Agenda (Appointed) - Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee - 20260805Town of Aurora
Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 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 24,
2026
1
That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting
minutes of June 24, 2026, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Application from Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe; Re:
Funding to Support Children with LDs or ADHD to Attend Camp
4
That the Application from Learning Disabilities Association of
York-Simcoe; Re: Funding to Support Children with LDs or ADHD
to Attend Camp 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 the National Federation of Literati and Artists of
Canada; Re: Funding for Ongoing Program Events, Guest Speakers and
Materials
8
That the Application from the National Federation of Literati and
Artists of Canada; Re: Funding for Ongoing Program Events,
Guest Speakers and Materials 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 Minds in Motion STEM; Re: Funding for Materials, Prizes
and Refreshments for the STEM Robotics Challenge
22
That the Application from Minds in Motion STEM; Re: Funding
for Materials, Prizes and Refreshments for the STEM Robotics
Challenge 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.
7.4 Application from Porchlight Arts; Re: Funding for Marketing of the 'Lights
On' Community Art and Music Festival
27
That the Application from Porchlight Arts; Re: Funding for
Marketing of the 'Lights On' Community Art and Music Festival
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 24, 2026
10 a.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Angela Covert, Chair
Manuel Veloso, Vice Chair
Ping Zhang
Members Absent: Elliott Elia
Robert Gaby
Other Attendees: Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management
Daniel Ruberto, Deputy Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.
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
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.
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2026 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Ping Zhang
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2026
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting minutes of
June 3, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Application from Voices of Joy; Re: Funding for Ongoing Choir Operations
and Expenses
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Ping Zhang
1. That the Application from Voices of Joy; Re: Funding for Ongoing Choir
Operations and Expenses be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $5,000.
Carried
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2026 3
7.2 Application from Hope House Community Hospice; Re: Funding for Hope
House Memorial Picnic Bereavement Support Event
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Ping Zhang
1. That the Application from Hope House Community Hospice; Re:
Funding for Hope House Memorial Picnic Bereavement Support Event
be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $3,000.
Carried
7.3 Application from Hockey Ends Hunger; Re: Funding for Charity Hockey
Game Operations and Expenses
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from Hockey Ends Hunger; Re: Funding for Charity
Hockey Game Operations and Expenses be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of $4,000.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee discussed reapplying to the Committee for the new term of
Council.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Ping Zhang
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:38 a.m.
Carried
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Dear Committee,
On behalf of the National Federation of Literati and Artists of Canada (NFLA), we respectfully submit this application for a $5,000 grant to support our
community literary, arts, and cultural education programs in Aurora.
The National Federation of Literati and Artists of Canada are a non-for-profit cultural organization founded by a group of accomplished Chinese Canadian
artists, including painters, calligraphers, writers, translators, voice artists, photographers, and traditional folk artisans.(Attached registration documents)
Over time, our organization has grown to include many art and literature enthusiasts, cultural workers, volunteers, and community members who are
passionate about sharing culture, promoting lifelong learning, and contributing to the community.
Although many of our core volunteers are seniors, we proudly describe ourselves as a young team with rich life experience. Our volunteers bring
enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication to every program we organize.
Our mission is to bring high-quality literary and artistic programs into the community, promote Chinese culture, encourage learning about Western and
Canadian culture, and create meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
Our main activity locations are the Aurora Public Library and the Aurora Cultural Centre / Aurora Town Square, which are also NFLA important
community partners.
The programs include:
Free public lectures and workshops once a month all year around at Aurora Public Library
We have held a series of Traditional Chinese painting workshop both in-person and online at March 27, April 24, May 22, and June 26.The program has
been very successful, with an average attendance of about 50 participants per session. Participants range from age 6 to 89 and come from diverse cultural
backgrounds.(Please see the attached photos)and samples of News reporters’ link:
https://www.cctvmedium.com/aurora-library-hosts-chinese-painting-workshop-with-simultaneous-in-person-and-online-participation-and-english-
interpretation-%EF%BF%BC/
https://www.auroratoday.ca/local-news/unique-chinese-ink-painting-workshops-build-bridges-across-cultures-12485960
Our lecture and workshop schedule has already been fully planned through March of next year, featuring accomplished calligraphers, voice artists, writers,
photographers, painters, and other cultural professionals.
Arts Salon once/quarter at Aurora Public Library
We organize regular arts salons for artists, writers, calligraphers, photographers, and art lovers. These gatherings bring people together, encourage creative
exchange, build friendships, reduce isolation, and enrich community life in Aurora.
Mandarin Book Club (Meet at Aurora Public Library)
With the support of the Aurora Public Library, we have launched Aurora’s first Mandarin-language community book club. The book club meets 2 times
monthly online or in person. Each session focuses on themed reading and discussion, including literature, immigration experience, mental well-being, cultural
identity, cultural conflict, adaptation challenges, and positive ways to find belonging and connection in Canada.
Transitional Chinese Cultural Exhibition and Aurora Multicultural Festival Participation
We are preparing Aurora’s first organized Chinese cultural exhibition as part of the Town’s Multicultural Festival in September this year. Our participation
in the Multicultural Festival and other community cultural events will not be a one-time effort. We are committed to continuing this work every year as a long-
term contribution to Aurora’s cultural life.
Art exhibitions and guided tours
In partnership with local cultural venues, we also plan to organize art exhibitions and guided tours that introduce both traditional and contemporary Chinese
arts to the wider community.The first one will hold on July 25th collaborator with Aurora Gallery.
by connecting them with community resources and opportunities to share their expertise. In January 2027, support one artist in delivering two Chinese
painting and calligraphy workshops at the Aurora Cultural Centre and assist with an Artist-in-Residence application
Aurora is a growing and increasingly diverse community. As more immigrant families and seniors settle here, there is a strong need for cultural programs that
build connection, reduce isolation, support mental well-being, and encourage residents from different backgrounds to learn from one another.
NFLA is bringing something new and meaningful to Aurora:1,organized, year-round Chinese literary and arts programming led by professionals.2,
Mandarin reading club, 3, Chinese Traditional Culture Exhibition joint Multicultural festival the first time,4
Our programs do not only introduce Chinese culture. They also encourage participants to learn about Canadian values, Western culture, local history, and
community life. We believe true multiculturalism is a two-way exchange: sharing our heritage while also learning from the society we now call home.
By offering bilingual support and interpretation whenever possible, we make our programs accessible to both Chinese-speaking and English-speaking
residents. This helps transform cultural activities into real cross-cultural dialogue.
How the Mayor’s Fund Will Help
At present, our programs are mainly supported by founder donations, self-raised funds, and volunteer contributions. As our activities expand and community
demand grows, limited funding has become a major challenge.(Please see our last years financial statement.)
The requested $5,000 grant will help cover:Please see attached project budget)
•honoraria for guest professional speakers;
•workshop materials and art supplies;
•transportation support for low-income participants;
With the support of the Mayor’s Fund, we will be able to continue offering free and accessible cultural programs, bring more outstanding artists into the Aurora
community, and strengthen Aurora’s identity as an inclusive, creative, and culturally vibrant town.
We are not simply organizing events. We are building bridges between cultures, generations, and communities.
Thank you for considering our application. We sincerely appreciate the Town of Aurora’s commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, arts, and community
well-being. We look forward to continuing our contribution to Aurora’s cultural life for many years to come.
Sincerely,
HaiYan Zhang (as know as Anne Zhang)
Executive Director
National Federation of Literati and Artists of Canada (NFLA)
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