Agenda (Appointed) - Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee - 20260624Town of Aurora
Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time:10 a.m.
Location:Video Conference
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2026 1
That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting
minutes of June 3, 2026, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Application from Voices of Joy; Re: Funding for Ongoing Choir
Operations and Expenses
7
(Deferred from Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting of June
3, 2026)
That the Application from Voices of Joy; Re: Funding for
Ongoing Choir Operations and Expenses be received; and
1.
That the Committee provide direction to:2.
Grant the funding request; ora.
Deny the funding request; orb.
Defer consideration of the funding request to a future
meeting.
c.
7.2 Application from Hope House Community Hospice; Re: Funding for Hope
House Memorial Picnic Bereavement Support Event
13
(Deferred from Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting of June
3, 2026)
That the Application from Hope House Community Hospice; Re:
Funding for Hope House Memorial Picnic Bereavement Support
Event be received; and
1.
That the Committee provide direction to:2.
Grant the funding request; ora.
Deny the funding request; orb.
Defer consideration of the funding request to a future
meeting.
c.
7.3 Application from Hockey Ends Hunger; Re: Funding for Charity Hockey
Game Operations and Expenses
19
That the Application from Hockey Ends Hunger; Re: Funding for
Charity Hockey Game Operations and Expenses be received; and
1.
That the Committee provide direction to:2.
Grant the funding request; ora.
Deny the funding request; orb.
Defer consideration of the funding request to a future
meeting.
c.
8.Informational Items
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
10 a.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Angela Covert, Chair
Robert Gaby
Manuel Veloso, Vice Chair
Ping Zhang
Members Absent: Elliott Elia
Other Attendees: Daniel Ruberto, Deputy Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
The Chair was delegated to Vice-Chair Manuel Veloso at 11:33 a.m. and
relinquished at 11:47 a.m.
The Committee consented to consider items in the following order: 7.1, 7.6, 7.5,
7.4, 7.2, 7.3, 7.8, 7.7 and 7.9 with the rest of the items following the order
presented on the agenda.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2026 2
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Robert Gaby
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Pursuant to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50, the Chair
declared a pecuniary interest relating to item 7.9 due to her affiliation with the
Salvation Army which provides programs in collaboration with the York Region
Food Network, and therefore did not participate in the discussion or vote on any
question in respect to the matter.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2026
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting minutes of
April 1, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Application from Bereaved Families of Ontario - York Region; Re: Funding
for Continuation of Free Bereavement Support Programs
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2026 3
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from Bereaved Families of Ontario - York Region;
Re: Funding for Continuation of Free Bereavement Support Programs
be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $5,000.
Carried
7.2 Application from Huayun (Aurora) Multicultural Association; Re: Funding for
Rental Space for Senior Weekly Wellness and Cultural Activities
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from Huayun (Aurora) Multicultural Association;
Re: Funding for Rental Space for Senior Weekly Wellness and Cultural
Activities be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $5,000.
Carried
7.3 Application from CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to Seniors; Re:
Funding for Programs and Services for Older Adults Living in Aurora
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Ping Zhang
1. That the Application from CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to
Seniors; Re: Funding for Programs and Services for Older Adults Living
in Aurora be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $5,000.
Carried
7.4 Application from Aurora Hewy Christmas Classic; Re: Funding for Annual
Community Fundraising Event
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from Aurora Hewy Christmas Classic; Re: Funding
for Annual Community Fundraising Event be received; and
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2026 4
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $3,000.
Carried
7.5 Application from Victim Services of York Region; Re: Funding for Youth
Empowering Youth in York Region Program
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from Victim Services of York Region; Re: Funding
for Youth Empowering Youth in York Region Program be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $5,000.
Carried
7.6 Application from Voices of Joy Community Choir; Re: Funding for Ongoing
Operations and Expenses
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Robert Gaby
1. That the Application from Voices of Joy Community Choir; Re: Funding
for Ongoing Operations and Expenses be deferred to a future meeting,
to provide the applicant the opportunity to submit budgetary
documents.
Carried
7.7 Application from Active Minds Home Child Care Agency; Re: Funding for
Essential Equipment for Special Needs Child
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Robert Gaby
1. That the Application from Active Minds Home Child Care Agency; Re:
Funding for Essential Equipment for Special Needs Child be denied.
Carried
7.8 Application from Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School Grade 11 Students
Erke Baitukenova and Sitara Sisavang; Re: Funding for Educational Beehive
Project in Aurora
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Robert Gaby
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2026 5
1. That the Application from Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School Grade
11 Students Erke Baitukenova and Sitara Sisavang; Re: Funding for
Educational Beehive Project in Aurora be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $3,100.
Carried
7.9 Application from York Region Food Network; Re: Funding for Community
Meal Programs
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Ping Zhang
1. That the Application from York Region Food Network; Re: Funding for
Community Meal Programs be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $5,000.
Carried
7.10 Application from Hope House Community Hospice; Re: Funding for Hope
House Memorial Picnic Bereavement Support Event
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Ping Zhang
1. That the Application from Hope House Community Hospice; Re:
Funding for Hope House Memorial Picnic Bereavement Support Event
be deferred to a future meeting when the applicant is present.
Carried
7.11 Application from York Region Children's Fund; Re: Funding for Stay in
School Awards Program 2026-2027
The Committee requested that the applicant provide an update to the
Committee at a later date on the number of Aurora youth assisted under
the program.
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from York Region Children's Fund; Re: Funding for
Stay in School Awards Program 2026-2027 be received; and
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2026 6
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $5,000.
Carried
7.12 Application from Tracy Smith, OH YES WE CAN; Re: Funding for OH YES WE
CAN After Dark 2026 Initiative
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from Tracy Smith, OH YES WE CAN; Re: Funding
for OH YES WE CAN After Dark 2026 Initiative be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $3,000.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee set a tentative date for the next meeting of the Mayor's Golf
Classic Funds Committee as June 24, 2026 at 10 a.m. to consider the deferred
applications.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Ping Zhang
That the meeting be adjourned at 12:18 p.m.
Carried
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Spring 2026
To Whom It May Concern:
The Voices of Joy Community Choir was formed in 1998 as an inclusive
musical community where all are welcome, regardless of ability or training. The
choir is made up of individuals with a developmental disability as well as
community people who offer support. All members love to sing, encourage each
other, and offer an environment where everyone is able to be themselves and
share their joy of music. Effective July 2024, the Voices of Joy Community Choir is
a registered charity. As such, the choir is dependent upon the generosity of
partners in the community to support its ongoing operations..
This letter is a request that you consider making a donation to the Voices of
Joy. Donations can be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer to
voicesofjoyvoj@gmail.com. Charitable tax receipts can be provided for donations
$20.00 or more. Your donation today will help cover on-going expenses like
rehearsal space, music, honorariums and supports for disabled individuals in your
community.
Thank you for your consideration.
James Brown, Conductor
Voices of Joy Community Choir
Charitable Registration No. 77061 4352 RR0001
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SPRING 2026 CONCERT, “MAKE YOUR OWN KIND OF MUSI”
Conductor opening words
Too often, disability is framed through the narrow lens of tragedy. It is described as a
misfortune to be endured, a burden to be carried, or a medical problem in need of correction.
People who live with disabilities are frequently reduced to what they are perceived to lack. Their
identities become overshadowed by assumptions about deficiency, and they are met with pity
rather than respect. Subtle and overt pressures encourage them to conform to a standard of
“normalcy,” as though their worth depends on how closely they can approximate it. This
tragedy-centered view does more than misrepresent disability - it produces real harm. By
focusing almost exclusively on limitation, it strips disabled people of their full humanity and
denies the richness of their existence.
“Make Your Own Kind of Music” - the title of our 2026 Spring concert - stands as a
powerful rejection of the idea that disability is inherently tragic. As you experience the Voices of
Joy this afternoon you’ll notice there is nothing to pity; nothing to be fixed. The members of
Voices of Joy assert their presence, creativity, and joy on their own terms. Their music is not
about overcoming disability. It is about expression, connection, and being fully seen and heard.
In that space, there is nothing lacking and nothing to correct; only a celebration of difference, the
many ways of being human, and the necessity of singing your own special song.
-James
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VOICES OF JOY
Current Financial Situation
(as at Sept. 18, 2023)
Funds Available
Previous Bank Balance 2,666
Grant from Children’s Dream Charity 5,000
TOTAL 7,666 Current Bank Balance
Obligations Sept. – Dec. 2023
Insurance 650 Due Nov. 1
Rent – Bethel 975 Sept. – Dec.
Bank Service Charges 12 Sept. – Dec.
Honoraria – Choir Director 1,600 Sept. – Dec. (4 months @ 400)
TOTAL EXPENSES 3,237
AVAILABLE FUNDS AT YEAR-END 4,429
Draft Annual Budget
(Revised on Sept. 18, 2023)
Income Budget
Choir Membership Dues 1,000
Program Ad Sales (Spring Concert) 4,000
Sponsorships 5,500
Free Will Offerings/Donations 2,000
TOTAL 12,500
Expense Budget
Insurance 650
Rent – Bethel 3,000 300/month x 10 months
Bank Service Charges 36
Honoraria – Choir Director 4,000 400/month x 10 months
Honoraria - Accompanist 2,500 250/month x 10 months
Honoraria – Sound Technician 500
Meeting Supplies 150
Refreshments 250
Music 1,000
Miscellaneous/Contingency 150
TOTAL 12,236
(The above draft annual budget is a reference guide only.)
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Application to Receive Funds
The Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic has raised over $1 million to date and has financially assisted several
community organizations to provide much needed services to residents living in the Town of Aurora. Recipient
selection is conducted annually by the application review and disbursement committee of the Town of Aurora
Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic and is based on the information provided in this application.
Funding Criteria and guidelines;
Individual applicants and community groups must demonstrate financial hardship or a limited means to
retain funds in another manner. Individual applications demonstrating financial hardship will be kept
confidential.
Individuals and organizations may not receive funding for more than two consecutive years.
Funding requests for more than $5,000 in a calendar year will not be accepted.
Funding requests for more than 50% of an initiative will not be considered and applicants must demonstrate
how the remaining funds will be or have been obtained
Applications should demonstrate a benefit to the residents of the Town of Aurora that receiving the funding
will provide
Successful applicants will be required to report back in any way they deem appropriate regarding the
utilization of funds within six (6) months of receiving funds
Name of Individual or Community Group *
Hope House Community Hospice
What percentage of your organization’s clients reside in Aurora? *
40 %
Address
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Street Number and Name *
15105 Yonge Street
City/ Town *
Aurora
Province *
Ontario
Postal Code *
L4G 1M3
Contact Information
Email Address *
r.flanagan@hopehousehospice.com
Phone Number *
(905) 727-6815
On a separate document, please outline your initiative and any supporting documentation you have.
The information being provided should align with the funding criteria guidelines found above. Please
attach your documentation with this this form.
Page 14 of 21
A community where no one journeys alone through illness or grief. hopehousehospice.com
15105 Yonge Street, Unit 105
Aurora, ON L4G 1M3
905-727-6815
info@hopehousehospice.com
About Us:
Hope House Community Hospice (formerly Hospice Aurora-King-Richmond Hill)
Spearheaded from our head office located in Aurora, Hope House is a volunteer-driven
community agency offering specialized services and support to those diagnosed with life-
threatening illness, their family and caregivers, and those who are bereaved. Hope House has
been an important service organization for those residing in Aurora for 44 years. The generous
support of our donors and community partners allows us to offer all of our programs free of
charge to participants. And we could not do this without your help.
The support that Hope House Community Hospice offers means that people do not have to face
their journey through grief or critical illness alone – that they can have the supports and
services of a team that are experts in providing hospice care, so that we can make that journey
just a little bit easier, a little bit more supported and a little less scary – and that’s what we do.
Hope House supports everyone of all ages - children, teens and adults. We p rovide
professionally trained and compassionate visiting volunteers to clients in their homes, children’s
grief camps, caregiver and bereavement support – both 1-to-1 counselling and group, education
and wellness programs. At Hope House the focus is on quality of life and support of the whole
person.
Our Request:
The team at House House is planning our first annual Hope House Memorial Picnic taking place
on June 27st, 2026 at Lambert Willson Park in Aurora, with a start time of 11 a.m.
Our memorial picnic for hospice will be a therapeutic, community-focused gathering designed
to honor loved ones in a relaxed, natural setting. Featuring an onsite BBQ , shared activities and
memories, and tributes like photo displays, it serves as a bereavement support event, allowing
families to celebrate lives in a comforting, informal environment.
For this year’s picnic HOSPICE Clients and Families will be invited to “share the journey” with
volunteers and staff. Approximately 75 people are expected to be in attendance.
The day will feature fun art activities for children and adults, picnic meal, extra treats such as
popcorn and ice cream, and moments where loved ones are remembered.
The total cost to host this year’s picnic is $6,450 and our request to the Mayor’s Golf Committee
is for $2,825 in funding to support this event.
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A community where no one journeys alone through illness or grief. hopehousehospice.com
15105 Yonge Street, Unit 105
Aurora, ON L4G 1M3
905-727-6815
info@hopehousehospice.com
We are fortunate that the Aurora Lions Club has offered to bring their portable BBQ and provide
hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks for all of the picnic participants, free of charge to Hope House.
And Hope House Hospice itself, will cover the costs of the client gift. Items are outlined in the
event budget which is attached below. We are requesting a little less than 50% of the overall
budget.
For many Aurora residents Hope House provides access, close to home, to specialized and
unique hospice programs and supports. You can see how your funding will help support some of
our community’s most vulnerable people and we want to thank you for that.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rhonda
Hope House Community Hospice
Memorial Picnic Event – Budget
Event Supplies & Activities
Item Quantity Unit
Cost
Total
Cost
(CAD)
Catering: BBQ package
includes On-Site Coordinator
and servers; Portable BBQ
equipment; Meats: 8oz all
75 13.45 $1,008.75
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A community where no one journeys alone through illness or grief. hopehousehospice.com
15105 Yonge Street, Unit 105
Aurora, ON L4G 1M3
905-727-6815
info@hopehousehospice.com
beef hamburger, all beef and
vegetarian hotdogs; Buns;
Condiments, Ketchup,
Mustard, Relish, Mayonnaise,
DRINKS (Included 1-Per
Person) - Soft Drinks or
Bottled Water; 1 single serve
bag of potato chips.
Client Gift -
Back Pack filled
with Hope
House Items
i.e. Back Pack
($10 each)
Baseball Cap
($5 ea), Water
Bottle ($2 ea),
Aromatherapy
Oil ($5), Pen
($1 ea) and
Flashlight ($2
ea)
75 25 $1,875.00
Forget-me-not
pots (Dollar
Store)
75 $1.00 $75.00
Forget-me-not
seed packets
120
packets N/A $123.00
Miracle-Gro
soil 6 bags N/A $90.00
Sweets (fruit,
cookies,
juices)
N/A N/A $200.00
Disposable
cutlery, plates,
cups &
napkins
(estimated)
For 75
people N/A $60.00
Memory
hearts 2 $30.00 $60.00
Poster paper N/A N/A $250.00
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A community where no one journeys alone through illness or grief. hopehousehospice.com
15105 Yonge Street, Unit 105
Aurora, ON L4G 1M3
905-727-6815
info@hopehousehospice.com
& markers
(children’s
body activity)
Materials for
adult activity
(i.e. rock
painting and
origami)
N/A N/A $250.00
Bubbles (100
bottles,
estimated)
100 N/A $50.00
Rentals & Permits
Item Details Total Cost
(CAD)
Popcorn
machine
rental
50 servings
included (kernels,
butter, salt &
bags)
$95.00
Pink cotton
candy cart
rental
50 servings
included (floss
sugar & cones),
delivery only
$149.00
Town of
Aurora –
Rental Permit
Fee
N/A $1,096.57
Budget Summary
Subtotal (before tax): $5,708.57
Ontario HST (13%): $742.11
Total Cost (including tax): $6,450.68
Notes:
• HST calculated at 13% in accordance with Ontario tax rates.
Page 18 of 21
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Hockey Ends Hunger is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising food and
monetary donations in support of the Aurora Food Pantry and helping combat food insecurity
within the Town of Aurora.
Now entering our fourth year, Hockey Ends Hunger has experienced significant growth in
participation, community engagement, and fundraising impact. What began as a local charity
hockey game has evolved into a community-wide initiative that brings residents together to
support a cause that directly benefits individuals and families in need throughout Aurora.
Our annual event is held at the SARC Arena and features a friendly hockey game involving
approximately 30 participants, each contributing non-perishable food donations in support of the
Aurora Food Pantry. In addition to the players, friends, family members, and community
supporters attend the event and contribute their own donations. The day provides an
opportunity for residents to connect, give back, and raise awareness about the growing need for
food assistance within our community.
Last year, we expanded our efforts by hosting an evening fundraising event at TJs Bar and Grill.
More than 100 people attended, bringing additional food donations and participating in
fundraising activities, including raffle prize draws. Through the combined success of both
events, Hockey Ends Hunger raised over $4,000 in monetary donations and collected more
than 1,600 pounds of non-perishable food items for the Aurora Food Pantry.
As we prepare for this year's event, we are seeking support from the Mayor's Golf Charity
Classic to help us continue growing our impact. Funding would be used to offset essential event
expenses, including arena ice rental and venue costs associated with the evening fundraising
event. By reducing these operational expenses, we can ensure that a greater portion of the
funds and resources generated through Hockey Ends Hunger directly benefit the Aurora Food
Pantry and the residents it serves.
While we would be grateful for any level of support, we respectfully request consideration for a
grant of $4,000 from the Mayor's Golf Charity Classic. This investment would help us expand
our reach, increase community participation, and continue making a meaningful contribution to
addressing food insecurity in Aurora.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen
our community. We appreciate the opportunity to apply and look forward to continuing our
partnership in helping Aurora residents in need.
Sincerely,
Hockey Ends Hunger
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