Local Democracy Week

Hands up and Hurray says Louroz Mercader and Toronto Mayor David Miller

The Anastasia Tolias Foundation was there at Queesn's Park and Toronto City Hall supporting inspirational leader Louroz Mercaders vision for Young People, local Mpp's and Toronto Mayor David Miller.

Local Democracy Week (LDW) is about helping young people understand that they have the power to effect change in their communities.

Every election year, low voter turnout is a concern and public opinion polls tell us that most of us are not concerned about government or politics.
LDW wants to capture the interest of diverse youth to teach them how democracy can be a great force in their lives to help bring about positive change and address community issues.

Together with Jennifer~Volunteer, Louroz Mercader~LDW Initiator, Craig Kielburger ~Free the Children, Anastasia Tolias Foundation~ Supporting Sponsor for YOUNG Peoples Initiatives, Felicia~ Volunteer.

A group of Young People after a Political Speed Dating Session in one of the Committee rooms on the 2nd fl at Queen's Park in Toronto.

Spencer OUR Inspiration

Mrs Mercader (Louroz's mother) and Anastasia Tolias sign Mayor David Miller's T-Shirt which was later presented to the said Mayor at Toronto City Hall in the Council Chambers.

Mayor David Miller posses for the media cameras while wearing the Local Democracy Week T-Shirt which was presented to him by Louroz Mercader.

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On Friday, November 27 2009, the main event of LDW was a joint open house at Queen’s Park and Toronto City Hall. On that day, 200 high school students converged on Queen’s Park in the morning and City Hall in the afternoon to participate in interactive sessions with politicians, building tours, and to hear from speakers and entertainers.

Featured program events included remarks from Craig Keilburger from Free the Children, an interactive CIVICS 101 booth with TV Ontario, a session with Toronto Mayor, David Miller, and Political Speed Dating with Toronto area politicians.
Click here for the day’s outline.
In the days leading up to November 27th, educators and group sponsors were encouraged to engage participating students in discussions and activities that explore how politics and democracy work, what our democratic institutions do and why they matter.
Click here for classroom discussion and activity ideas.
Media Coverage
What you hear not always what you get (Toronto Star)

Christmas 2009 Initiatives | Projects

As we will soon be looking upon 2009 as a year of historical events - we would like to archive 3 projects before the year is over. We sook your assistance in making this possible.
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Sharing and Caring this Holiday Season~ If you are looking to support an initiative during this Holiday Season you may wish to come on board and support the Anastasia Tolias Foundation.

YES! there are certainly many organization that are working on worthy causes and if you have already committed God Bless you~ perhaps you may wish to join us at another point in time throughout the year or maybe next year. Merry Christmas! Happiness Health and Prosperity this Holiday Season and in the New Year to come.
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With Anastasia at the head of the organization YOU trust the transparency and accountability. Every dollar goes towards the initiatives Projects 100%. Please see below our projects for December 2009.

Project - Alligator Book

This year we have chosen a Mississauga Family that resides within one of our Community Buildings. It is a family of four. Mom stays at home, dad is actively seeking employment, daughter is in JR High and son has a disability. He is a beautiful young boy who is 10 years old and yet he has the mental capacity and functions at a 2 year old level. He is a beautiful boy, a blessed boy, resembling an angel. Anastasia first visited this family with her son Georgios, the little boys eyes lit up, he was holding his little hands out opening them up, then saying ( via sign language) book book book, while smiling angelically he would change the sign to moving his little hands up and down~ alligator alligator alligator..... A little support to put a smile on the family members is what we are aiming for. Father is a responsible, reliable family man who is seeking work in the AC/Heating and appliance repairs. If you hear of anyone looking to hire some in this field please let us know.

Project- Christmas Meal Collection

The Anastasia Tolias Foundation is looking to share a festive meal with 50 men women and children this holiday season. Volunteers are on standby ready to make this happen. We need your support to assist with providing the ingredients necessary.

Menu: Stuffed Turkey with Vegetables, Potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and gravy. Baked Apple and Honey Cinnamon spiced pie a la monde (home made) served with tea or coffee.


Project- Christmas Day

On Christmas Day volunteers will be car pooling to church while other volunteers will be cooking and baking to share with some wonderful residents that are less fortunate and do not have family members near. It is a day that we will be sharing and caring for our fellow man woman and child. Certainly the needs are great but we can all support and contribute in our own little way. Volunteers coming together on Christmas Day will head up the Spirit of Sharing and Caring. For those that cannot come to our location in Mississauga we will be delivering the Christmas meal to them.

The Anastasia Tolias Foundation is welcoming donations at TD Canada Trust. Simply walk into any TD and ask to make a donation to the Anastasia Tolias Foundation. Or join TD Canada Trust on-line donation Together we can make a difference

Anastasia Tolias Foundation
TD Bank# 7904-5218897
Branch# 03112 Inst# 004

We are also collecting vintage clothing items and non perishable items, grocery gift certificates and anything you have in your heart to share with others during this Christmas season. We are looking for Partners to join our efforts.

Come on board and assist with fantastic blessed initiatives. There are many many ways of supporting.

Tis the Season~ Contact us directly for more information.

We are always looking for more volunteers~ there are plenty of genuinely good willed initiatives to get involved with.

Jenna Karl designs the 2009 Anastasia Tolias Foundation | Logo

Jenna Karl is a young adult artist, who during her time with Anastasia Tolias was commissioned to develop the 2009 logo for the Foundation.

Jenna Karls work was greatly appreciated thus leading to the 1st registered lifetime friend recongition.

Jenna Karl is a gifted artist~ you can visit her work on http://www.jennakarl.com/

Here is my favorite piece of work that Jenna has painted

Mississauga Drop In Centre | www.thecompass.ca

Anastasia, friends and family prepare a Greek Breakfast to share with friends at the Compass in Mississauga. Holding an olive tree branch~her favorite tree in the whole wOrLd~ Anastasia encourages everyone to continue the spirit of Sharing and Caring =)+

The Breafast was supported by Father George Tolias a Greek Orthodox Priest in Toronto who is a resident of Mississauga. Father George Tolias could not attend the breakfast personally but his prayers were with us.

On October 1, 2009- Anastasia turned 40 and steps out into the community with family & friends hosting the 1st Anastasia Tolias Foundation community initiative at the http://www.thecompass.ca/ Happiness spread throughout the small but quaint space. Love was manifested in the air and the sounds of laughter were everywhere.

A Greek Breakfast was sponsored, hosted, prepared and served by the Tolias Family, & many friends; Extra virgin Olive Oil, grade A oregano from the mountains of Greece accompanied with Sea salt. Oh but the scents, the tastes and the endless smiles of appreciation. Greece Rediscovered was there with us supporting our theme while Louroz Mercader was seeing how we can continue to support such places as the Compass. Georgios Tolias was sharing original guitar compositions filling the atmospehere with the graceful sounds accompanying the sounds of friends fellowship along with laughter.

Friends who had started the preparations bright and early that special day!

They got to keep the aprons donated by Anastasia.

Carol (wearing the glasses) is Anastasias good friend and client.

Carol was enjoying breakfast with her friend.

Anastasia Tolias and Louroz Mercader cracked the 1st eggs.
Gerald was there from the early hours preparing for the event.

Needless to say he helped Anastasia shop for the breakfast. Anastasia personally sponsored the breakfast from personall funds.

There was a great impact in the room and Anastasias friend Louroz Mercader was touched with the simplicity of the event and yet the outcome of the impact it bore on the lives of so many community members. Louroz will be looking to continue supporting Anastasias initiatives. Gerald diligently moving quickly in the background making sure that there is pleanty for everyone to enjoy.

Georgio Tolias playing music for the Breakfast at the Compass.

Contact the Anastasia Tolias Foundation to receive a copy Georgios' original compositions.

Georgios plays the piano, classical guitar, spanish, Flamenco....

Have a song customized/created for your venue or loved one.

Call (905) 781.7860 for more information.

Served with Love and Hugs and Kisses!

Greece Rediscovered was there with us.

Books are being SOLD for $29.99 regularly but experience the support break and purchase for ONLY $19.99 Contact the Anatsasia Tolias Foundation at (905)781.7860

They make great gifts!! Experience Greece ~$19.99 ~ Call now!

Gerald Russell made this day happen connecting the right people.

His dedicated spirit is what is truly amazing about this lad.

See you all throughout the year!

Much Love...........

The Anastasia Tolias Foundation | Logo Representation

The 1st logo was designed to represent the positive infinity + Think and imagine a world of Global Peace.YES! it most certainly all starts from our back yard. Together however and combined we have a BIG back Yard!

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"Imagine a world where everone is working together"
"Imagine a world where everyone is sharing and caring for each other"
"Imagine a world where everyone is living in peace"
Anastasia Tolias

Gateway to the Human Heart

Welcome to the Anastasia Tolias Foundation a gateway to the Human Heart.