RO on the GO! : Million Dollar Smiles Project - Bringing joy to GTA kids with medical adversities

Building a Playground for Smiles
July 11
Although every charity is important, those gearing to children always seem to mean the most to me. A couple of week ago I was at a home in Brampton for the Million Dollar Smiles "Playground Program" - an initiative I strongly support. Partnering with the Rotary Club of Brampton Heart Lake, volunteers built a backyard playground for little 2 year-old Naia who is undergoing treatment for Leukemia. An unexpected gift like this brings a smile and warms the heart of a child which, I believe, can also positively effect and influence their health. MDS is a non-for-profit organization founded by Anna Mangiafridda Lopes and was created as a means of providing emotional support for children going through medical adversities. Congratulations to this incredible lady and her volunteers who, along with generous support given by sponsors, celebrated their 100th playground build!! Anna teaches us that putting a smile on a child's face can make the world of difference.
For more information on MDS and sponsorship visit:
http://milliondollarsmiles.ca/home

Halloween for Smiles
October 30
I haven't been to Halloween party like this in years! (hat and boots courtesy of my dad's trip to Texas). Props to MDS for organizing an incredible evening benefiting children with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. Created as a means of providing emotional support, what I love most about this charity is its absolute pure and simple purpose - to put smiles on children's faces while they go through their various adversities.

Founder Anna Lopes and Vaughan mayor, Maurizio Bevilacqua

Domenic Falvo, Tony Monaco

Alfedo and Carmela DiGenova

Salvatore Indovino & Tony Monaco

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

Alessandra Piccolo

Annual Teddy Bear Delivery
December 13
There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a bright smile on a child's face after you knock on their door holding a humongous teddy bear!!! Especially when it's a child dealing with a medical adversity. It was another record breaking year as MDS volunteers delivered over 270 giant size teddy bears throughout the GTA and beyond. Accompanied by $100 Toys R Us gift cards and smaller bears for siblings, this annual event is held at Christmastime and benefits children with life-threatening illness and disabilities. A warm hug to Domenic Meffe, Monte Carlo Inn - Vaughan Suites who offered space at his location as a launching pad for volunteers... he is a real gem!