Elena Bellicoso is the 2025 Ward 2 Civic Hero!
During tonight’s Committee of the Whole (Public Meeting), Mayor Steven Del Duca, Ward 2 Councillor Adriano Volpentesta and Members of Council recognized Elena Bellicoso as the 2025 Ward 2 Civic Hero with a special ceremonial presentation.
For more than 25 years, Elena has been part of Creating Alternatives, a day program for adults aged 18 years and older with diverse abilities. She never sees anyone’s disabilities – only the friendships and love that bring people together.
Elena has also participated in the Special Olympics, demonstrating incredible determination and team spirit, and has taken part in numerous fundraising walks for causes close to her heart.
Elena has always had a heart for helping others. She loves spending time with children, who are naturally drawn to her warmth and playful energy. She has a gift for making people – especially little ones – feel safe and happy. Whether she’s encouraging friends at her day program or lending a hand at home, she has a remarkable way of making everyone around her feel seen and loved.
QUOTES
“It brings me great pleasure to recognize Elena Bellicoso as the 2025 Ward 2 Civic Hero. For many years, Elena has been a shining presence in our community. She is a friend, a helper, a motivator and a source of pure positivity. Her involvement in Creating Alternatives, the Special Olympics and numerous fundraising events shows her dedication to making the world a better place. I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Elena on receiving this award. I hope you continue to share your joy with all of us.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“Elena Bellicoso is a remarkable person in our community, which is why I am proud to present her with the 2025 Ward 2 Civic Hero Award. This honour couldn’t be more fitting. Elena leads with kindness, compassion and an open heart. She lifts up everyone around her – whether through her encouraging words, her sense of humour, her joyful spirit or one of her famous hugs. We are so blessed to have her positive energy in Ward 2. Congratulations, Elena. You’re Vaughan-tastic!”
- Councillor Adriano Volpentesta, Ward 2
QUICK FACTS
- Vaughan’s Civic Hero Awards are presented annually to one resident from each of the city’s five wards.
- Recipients are nominated by their Local Councillor and acknowledged by Vaughan Council.
- The awards began in 2005 to recognize outstanding achievements and individual contributions to the community.
LEARN MORE
