Mario Calla

Special Advisor, @COSTI_org Board
Former Executive Director, COSTI Immigrant Services

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

Honoured to have you join us @JulieDzerowicz!

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

The honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety of Canada, greets the gathering at COSTI's 70th Anniversary Celebrations & applauds our work in the immigrant & refugee-serving sector. Thank you for your support, Minister!

#COSTI70years #BuildingAStrongerCanadaTogether

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

Our 70th Anniversary Celebrations are underway and the guests are mingling & enjoying the rounds of canapes before we settle down to hear some inspiring speeches & honour those whose contributions have impacted several lives.

#COSTI70years #BuildingAStrongerCanadaTogether

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

For us at COSTI, #mentoring & supporting other organizations is key! We continue to invest in collaborative efforts that contribute to effective service development in under-serviced communities. #COSTIImmigrantServices #COSTI70years #BuildingAStrongerCanadaTogether #OCASI

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

Seven decades & counting – COSTI is working to build a strong community, a strong #Canada together!

We couldn’t do what we do without the support & generosity of our funders and volunteers.

#COSTIImmigrantServices #COSTI70years #BuildingAStrongerCanadaTogether

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

Thank you @TorontosMayor John Tory, Vera and Gord. I am honoured and humbled by your kind words and look forward to @COSTI_org’s continued partnership with @cityoftoronto in helping newcomers settle in this great city!

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

Vera Dodic, Director of Strategic Partnerships, @cityoftoronto & Gord Tanner, GM of Shelter Support & Housing Administration for the City of Toronto appreciated Mario J. Calla for his efforts and presented him with Mayor John Tory’Proclamation. #MarioCallaRetirement

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

Today is a special day for us. We are gathered at Malaparte, TIFF Bell Lightbox for our leader and executive director of more than 35 years, @MarioCalla’s #retirementcelebration.

Thank you to @CitImmCanada @cityoftoronto, @UWGreaterTO and @ONTatwork for joining us.

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

Thank you Daniele and @UWGreaterTO for recognizing and supporting @COSTI_org’s work with immigrants and refugees since 1970!

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO @UWGreaterTO had everyone in the room in splits with his sense of humour as he spoke about @MarioCalla. COSTI has been a United Way member agency since 1969.

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

Honoured to work with @TRIEC and our partners, in connecting newcomers to employment.

[TRIEC @TRIEC]

Celebrating @COSTI_org, our longest standing Community Partner who also provides settlement services to all newcomers including refugees. Thank you for your partnership throughout the years especially during these turbulent times. #partnercelebrationmonth #partners

[United Way Greater Toronto @UWGreaterTO]

United Way-supported agencies have helped many settle in the GTA—and we'll keep facilitating a strong support network for Ukrainians as they join our region. One example? A program from @COSTI_org that will connect Ukrainian refugees to housing support:
https://t.co/k4S9TVmBsZ

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

It's an honour to have @COSTI_org, together with our community partners, involved in supporting Afghan newcomers to Canada.

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

Hon. @SeanFraserMP @CitImmCanada, together with COSTI President Pina Alberelli-Arone and members of our Leadership Team, prepare to welcome Afghan refugees to #Canada, marking 10,000th landing of @Canada Afghanistan efforts. #WelcomeAfghans

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

Incredible peace rally at Toronto City Hall. #WeStandWithUkraine

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

Rally at Dundas Square. In solidarity with Ukraine.

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

Canada’s immigration plan is good for the economy while providing opportunities to newcomers. https://t.co/H6u4OohPC3

#immigrants #Canada #Refugees #cdnrfg #cdnimm #COSTIImmigrantServices @COSTI_org

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

I’m deeply saddened to hear of Francisco’s passing. His was a strong & clear voice for those who were disempowered from using theirs. His fearless defense of migrants/refugees made our community a kinder & more welcoming place. My condolences to Loly & her family. @RefugeeCentre

[COSTI @COSTI_org]

With gratitude & respect, we acknowledge we're situated on traditional territories of Anishinaabe Nation, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Wendat, & Métis Nations. We recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous people on & of this land

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

Horrified and heartbroken by the #londonontario incident. We, at @COSTI_org, offer our condolences to the Afzaal family, the Muslim community, and all Canadians who care for justice. Let's stand against hate and #Islamophobia and raise awareness.
#MuslimLivesMatter #Canada

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

(8/8)We need to support their causes to have their treaties respected & land claims settled. We need to pursue the work we started in educating newcomers about Indigenous history. #WeStandInSolidarity with #IndigenousPeoples at this difficult time. #Remember215 #EveryChildMatters

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

(1/8) The news of the discovery of a mass grave of Indigenous children was gut-wrenching. The bodies of 215 children were found in a grave on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School that operated from 1890 until 1978 and others until 1996 – within our living memory.

[Mario Calla @MarioCalla]

(7/8) We need to press our Members of Parliament to search for those graves, document the names, and return the remains to their families. As Canadians, we need to think about what reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people means.