Caritas campaign aims for $1 million

TORONTO-After a dispute with its landlord forced the Caritas Foundation out of its headquarters of the past 16 years, the North York Catholic charity hopes to raise $1 million to build its own centre.

More than 400 people gathered at its biggest annual fundraising gala to date on March 27 at The Royalton Banquet Hall.
All proceeds of the black tie, $200-a-ticket event were donated to fund Caritas’ work with recovering addicts and individuals with mental illness.

The event raised the largest amount of donations in its five-year history, with $100,000 being pledged towards Caritas’ work.

Started more than 25 years ago, Caritas is a non-profit charity which receives one-third of its funding from Ontario’s health ministry, another third from individual donations and the rest from fundraisers like the gala. In addition to its work in Toronto, Caritas runs a therapeutic farm in King City, Ont.

Michael Tibollo, chairman of Caritas’ board of directors, said the foundation will be launching a new campaign in May called “Mille per Mille” or “A thousand for a thousand.” The campaign is seeking 1,000 donors to donate $1,000 to fund Caritas’ work.

Caritas’ founder Fr. Gianni Carparelli said the event will help Caritas during a time of need.

“We are going through difficult times,” he told The Catholic Register, referring to building costs, transportation and the running of its programs. About two or three years ago, the group had to sell its property in Orangeville, Ont., Carparelli added.

Carparelli said he founded the organization with the goal of helping individuals overcome their difficulties and learn to become independent.

On the issue of the relocation, Carparelli said Caritas had been a good tenant for 16 years, making its monthly payments of $10,000 on time.

Currently, the group is renting temporary offices in the basement of St. Jane Frances Church. The work is continuing, despite the relocation, Tibollo said.

The group also plans to host its annual telethon this month.