Vaughan African Canadian Association 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

Vaughan African Canadian Association 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Awards Show August 1, 2013 Congratulations Award Recipients

Simple Beginnings VACA was formed on August 3, 2003 by a group of teachers concerned with the growing drop out rate of students from the African-Caribbean community, and lack of direct community programs that met specific cultural needs of these students, in particular young black males. Our mission was to “build, and sustain the community by providing innovative programs and services. ” We met in libraries, basements, coffee shops and living rooms to develop a business plan for the organization and begin the task of making a difference in the community, working with stakeholders, being proactive and not reactive, and creating long-lasting, trustworthy friendships and partnerships in the community. Our simple beginnings have led to 10 years of service, support and community programming.

September, 2006 After 3 years without office space, we had our official Open House at our new location with former Mayor Michael Di Biase in attendance to mark the occasion.

Our S. T. A. R. T. Program (Saturday Tutoring and Remedial Teaching). Below: Our Pledge, students in the program having snack and students participating at our Summer Arts camp.

In 2007, VACA partnered with the Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration, Tropicana Community Center and Queen’s University to take 80 inner-city youth to Dresden and Windsor for a underground railroad trip to visit the first school, and church built by free slaves and Josiah Henson’s home (Uncle Tom’s Cabin).

Our greatest gift. Our greatest loss: Ephraim Brown (Sept. 13, 1995 -July 22, 2007) Ephraim Brown and his sister attended our Saturday tutorial program. He was a handsome, remarkable, shy child. His family lived in Jane/Sheppard and attended our program because they felt it was “safe. ” Ephraim was shot and killed at a backyard birthday party on July 22, 2007, four weeks after attending our Saturday tutoring program end of summer picnic celebration. He was a smart, beautiful child. He lost his life at 11 years old and dreamed of becoming a Pilot.

August 4, 2007 VACA’s Fundraiser for Ephraim Brown’s Family. Below: Former Mayor, Linda Jackson, Mario Racco, Councillors Gino Rosati, Sandra Racco, Michael Di Biase and MPP Judy Sgro speaking to the crowd at the fundraiser.

Pictures below: Touring Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the . Underground Railroad Museum with students

At Muskoka with the campers at Camp Jumoke, a specialized camp for children with sickle cell disease. VACA is raising awareness about the disease and working towards greater awareness for children’s oncology diseases.

VACA organized a Black history month conference at Vaughan Secondary School Feb. 2012. Below: Students listening intently to performance artists, Subliminal, Councillor Alan Shefman addresses the students, our wonderful MC’s Kiesha and Kevon and our student volunteers.

February, 2012, VACA partnered with several organizations in York Region, including: the Markham African Caribbean Association, Black Family & Community Networks, Legacy for Youth, the Jules Foundation, the Ontario Black History Society and Destiny Outreach Group to plan a community Black history month conference held in Thornhill.

VACA partnered with World Vision to raise funds for an . AIDS orphanage in South Africa

Official Launch of Cari. Vaughan, 2012 at Luxy Nightclub. Below: With Mayor Bevilacqua and Regional Councillor Gino Rosati. Cari. Vaughan organizers present Mayor Bevilacqua with a traditional African shirt (Dashiki).

The only Caribbean Carnival in York Region, happens right here in Vaughan; Cari. Vaughan.

Official Launch of Cari. Vaughan, 2012 at Luxy Nightclub. Below: Cari. Vaughan organizers with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Councillor Tony Carella and Luxy Management.

Cari. Vaughan, 2012 held at Vaughan City Hall

10 Years of … -working with families -students -seniors -developing and presenting workshops -working with hospitals -working with Vaughan Council -working with York Region District School Board -working with York Catholic District School Board -working with York Regional Police -Provincial and Federal politicians -Advocating for patients -Advocating for equity in education

Moving Forward. What’s Next? Children’s Oncology Disorders Raising funds and awareness for a Children’s Oncology Wing at the Mc. Kenzie Health Hospital (Vaughan Campus) Health Expo & Caribbean Cultural Month October 2013, Health Expo A month-long cultural celebration beginning August, 2014 that celebrates the culture of the Caribbean. Stay tuned….

Thank you “Those that give of their time, energy and support know intrinsically that we are all purposed in this life to make a difference; to use our talents and skills in honour of the good. ”

Vaughan African Canadian Association 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Awards Show Congratulations Award Recipients