The Vaughan Citizen asked some of its political and community leaders what was the best gift they ever received and why. Here’s what they said:
‘The biggest gift I have ever received was at age 10 when I immigrated to Canada. That year, I rejoined my father who left for Canada four years earlier to seek a better life for me, my siblings and my mother. Our family of four was reunited, making that Christmas a very special one. The best gifts are always the ones that lift your heart and bring your joy, happiness and fulfillment.’
Maurizio Bevilacqua
Mayor
‘The entire Dr. Seuss book collection — from my soul mate, Lily. A daily reminder that “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. Its not.’
Daniele Zanotti
United Way of York Region CEO
‘The best gift I have received is to have my 96-year-old grandmother spend the holidays with my family this year. Being around family is important and it has been great to have grandma share many holiday experiences. I’m very grateful to have four generations under the same roof during this special time of year. It really helps keep things in perspective about what is important in life.’
Altaf Stationwala
Mackenzie Health President & CEO
‘The best Christmas gift I ever received was a Kodak Hawkeye box camera I received from my parents in 1955. The reason being, the huge number of photographs that resulted and that now have become a treasure of fond, lifelong family memories.’
Julian Fantino
Vaughan MP
‘My two beautiful, healthy daughters are the best gifts that I have ever received. My wife and I are extremely blessed to have them and being the best father I can to them is my greatest responsibility. I am thankful for them and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that our community continues to be as good for them as it has been for me.’
Steven Del Duca
Vaughan MPP
‘The best present I ever received was one I received four times — my four grandchildren. An old friend once told me grandchildren are God’s gift to you for surviving your own children. They bring joy to an otherwise dreary or sad day. Their smiles, their hugs are priceless. You can spoil them and their parents will discipline them. They come for a visit and when they are tired they go home. My best presents are Lucas, Nicholas, Jessica and Alexander. I am thankful for their love, not only at this time of year, but all year long.’
Dina Palozzi
Mackenzie Health Board Chairperson
‘The greatest gift was my three children. But nothing gave me even more joy, in a span of six years, than having six grandchildren. Having them around me, as I babysat for them when they were growing up, were the happiest days of my life. Going to the park on a sunny day, making believe we were on an island and stranded. My husbandand I live for all our family.’
Isabella Ferrara
Driving force behind SAVI (Seniors Association of Vaughan Initiative
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