In loving memory of Mario Paolella

With the holiday season and my birthday slowly approaching, I have decided to raise money and awareness for a special organization close to my heart. Growing up, I remember my dad constantly telling my brother and I the importance of helping others and demonstrated his actions by constantly helping those around him, especially those at 6 St. Joseph House. Seeds of Hope Foundation is an organization that provides assistance to St. Joseph House through volunteers, funds and other resources. Seeds of Hope works hand-in-hand with various of organizations including CAMH to provide therapy and treatment, Inner City Health, 416 Drop-in& Health Centre, M-DOT which responds to calls to help individuals living on the street, Sanctuary to provide immediate housing for someone who cannot adapt to a shelter, St John the Compassionate Mission which manages one of the TCHC houses, Margaret’s Place which provides support to women needing help, Second Harvest that provides food for the meal programs, Bell Canada who sponsors the artists’ mural program on hydro boxes.

St. Joseph House is a place of friendship that fosters a sense of community for those who are taking the next step in livelihood changes. This organization allows people to feel at “home” and part of a community full of people who are ready to help others. St. Joseph house is a creative resource where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their talents, feel a sense of belonging and receive support from one another. It is a place where positive life changes are reasonable goals and where people of all backgrounds come together to lead assistance programs and activities. From the beginning, the goal has been to invite people to work together and support those taking the next steps out of addiction, social isolation, panhandling, homelessness as well as providing mental health resources.

My father volunteered to help those around him and those who once helped him and I would like to keep that tradition going.  In lieu of gifts this holiday/birthday season, I will be accepting donations to raise awareness and funds for the organization that once helped my dad in his time of need. No donation is too small and my dad always taught me that it’s the thought that counts. For more information, feel free to click the link  to learn more about 6 St. Joseph House or message me personally for other ways to contribute. Your thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time have truly meant the world to me and I can’t thank each and every one of you enough for going out of your way to ensure that my brother and I have the support and love we need. Thank you and Happy Holidays! About 6 St. Joseph House