New Elevator Unveiled at Grand Opening Ceremony

Over 100 clients and guests celebrate a milestone moment in Abrigo’s history

On Thursday, November 30th Abrigo marked the official Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of our new elevator. It was a historic and memorable afternoon for more than 100 guests, clients and dignitaries on hand for the event.

Among the dignitaries Davenport MPP Cristina Martins, LiUNA Local 183 Business Manager Jack Oliveira and Secretary Treasurer Luis Camara, and Dr. Luis Barros, Consul General of Portugal in Toronto were on hand to congratulate members of Abrigo’s Life and Hope seniors program who have long awaited an elevator’s arrival and applaud Abrigo’s move into providing full accessibility for their clients.

“Our government is helping Davenport celebrate Ontario 150 in a way that brings our community closer together. The completion of this elevator will ensure that seniors in Davenport will be able to participate in the community at the Abrigo Centre, and live active and engaged lives,” said Cristina Martins, MPP for Davenport.

Although Abrigo received financial support from a number of individuals and organizations, the event highlighted the leadership philanthropy provided by the membership of LiUNA Local 183 and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

“This is a significant milestone in Abrigo’s history and will now allow all our clients easy access to the programing and services available on our second floor,” said Ed Graca, Abrigo’s Executive Director. “The impact of the donation from LiUNA Local 183 and the grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation cannot be underestimated. Their financial support has made this elevator possible. We can now accommodate everyone with mobility issues and serve our community better.”

An agency of the Government of Ontario, The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is one of Canada’s largest granting foundations. With a budget of over $136 million, OTF awards grants to some 1,000 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities.

Abrigo wants to also thank all the other donors who contributed to the new elevator. Each donation, whether it was big or small, made a difference. Thank you!

Finally, thank you to Jack’s Bakery for providing the wonderful food and desserts, to our dignitaries who made the trip to Abrigo and to all our guests yesterday for attending this special event. We hope it will be an experience you will long remember.

Abrigo is now fully accessible, enjoy our new elevator!