King residents honoured with ‘Caring Awards’

February 19, 2014 · 0 Comments

Governor General of Canada David Johnston and his wife Sharon presented King’s Manuel DaCosta with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award last week for his volunteer work.
Photo by MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall

By Mark Pavilons
Two King residents were honoured along with their peers at a special presentation in Toronto last week.
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston were in Toronto, promoting the arts and non-profit sectors.
They were treated to a black light theatrical performance by Famous PEOPLE Players. His Excellency presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to five members of the organization for their contributions to its sustainability.
And that group included two King residents.
Robert Angeloni of King City is the president and CEO of CVC Communications Agency. He has volunteered his time and resources to Famous PEOPLE Players for more than 15 years. From hosting impromptu recording sessions and designing promotional material, to developing and maintaining the group’s website, Angeloni has been engaged in many aspects of the organization.
He has also shaped the board of directors into what it is today, having recruited many other talented volunteers who advocate for persons with developmental and physical disabilities.
Angeloni was unable to attend the ceremony.
Manuel DaCosta is the president of Viana Roofing and has volunteered with Famous PEOPLE Players for the past five years, helping with the upkeep and maintenance of the facility. He has contributed extensively to Toronto’s Portuguese community as the founder of the Camões House for the Aged and co-founder of the Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers, a museum that preserves the stories of early Portuguese immigrants. DaCosta also created the Portuguese-Canadian Walk of Fame, to recognize those who have enhanced Portuguese culture in Canada.
The governor general addressed senior leaders and volunteers from the not-for-profit sector at the Association of Fundraising Professionals D3 Leadership Conference.
Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens.
The award also brings to light the example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character. For more information about this award, visit www.gg.ca/caring.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2014, the internationally renowned Famous PEOPLE Players company was founded by Diane Lynn Dupuy, and has become a Canadian national treasure. Dedicated to helping those who are developmentally challenged, the performances include exceptional achievements from those who have dared to believe in themselves. Governors general have been patrons of the Famous PEOPLE Players since 2006.
For more information, please visit www.FamousPeoplePlayers.com.