On Saturday, April 1, an Under-10 City of Vaughan Hockey Association house league team, led by head coach Paolo Di Zazzo, will be hosting Safehaven Skates Day at The Sports Village in Vaughan.
The event will provide individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, genetic disorders, and other complex care needs the opportunity to feel the joy of being on the ice. Di Zazzo’s team, the Seven View Chrysler Marlies, will join the Safehaven participants, creating a buddy system to help many get around the ice.
This will be the second annual event, with the first coming just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Being able to participate in activities like skating allows our clients to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion that they deserve,” Susan Bisaillon, Chief Executive Officer of Safehaven, shared. “We are so grateful to Paolo and everyone else who has helped organize this event and volunteer their time to make our clients feel special.”
Safehaven believes in the motto of #WeBelong, recognizing that their clients live full, meaningful lives not defined by development disabilities and medically complex care needs. Safehaven strives to ensure their clients have positive experiences and enjoy recreational activities that enable them to reach their highest level of functioning and participation.
Safehaven Skates Day will provide just that for many participants.
“Each year my goal is to introduce the opportunity of giving back to the community,” Di Zazzo said of spearheading this initiative with his team. “With the support of Safehaven, the CVHA, and the GTHL, our Safehaven Skates Day will be another success where families from Safehaven and my team will come together to experience a day of fun and inclusion. This is the fundamental definition of a team.”
Safehaven works to go the extra mile to deliver respite, residential, and transitional care that not only exceeds the highest standards but feels non-institutional and allows clients to have fun, develop friendships, and feel a part of a community. Safehaven believes every individual has the right to experience life to the fullest regardless of their physical or mental disabilities.
The second annual Safehaven Skates Day will take place from 4:45-6:15pm on April 1.
Safehaven is a not-for-profit organization that has provided residential and respite care to individuals with medical complexities and developmental disabilities for over 30 years. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for our clients, where they can live with dignity and respect because we all belong.
With six locations across the GTA, Safehaven has served thousands of individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, genetic disorders, and other complex care needs. Partnering with clients, families, agencies, and other organizations, Safehaven provides exceptional care to meet the unique needs of our clients.
