To celebrate Gianluca's life and honour his legacy, the founders of Gianluca's Gift created the Gianluca's Gift Gala. This elegant evening of dinner and dancing brings together Gianluca's family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, community members, and supporters of Gianluca's Gift and Character Community York Region.
The Gianluca’s Gift Gala is held in support of Character Community York Region, which is a charitable organization that works to engage individuals and organizations in positive character development. Character Community offers various programs and events that promote the benefit that living with character creates in our families, schools, businesses and neighbourhoods by acting as a catalyst for positive change and citizen engagement.
Proceeds from the event support Character Community's Youth Social Justice Day Program, the Slap Shot Hockey Program, and the Gianluca Cellucci Memorial Award (one of the awards presented at the annual Character Community Awards). The award recognizes an individual who performed a selfless act, demonstrated positive character attributes, and made a difference in our community. The Youth Social Justice Day program empowers youth with the tools to make positive character decisions leading to greater civic engagement. A series of student led half day events for 800 students in grades 6-8 that focuses on recognizing the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as guns and gangs, racism, sexism, online safety and oppression through guest speakers and workshops. This program engages youth in the issues of social justice and how they can make a difference in their community. The Slap Shot Hockey Program aims to reduce social isolation and build self-esteem in young people facing barriers through character in sport. It is a free seven-week hockey/character development program for boys and girls ages 8-12 that provides a fun and inclusive introduction to the game of hockey and Canadian culture to children whose ability to participate in recreational sport is limited due to financial and cultural barriers.
Thanks to Film Me Incorporated for this great highlight reel from the 2017 Gala!
Thank you to Ali Bidabadi from CHIN TV for this wonderful video, which was featured on Ora Qui!
Gianluca's Gift committee pictured with CCF volunteers and board members and St. Charles Garnier CES participants in the Slap Shot Hockey program
Congratulations to Reid Boyes - our first ever recipient of the Gianluca Cellucci Memorial Award! In partnership with the Character Community Foundation of York Region, this award was given to an individual who performed a selfless act, demonstrated positive character attributes and made a difference in our community.