Order of Vaughan honours some of city's most respected citizens
Philanthropists, educators, business owners, non-profit contributors recognized

Yorkregion.com
Tim Kelly
Nov. 22, 2017

 

For one so young, Alessia Dickson is already reaping honours for her work.

An award winner for her book series, The Chrystal Chronicles, Dickson, 18, was the youngest of 10 recipients of the Order of Vaughan on Tuesday night.

The Ryerson University student said it’s just “so crazy,” that she could get the award.

“It just goes to show you that at any age you can do anything. I’m just joined by so many prestigious people,” she gushed after the ceremony, held in the main foyer of Vaughan City Hall.
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Dickson said she is working on her second book which will be published next year.

“I’m hoping to auction it to Hollywood, so that’s what I’m working on right now. It’s a young adult novel about a supernatural world and people who can control the four elements,” she said.

Dickson said The Chrystal Chronicles take readers all over the world. She said the second book brings readers to the Amazon.

Dickson’s first novel was published when she was 17, but she began working on it at the age of 10. She has spoken to hundreds of students at more than 45 local elementary and high schools to speak about the importance of reading, writing and aspiring to reach full potential in sports, academics or the arts.

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua congratulated all those who received the Order of Vaughan.

“I am so, so proud that we have incredible people here this evening that can be the people we look up to and that future generations can learn from,” said Bevilacqua.

What follows are profiles of each of the other nine Order of Vaughan recipients for 2017:

Bob Bak, Education: As founder of the Korean Community Centre for Multiculturalism, Bak is a pioneer of heritage language programs in Vaughan and York Region. He has implemented the International Languages Program within York Region District School Board and is a recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal and Vaughan’s Civic Hero Award.

Carlo Baldassarra, Philanthrophy: One of the City of Vaughan’s modern-day pioneers and most prolific homebuilders, Baldassarra has been committed to the support of numerous charities. His most recent generous donation to the building of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital solidifies his efforts to secure a legacy for health care in Vaughan.

Vic De Zen, Philanthropy, Business: A successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and visionary in the plastics industry, De Zen has made a contribution to city-building in Vaughan and beyond. He is a passionate supporter of the Meta Centre, he recently made a pledge of $10 million to the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital and he has received many prestigious awards.

Frank Dimant, Not-For-Profit: A former CEO of the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith, Dimant is internationally recognized for his commitment to human rights advocacy. He has co-ordinated campaigns against anti-Semitism in Canada and abroad. He currently serves as CEO of Christians United for Israel Canada where he builds support for Israel.

Geraldine Di Marco, Not-For-Profit: The president and co-founder of A Touch of Love and Hope Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping children and seniors locally and internationally, Di Marco helps support youth in need and provides social services to the elderly. She also volunteers with Opera York and Opera Belcanto of York.

Meriel Gordon, Philanthropy, Not-For-Profit: In trying to find a cure and in building awareness for Crohn’s disease, Gordon has been instrumental in the York Region Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). She was one of the drivers of the first Heel ‘n Wheel-a-Thon in Thornhill to raise money for those who have been impacted by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. She is also committed to multiple philanthropic causes.

Rona Kleiman, Not-For-Profit: The founder and former president of Project Linus Canada, Kleiman helped obtain charitable status for the organization, which provides blankets to children in hospitals and shelters who are facing life crises. Running one of the 44 chapters in Canada, Kleiman worked tirelessly to collect, prepare and deliver blankets across the GTA and continues to deliver hundreds of blankets a month to kids in need.

Dominic Lee, Health and Wellness: The founder and president of the First Chinese Senior Association of Vaughan, Lee has been dedicated to providing seniors with recreational activities to improve their physical and intellectual well-being. He is a leader in the Chinese community and an advocate for embracing a healthy lifestyle.

Rabbi Yoseph Zaltzman, Not-For-Profit, Spiritual: The founder of the Jewish Russian Community Centre, an organization that provides a variety of resources for Jewish people from Russia, Zaltzman is a spiritual leader who has been instrumental in facilitating the integration of Russian immigrants and their families into the Jewish community in Vaughan.