The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) celebrates the Anne Marie D’Amico Day of Kindness and Love every year on April 23.
This special day is dedicated to honouring the life and enduring legacy of Anne Marie D’Amico, who tragically lost her life in the Toronto van attack in 2018. This is a chance for us to unite as a Catholic community and spread kindness, love and positivity in memory of Anne Marie.
The inaugural event will be held on April 21, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:15 AM and will be live-streamed on the Nurturing Our Catholic Community YouTube channel.
Proclamation
WHEREAS: April 23, 2023, marks the fifth anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy;
WHEREAS: A domestic terrorist vehicle-ramming attack occurred on April 23, 2018, when a rented van was driven along Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Sheppard Avenue;
WHEREAS: Anne Marie D’Amico along with nine other people, were killed in what has been called the “Yonge Street Van Attack”;
WHEREAS: Eight of the ten victims were women;
WHEREAS: Anne Marie D’Amico was a graduate of the TCDSB graduating from St. Clare and Loretto Abbey Catholic Schools;
WHEREAS: A foundation set up by the D’Amico family dubbed (The Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation) honours the memory of Anne Marie D’Amico, a victim of the Toronto Van Attack/Yonge Street Tragedy, currently raising awareness and funds for the North York Women’s Shelter that supports women and children in need;
WHEREAS: Anne Marie D’Amico embodies the spirit of kindness and love;
WHEREAS: In keeping with the goal of Nurturing our Catholic Community, the TCDSB implemented a three-year Pastoral Plan for 2021-2024 with the theme of “Walking with Christ: with Eyes of Faith and Hope, with Hearts of Kindness and Love, with Minds of Justice and Peace”;
WHEREAS: The TCDSB is in the second year of the Pastoral Plan – “Walking with Christ: with Hearts of Kindness and Love”;
WHEREAS: Nurturing safe, caring, welcoming, inclusive and positive school climates, appropriate pro-social behaviours and healthy relationships continues to be a priority for TCDSB schools, including building awareness, prevention and intervention strategies against acts of violence, including violence against women;
WHEREAS: Residents, organizations, religious leaders, the D’Amico family, Trustee Maria Rizzo and others representing Willowdale, work together with the City of Toronto to commemorate the Yonge Street Tragedy annually in positive ways to bring communities together;
WHEREAS: Daily news is often filled with information regarding crime, violence, war and disaster; and
WHEREAS: By recognizing acts of kindness, all members of the TCDSB community will be made aware of the importance of being kind to others throughout the year.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The TCDSB proclaim April 23 as the Anne Marie D’Amico Day of Kindness and Love;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: If April 23 falls on a weekend, then the TCDSB celebrate the Anne Marie D’Amico Day of Kindness and Love the day of the week before April 23;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: School communities be encouraged to engage in events, share stories and/or activities to commemorate the official Yonge Street Tragedy and other events celebrating acts of kindness and love;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: School communities be encouraged to raise awareness and funds for the Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation and or other agencies that support women and children in their communities;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: Beginning in 2024 the TCDSB create the Anne Marie D’Amico Kindness and Love Award that recognizes one elementary and one secondary student on an annual basis;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: Staff prepare a report that includes details of the creation of award, recognition criteria, communication strategies regarding special school events (sample plans, initiatives); and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The Anne Marie D’Amico Day of Kindness and Love be showcased in a culminating event in year two of the Pastoral Plan “Walking with Christ with Hearts of Kindness and Love”.