Abrigo Centre’s “Community is our Strength” Gala Sets New Standards
$86,000 was raised in support of Abrigo’s Gender-based Violence program
DISCOVER | Gerald Luciano, Manager, Fundraising and Communications | 26 de maio de 2025
Art, music and philanthropy were the highlights of the Abrigo Centre’s “Community is our Strength” fundraising gala held Saturday March 22, 2025 at the Pearson Convention Centre. With more than 280 guests and 30 corporate sponsors in attendance, a total of $86,000 was raised in support of Abrigo’s Gender-based Violence program that serves more than 500 women and their children each year.
Viana Roofing & Sheet Metal (Manuel da Costa)
An event of this size and sensation would not be possible without the generous patronage of community-minded corporate sponsors. Leading the charge was the event’s Presenting Sponsor LiUNA Local 183 who continued for another year taking on the lead role. Among the other principal sponsors were Viana Roofing & Sheet Metal (photo), the Canadian Council of Construction Unions, and LiUNA OPDC. A record 27 other corporate sponsors joined the party, and each helped make the event a tremendous success.
The 2025 Gala Committee, co-chaired this year by Abrigo Board members Susy Henriques and Jessica Raposo, spent months building the perfect evening consisting of live art, an incredible band, fabulous food and sharing information about the Gender-based Violence program at Abrigo. One highlight was Abrigo Board member David Pereira delivering brief but magnificent remarks about the importance of men becoming allies in the struggle to eliminate domestic violence.
Abrigo’s Gender-based Violence program
With the safety and confidentiality of each client in mind, Abrigo’s Gender-based Violence program offer services and expertise to meet a woman’s immediate and long-term needs. Counsellors provide help with crisis intervention, emotional support and referrals to external services. Individual and group counselling are also available in English and Portuguese and are designed to support each woman’s safety and wellbeing.
Three talented painters created a painting live on-site
The event’s Master of Ceremonies was radio personality Christine Cardoso and the evening’s featured entertainment, the Supersonic Hearts Band, had everyone on the dance floor rocking out to Motown classics and modern dance hits after formal program. Throughout the night, three talented painters, Stella Jurgen, Nisreen Askar and Paula Anderson each created a painting live on-site that was later auctioned off to great success.
Centerpieces for 37 tables
A special thank you must be extended to the amazing group of eight seniors in Abrigo’s Life and Hope program who created beautiful centerpieces for each of our 37 tables. Every table had a handcrafted trio of bottles decorated primarily in purple and silver, the colour theme of the evening, and transformed them into spectacular one-of-a-kind items. At the end of the evening, one lucky guest at each table took home the creation home with the highest donation bid.
Silent auction filled with almost 80 different items
Another shining moment of the night was an incredible silent auction filled with almost 80 different items all secured through the support of local business and donors. Their kind generosity proved the perfect example of the theme community is our strength.
Abrigo can’t thank our sponsors, donors and guests enough for the wonderful support the agency received at this year’s event. Looking ahead, bookmark your calendars for the 2026 event slated for March 28th at the Pearson, it promises to be another wonderful experience for all!
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