Variety the Children’s Charity of Ontario proudly presented the esteemed King Charles III Coronation Medals to six remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. Established in May 2023 to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, the Medal recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada, their province or territory and region.
A ceremony was held at Variety Village to recognize the following recipients:
Judy Black: For 25 years, Judy has worked to help transform the lives of individuals and families at Variety Village, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario, and beyond. She is renowned for her warm and welcoming spirit, her deep understanding of community needs and her exceptional leadership in the membership department. As we honor Judy, we celebrate her commitment to helping children create lasting memories and friendships and ensuring that every family feels embraced and supported.
Susan Zikman Wise: Susan’s leadership and dedication to fostering a positive impact for various charities is profound. Through her tireless efforts, the Variety Village facility has seen remarkable growth and improvement, transforming it into a welcoming and inclusive environment for children of all abilities. Susan’s commitment to enhancing both the physical space and the overall experience for families has created a vibrant community hub that empowers children and members to thrive.
Karen Stintz: As the former CEO of Variety Village, Karen has been a transformative leader dedicated to creating a better tomorrow for children with disabilities. Her passion for inclusivity has fueled the expansion of our services across Ontario, opening new opportunities for engagement in sports such as VOLT Hockey. Through her visionary leadership, Karen has reenergized our commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential in a supportive environment.
Domenic Primucci: As the President of Pizza Nova, Domenic has been a dedicated philanthropist for over 25 years, demonstrating a profound commitment to giving back to the community. His partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario and Variety Village has ensured that no child is turned away due to financial constraints. Domenic’s generosity addresses the immediate needs of children while also inspiring others to engage in charitable giving, fostering a culture of kindness and support within our community.
“It is truly an honour to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal. For over 25 years we have committed to supporting children of all abilities through our partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario and Variety Village,” says Domenic Primucci, president of Pizza Nova. “This recognition reflects the incredible work we’ve accomplished together and the importance of fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion, and community support. I share this honour with my Pizza Nova family and our dedicated partners who continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many children and their families” says Domenic.
Mike Strobel: As a prominent columnist retired from the Toronto Sun and Post Media, Mike has dedicated his writing to amplifying the stories of children with disabilities. His consistent and reliable voice not only recounts their experiences but also educates and inspires the community. Through his impactful narratives, Mike highlights the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities, inspiring individuals to engage and support Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario. His Sun Christmas Fund for Variety Village has raised more than $2 million dollars. Mike’s writing and advocacy has cultivated a deeper understanding and compassion within the community, encouraging collective action to create a brighter future for all children.
James LaPlante: A driven community advocate, James stands out as a passionate attendee at Variety’s events with his participation and generosity at annual fundraisers such as Casino Night and the Annual Golf Fore Kids tournament. His efforts extend to facilitating attendance at events like Argos games, to easing financial burdens for families and supporting summer camp participation. James works diligently to provide families with access to enriching opportunities and is committed to raising awareness and funds to make this a reality.
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