Vision
To advocate for seniors’ needs and interest. To offer social, cultural, recreational and educational activities aimed at reducing isolation and promoting social interaction among seniors, and to strengthen friendships and community connections.
Mission
To consolidate and strengthen the network of seniors’ clubs giving a united voice and an improved quality of life to the seniors in the City of Vaughan.
History
S.A.V.I. Celebrating over 2 decades of Contributions!
The inspiration that established the Seniors Association of Vaughan Initiatives, (S.A.V.I), originated from members of the community whose interest it was to ensure better service provisions for the senior residents of the City of Vaughan, S.AV.I. was established by our Founder and Honorary Chair Mario Ferri in 2003. S.A.V.I. is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with a mandate to advocate, collaborate and participate in programs and services.
In 2023, S.A.V.I celebrated its 20th anniversary, two decades of services! Its rich history indicates that this group has accomplished much for seniors. Annual education and information workshops, trips to places of interest, Culturefest, and Seniorsfest were some of the many activities undertaken by S.A.V.I. Furthermore, S.A.V.I. was instrumental in encouraging the provincial government to secure a property tax rebate for seniors who owned property anywhere in the province of Ontario. Many of the facilities where local seniors clubs meet were renovated and upgraded. Numerous joint programs were organized. Cultural and holiday concerts were executed annually, the Seniors Fest/Culture Fest was expanded to accommodate up to 1,400 senior participants annually and the grandparent month intergenerational celebrations were extended throughout the month of September.
Today, a total of 18 clubs with a membership of just under 6000 make up this umbrella organization. Together they have made significant contributions not only to their own lives but to those less fortunate. A total of 230 bins of food and $8,000 have been collected and donated to the Vaughan Food bank, $10,000 has been collected and donated to the Vaughan Hospital and another $3,000 has been donated to other worthy causes in the City of Vaughan.
Well-being, Dignity and Respect are the principles and underpinnings that SAVI operates on. Its advocacy and more importantly, its actions are guided by this set of beliefs and values.
Founder and Honorary Chair – Mario Ferri
President – Ester Maglio
