The Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation has continuously supported survivors of violence by funding the construction of our Anne Marie D’Amico Community Collective, which opened in 2020. The Collective serves as a resources hub for survivors to access health, housing, legal, and many more support services that address their essential needs. This support also covers healing programming for children and adults to equip them with the skills they need to restore their independence and self-reliance. The Collective was created in response to the growing need of community services for survivors of gender-based violence and, every year, the impact benefits hundreds of survivors in our community. 

 

 

Anne Marie D’Amico, a kind, loving and community-driven young woman, tragically lost her life in an act of gender-based violence, the 2018 Yonge Street van attack. Following her loss, the D’Amico family set up the Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation in her memory, working to change the trajectory of the lives of survivors of gender-based violence and to make our world a kinder place. This June, the Foundation hosted their event, ‘High Tea with Anne Marie’, a fundraiser to raise money for services offered to the community via the Community Collective set up in Anne Marie’s name.

 

High Tea with Anne Marie brought together supporters, community members, and allies who share a commitment to creating safer futures for survivors of gender-based violence. The event was a celebration of Anne Marie’s legacy and the collective impact that can be achieved when a community comes together in support of an important cause. 

 

The event included a silent auction, live saxophonist, a delicious array of sandwiches, treats and teas, and a video presentation about the impact of the Anne Marie D’Amico Community Collective. Staff, management and Board members from the NYWS team were honoured to attend and meet the Foundation’s community. Through their participation and support, attendees helped to make an incredible lasting difference in the lives of those accessing services at North York Women’s Shelter.  

Sweet Support from Nestle  

To further honour “Tartaruga” Anne Marie and add a special touch to the High Tea event, Nestlé Canada generously donated hundreds of Turtles chocolates for guests attending the event, as well as for survivors staying at North York Women’s Shelter. 

 

This thoughtful contribution brought moments of joy to survivors and supporters alike while helping create a warm and personalized atmosphere throughout the event, keeping Anne Marie with us at each table. Partnerships with organizations like Nestlé strengthen our ability to host meaningful events that raise awareness and critical funds for survivors and families rebuilding their lives after violence. 

 

Following the event, the Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation subsequently donated an amazing $50,000 to North York Women’s Shelter – a truly transformative donation which will bring hope to women, children and vulnerable families in need. This gift will enable a newcomer to begin creating her own community, a child to access dedicated mental health care, and a mother to choose a new safe home for herself and her children. 

 

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Carmela, Rocco, Frances, Nick, Rocco, Alyssa and all at the Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation who made this incredible fundraiser possible. Your $50,000 donation will create impact for countless survivors of gender-based violence, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to safely move forward to their next chapter.