” comments Yasmine Dossal, social services director for COSTI. “Refugees remain here about 10 to 15 days, we help find them a stable arrangement, as well as offer them food and assistance. We receive about 850 people a year. It took us about a year to renovate the building. We’re happy and proud of these accommodations. Anyone coming here has the right to get the best assistance possible.”

Chiodo is involved almost full time in the social services sector – with Pasta Festa for example, a charity event he organizes annually that has raised over one million dollars for the Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga over seven years. The Calabrian entrepreneur explains the reason for his contribution to COSTI.

“The Honourable Frank Iacobucci (former Supreme Court judge, and member of COSTI’s administrative council) asked me to make a donation for this important building, and I couldn’t come short. COSTI represents immigrants and I’m an immigrant. Years ago I found myself having to go to school to obtain a work permit and COSTI was ready to help me. Then, I didn’t need to do that course, but either way I’m still grateful.”

As of today, the Reception Centre is named after him – a name that will forever remain in the community’s history.

“I received much in my life, and this is the right opportunity to give back a bit of my fortune to the community,” Chiodo continues. “There are many generous people in this magnificent country who deserve it. I left Italy with an empty cardboard suitcase, then I had some good luck and now the moment has come to pay back.” Chiodo admits to having gained much satisfaction from his life related to social services, and COSTI is one of these. “I had the fortune of being part of the organization of Pier 21, which has become a national museum. Then came COSTI, which gives me great pleasure, and I hope to be able to continue to help these people.”
 
COSTI Reception Centre Renamed for Ralph Chiodo PDF Print E-mail
 

100 Lippincott Street to be renamed The Ralph Chiodo Family Immigrant Reception Centre

Formal announcement to be made at:

COSTI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Jane St. Hub, 1541 Jane Street 6:00 pm

Toronto – The Honourable Frank Iacobucci, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and a Director on COSTI’s Board, to announce the renaming of the COSTI Reception Centre to The Ralph Chiodo Family Immigrant Reception Centre on Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 1541 Jane Street, 6:00 pm. Ralph Chiodo has pledged $300,000 towards the renovation of the 90 year old heritage building. COSTI’s Reception Centre provides temporary shelter and initial settlement services to Government Assisted Refugees referred to COSTI by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The governments of Canada and Ontario have entered into a partnership with COSTI to refurbish the temporary shelter at 100 Lippincott Street, with each partner investing one-third of the total project cost. Canada’s funding is part of its new national Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which was unveiled in January 2009. Ontario’s matching contribution is provided through the 2009 Ontario Budget.

Over the past 20 years, the residence on Lippincott Street in Toronto has been a first “home” in Canada for over 20,000 refugees – a safe haven for thousands of refugees, with staff providing nutritious meals, arranging for health and supportive counselling, community services and providing orientation to life in Canada’s largest city. “We are honoured to announce that the 100 Lippincott Street location will proudly bear the name The Ralph Chiodo Family Immigrant Reception Centre”, states Bruno M. Suppa, President of COSTI. “Ralph has made a significant contribution to the community and continues to devote his time and energy towards initiatives that recognize the contribution of immigrants and newcomers to Canada. His ongoing philanthropic work will leave a legacy for many years to come”.

Ralph Chiodo is a very active member of the community and involved in many charitable organizations and events. While involved in running the day to day businesses he owns - Active Green + Ross Tire & Automotive Centres, Peel Chrysler Jeep Dodge and his own construction company, Ralph finds time to give back to the community and to support those less fortunate. He has raised over half a million dollars for the Trillium Health Centre through his annual “Pasta Fest”, has held various fundraising initiatives for Pier 21 and is also a benefactor. Una Casetta in Canada, the name of the exhibit at Pier 21, Canada’s Immigration Museum, celebrates the story of Ralph and Rose Chiodo as well as other immigrants who came to Canada to realize their dream.

COSTI Immigrant Services is a community-based multicultural agency providing employment, educational, and social services to new Canadians and all individuals in need of assistance. Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, COSTI’s Reception Centre provides temporary accommodation and initial settlement services to government-assisted refugees, childcare and housing services. In addition, an Art Therapy Program offers traumatized refugee children the opportunity to express themselves through art.

Since 1952, COSTI has been helping those in need, providing hope to refugee families, protecting women and children, strengthening families, combating racism and discrimination, and assisting all those who function at a disadvantage in society. With a staff of over 370 people, speaking more than 60 languages, COSTI strives to ensure that all individuals, regardless of language, cultural, or financial barriers, are given the opportunity to use their existing skills, learn new ones, and participate in all aspects of Canadian life. COSTI presently provides support to over 43,000 individuals annually through 17 service locations.
 
Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade PDF Print E-mail
 

Active Green+Ross is a proud supporter of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade.


 
 
First Fiat 500 in Canada sold at Auction PDF Print E-mail
 

October 17, 2010, Chrysler Canada donated Canada's first Fiat 500 to the live auction at Toronto's 17th annual Venetian Ball. The ball was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with all proceeds benefiting Villa Charities.

"Chrysler Canada and Fiat are proud to donate Canada's very first Fiat 500 to support Villa Charities," said Reid Bigland, Chrysler Canada President and CEO.

About Villa Charities
Since its formation in 1971 to provide culturally sensitive care for an elderly Italian-Canadian population, Villa Charities has extended its mandate to include support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Building on its rich Italian-Canadian heritage, and by living life with Italian passion, the Villa Charities family of organizations has grown to include Villa Colombo Services for Seniors, Columbus Centre, VITA Community Living Services, Mens Sana and Villa Colombo Vaughan Di Poce Centre. Recognizing its relevance across generations, Villa Charities is launching new initiatives to promote quality of life, health and wellness, youth engagement, the creation of new knowledge and investment in new technologies.   

Of course the successful bidder was Ralph Chiodo founder of Active Green+Ross.

 
 
Pasta Festa has now exceeded its half-million dollar pledge to the Trillium Health Centre PDF Print E-mail
 

For six years Pasta Festa has united Italian physicians from Trillium Health Centre, Board member Ralph Chiodo, President of Active Green + Ross Tire & Automotive Centre, Ethel Taylor, volunteer and Board member 'extrordinaire' and a community of generous supporters who enjoy good wine, good food, great company and a wonderful cause.

The results have exceeded all expectations! Pasta Festa surpassed its half-million dollar pledge to the Trillium capital campaign in 2007.  This is recognized on a plaque in the Main Reception of Trillium’s Surgicentre at West Toronto – the largest free standing day surgery centre in North America.

Pasta Festa has now completed its 7th year in support of programs and equipment at Trillium.  The Foundation is deeply grateful to Ralph, Ethel and all those who participate in this festive, annual event. When Trillium docs exchange their scalpels, stethoscopes and scrubs for serving spoons and aprons and pitch in to help with the feasting and fundraising – all the ingredients make for a tremendous evening. 
 
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