Moving Forward 2015 Newsletter - Volume 1

Moving Forward 2015
There are so many reasons why we do what we do. Vulnerable and at risk York region residents (whether it be victims of physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse or those struggling with poverty or addictions) have survived horrendous circumstances. They need a means to move on with their lives, to restart, and begin rebuilding.

Enter the Moving Forward 2015 Foundation.  Its program, Next Step, provides interest free micro loans to victims rebuilding their lives.  Whether it’s assistance on furnishing an apartment, negotiating with landlords, or supplying moving costs, Moving Forward provides the necessary assistance to get victims on the road to rebuilding their lives.  

Our Mission
To raise awareness, education and funding for vulnerable, at risk residents of York Region. Giving much needed self empowerment, dignity and hope through financial assistance.

Our New Location
On December 18, 2010, we officially opened our office doors at 8763 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario.  The office offers a place for visitors, volunteers and loan applicants to visit, and includes a children’s play area. 

We were very pleased to host several York region politicians, including

Vaughan
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase
Regional Councillor Deb Schulte
Regional CouncillorGino Rosati
Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Ward 3

Richmond Hill
Ward 3 Councillor Castro Liu
Ward 2 Councillor Carmine Perrelli
Deputy Mayor/Regional & Local Councillor Vito Spatafora
Ward 6 Councillor Godwin Chan

Markham
Ward 2 Councillor Howard Shore

Vaughan Mayor Bevilacqua and Richmond Hill Deputy Major Spatafora cutting the ribbon for the offical opening of the
Moving Forward location.

President Georgina Lee with Councillors.

Peter and Wendy DaSilva of Cornerstone Insurance present a $2,500 cheque to the board of Moving Forward.

Special thanks to all our sponsors who made our office opening possible:

North York Tile, Concord, Ontario
Benjamin Moore Paints, Concord, Ontario
Yorkwest Plumbing, Concord, Ontario
Aqua Designs, Concord, Ontario
Electrical Services
Plumbing Services (subcontracted through Yorkwest Plumbing)
Tony Gentile & Family
One Touch Sound & Visual

Our Team


Moving Forward's Board of Directors, November, 2010.

The Moving Forward 2015 group consists of:

Al Almedia – Director
Dave Burin - Director
Tony Dibattista - Director and Board Treasurer
Georgina Lee - Director and Board President
Lucy Masi -Director and Board Secretary
Luigi Presta – Director and Board Vice President
Pat Ciulla - Nominated new Board Member
Nadine Evans - Nominated new Board Member

Getting Involved
There are so many different ways to show your support for Moving Forward!

Cornerstone Insurance Brokers Staff Make a Difference!
Woodbridge based Cornerstone contacted Moving Forward to let them know the insurance brokerage was interested in giving as part of their charitable donation program, Cornerstone Cares. In addition to donating a $2,500 cheque at official office opening on December 18, the staff has continued their fundraising efforts throughout the new year. So far, they've held severel 'dress down' weeks, where staff members contribute what they can in exchange for casual dress, and they held a Valentine's Day themed fundraiser. There are several more functions planned, as Cornerstone continues their quest to help out Moving Forward.

Cornerstone staff members showing their support.

How you can get involved
There are so many ways you can make a difference - by contributing to the Next Step Loans program, you can rest assured that all the proceeds of your donation goes directly into helping those who desperately need it. For more information about how you can volunteer, attend our various events, or simply make a donation, please contact mailto:info@movingforward2015.com or call us at 416 566 9782.


Special Thanks to:

And to Jessica Puglielli, our Seneca College student volunteer who works two days each week with the Moving Forward 2015 team. Her efforts have been invaluable.

A message from our President
A small group of friends can make an enormous difference. In only 18 month the Moving Forward Foundation has moved from informal meetings around the kitchen table, to the board room, a very purple board room. Motivated by personal reasons and experiences, members of the Moving Forward Foundation continue to move forward raising funds to help York Region residents who are vulnerable and at risk. 

I cannot tell you how proud I am of the inroads we’ve made in a just a short time. As of 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 31, 2011, we have given $12,000 in interest free micro loans through the Next Step Loan program - helping 12 families to begin rebuilding their lives free of violence and oppression.

That said, we still have so much to do to continue Moving Forward.  Thank you to all of you – your support has meant more than words can say.

Sincerely,
Georgina Lee

The above chart shows how Next Step loan recipients are allocating the funds.

 

Upcoming Events

Evening of Dancing...have a night out for Moving Forward!

Location: Marlowe Restaurant and Wine Bar, 155 York Blvd, Unit 1, Richmond Hill
Date: Thursday, April 28, 2011
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Ticket Price: $40/person which includes admission, gourmet appetizers, and 2 complimentary drink tickets
Evening will feature: Raffle, silent auction table, and dancing

All proceeds go towards the Next Step Loans Program.

Click here to visit our facebook page with more information.

To order tickets, please contact Georgina or Lucy at info@movingforward2015.com

Thanks to all our Moving Forward event participants and volunteers who made our previous events such a success!

Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament, February 2011
Launch of Next Step and 1 year anniversary, November 2010
Battle of the Bands, May 2010
Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament, February 2010

 

Political Support
To date, Georgina Lee and Lucy Masi have completed deputations to all municipal township councils in the York region, presented to each council on Moving Forward and the Next Step Loans program. The support from each group has been overwhelming! Thanks to the Town of Aurora, Town of Markham, the Town of Richmond Hill, Town of Newmarket and the City of Vaughan.

Town of Georgina Mayor Grossi shows
his support for Moving Forward.


City of Vaughan Maurizio Bevilacqua poses with retired CFL quarterback Damon Allen at a Moving Forward fundraiser.

Moving Forward in the News!
Read more about the Moving Forward 2015 Foundation and the Next Step Loan program in the press:

York Region Press
SNAP Georgina

Donation Update
Special thanks to the groups below for their donation efforts for Moving Forward.

RBC, 211 Marycroft Road, Woodbridge - The RBC location held a raffle in aid of Moving Forward.

Esso, Lanstaff & Highway 27, Woodbridge - location donated $300 which was matched by Esso's head office. Total donation of $600.

Behind the Scenes
We've had much to do since our inception, and with the work of many volunteers powered by countless cups of coffee, we've managed to get everything done. Below are some pictures of behind the scenes at Moving Forward.

Tony and Georgina working together to help furnish an apartment for a Next Step recipient.

Helping out where we can!

Lucy preparing for our November gala.

 

Junior Moving Forward Team
An enormous thanks to an amazing group of volunteers from St. Joan of Arc high school in Maple, including team lead Adriena Tari.

Georgina Lee and Lucy Masi with Moving Forwards Youth Volunteer group.

Thanks to everyone for all of your support! With you, Moving Forward 2015 and our Next Step Program can continue to provide invaluable aid to victims rebuilding their lives!