Our Humble Beginnings
The organization began with the selfless acts of Mike and Giovanna Di Lillo, a couple that together lived a lives in the service of others, particularly children. Having been blessed with the opportunity of fulfilling their dreams of spending winters in the Dominican Republic, they decided that it was time to find a way to give back, a sort of pay it forward if you will.
One Sunday, Giovanna approached Father Santiago, a young Dominican Priest expressing their desire to make a difference in a community where help was most needed. Without hesitation, Father Santiago told her about a nearby orphanage that was in dire need and could surely benefit from their help.
Giovanna and Mike were completely unprepared for what they saw. As is true for most first-time visitors, they were overwhelmed by the sight of so many children, all with physical and mental disabilities, living in poverty. The sight of the children housed in a small, over-crowded home with few resources and without many of the basic necessities of life deeply moved Giovanna and Mike. It was at that moment that they made a solemn promise to themselves that they would make a difference in these children’s lives.
Shortly thereafter, Mike and Giovanna met with the Bishop of Puerto Plata to formulate a plan of action. Upon their return to Canada, they recruited other like-minded individuals with big hearts, including a lawyer and an accountant, to donate their time, talents and services. Eventually, the number of volunteers grew and a founding board was established, creating the Canadian Registered Charity now known as the Canadian Dominican Ray of Hope.
Our founders have since passed, Mike Di Lillo 2011 and Giovanna Di Lillo 2018, but their legacy, commitment to service and love for the children live on through The Canadian Dominican Ray of Hope.
We truly believe that the success of the organization's efforts thus far is a testament to the power behind the humanitarian spirit; when one person's vision and a group of dedicated individuals come together to improve the lives of others, great things happen!
Giovanna & Mike were the first Rays that began to change these children’s world!
We invite you to join with us to continue their mission!
One Sunday, Giovanna approached Father Santiago, a young Dominican Priest expressing their desire to make a difference in a community where help was most needed. Without hesitation, Father Santiago told her about a nearby orphanage that was in dire need and could surely benefit from their help.
Giovanna and Mike were completely unprepared for what they saw. As is true for most first-time visitors, they were overwhelmed by the sight of so many children, all with physical and mental disabilities, living in poverty. The sight of the children housed in a small, over-crowded home with few resources and without many of the basic necessities of life deeply moved Giovanna and Mike. It was at that moment that they made a solemn promise to themselves that they would make a difference in these children’s lives.
Shortly thereafter, Mike and Giovanna met with the Bishop of Puerto Plata to formulate a plan of action. Upon their return to Canada, they recruited other like-minded individuals with big hearts, including a lawyer and an accountant, to donate their time, talents and services. Eventually, the number of volunteers grew and a founding board was established, creating the Canadian Registered Charity now known as the Canadian Dominican Ray of Hope.
Our founders have since passed, Mike Di Lillo 2011 and Giovanna Di Lillo 2018, but their legacy, commitment to service and love for the children live on through The Canadian Dominican Ray of Hope.
We truly believe that the success of the organization's efforts thus far is a testament to the power behind the humanitarian spirit; when one person's vision and a group of dedicated individuals come together to improve the lives of others, great things happen!
Giovanna & Mike were the first Rays that began to change these children’s world!
We invite you to join with us to continue their mission!
Getting To Know Our Mission
It is our organization's profound belief that ALL children have the God-given right to a quality life, love and well-being regardless of their country of birth. It is this belief that has inspired us to carry out our mission of providing assistance to those in dire need.
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2 Allcroft Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M9V 2S1
General Inquiries: (416) 821-4660 - Financial Counsel: Joseph Colavita (905) 760-2845 - Legal Counsel: Enio Zeppieri (416) 631-9811
[email protected]
Charitable Registration Number: 850649195RR0001
2 Allcroft Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M9V 2S1
General Inquiries: (416) 821-4660 - Financial Counsel: Joseph Colavita (905) 760-2845 - Legal Counsel: Enio Zeppieri (416) 631-9811
[email protected]
Charitable Registration Number: 850649195RR0001