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All Kids Can Play sponsors dish up pasta dinners for families
Sport Aurora initiative finds way to score while COVID-19 freezes activity
COMMUNITY 10:48 PM by John Cudmore Aurora Banner
Aurora realtors Mauro Bucci and Angie Vallelunga (centre) are providing free meals for families they would typically support in the All Kids Can Play program. The meals are provided by Aw, Shucks! bistro. Sport Aurora chair Ron Weese holds a takeout meal beside Chef Alex Abate. - Steve Somerville/Torstar
The role of Sport Aurora’s All Kids Can Play initiative is to ensure children are able to participate in sports by proving a financial boost for their families.
Since COVID-19 has forced the provincial government to shut down non-essential services, including sport and recreation programs, the program has been at a standstill.
Enter program sponsors Mauro Bucci and Angie Vallelunga to contribute in another way to help families feeling the economic pinch.
The tandem from MEandANG Real Estate — part of Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc. — purchased and distributed 33 dinners-for-four to AKCP families April 29. The local realtors purchased discounted pasta meals from Aw, Shucks! Oyster Bar & Bistro in Aurora. “In these difficult times, when everyone’s lives are affected in one way or another by the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to make a difference,” said Vallelunga, “and offer these families an enjoyable evening in their home, without having to cook a meal for one night.”
As of January, 259 children had been assisted by the All Kids’ program through total donations of nearly $63,000 by more than 30 community sources, including service and sports organizations, individuals and businesses.
“It is all about making a difference for families in need while supporting a local restaurant,” added Bucci.
The fund currently sits at just over $12,000. It is feared, however, that funds will be depleted within two months of return-to-play under normal circumstances.
“We believe that more children than ever will be in need due to adverse family finances,” said Ron Weese, president of Sport Aurora, which initially launched the program in 2012.
The program was relaunched last November following a realignment of operations. A GoFundMe Page will be set up to accept donations to Aurora All Kids Can Play.
by John Cudmore
John Cudmore is an award-winning journalist who has covered sports and breaking news in York Region since 1981.
Email: jcudmore@yrmg.com Facebook Twitter
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