PRESIDENT OF ITALY SERGIO MATTARELLA VISITS COSTI

On June 29, 2017, COSTI was honoured to welcome the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella to Toronto as part of his State Visit to Canada.

President Mattarella visited the Corvetti Education Centre and was greeted by COSTI President, Bruno M. Suppa and Mario J. Calla, COSTI’s Executive Director.

“2017 marks 65th years of service to the community for COSTI. It’s fitting that President Mattarella toured COSTI as part of his visit to Canada, given that the organization was founded by Italian immigrants to Canada,” commented Mario Calla.

President Mattarella toured the facility and took the time to visit the childcare room, where the children greeted him with welcome cards and framed artwork. The President of Italy also visited the English as a Second Language classes, where he praised Canada embracing diversity. “This is something very significant for the great country that Canada is,” said President Mattarella, speaking through a translator. “Canada has proven to allow everybody to co-exist, to live together in unity.”

President Mattarella also gave his support to COSTI’s clients encouraged them to work toward their dreams. “I wish you a wonderful future, indeed, and you all represent the entire world, representing different continents,” said President Mattarella. “You all have different backgrounds, you all have different dreams. But, there is a common thread between all of you that have being able to fulfill your dreams and I’m sure you all will be able to.”

A commemorative plaque was unveiled by President Mattarella and Bruno Suppa commemorating the President’s visit to COSTI’s Corvetti Education Centre.