Who are we?

At Bridges of Love of York Region, we believe every senior deserves more than just care — they deserve safety, dignity, and connection. Too often, older adults in our community face loneliness, food insecurity, unsafe homes, or the overwhelming challenge of managing alone. We are here to change that.

We are a 100% volunteer-run charity dedicated to helping seniors age safely at home while staying connected to the community they love. Through essential supports like home safety upgrades, snow removal, nutritious food hampers, friendly visits, wellness calls, and fraud prevention education, we provide practical help and human connection when it matters most.

But our work is about more than services — it’s about companionship and belonging. Our Companion Program matches seniors with caring volunteers who provide friendship, conversation, and reassurance that no one is ever forgotten. Through these relationships, seniors rediscover joy, confidence, and a sense of family.

We also know that isolation can be as harmful as illness. That’s why we host intergenerational programs at our Seniors Hub, where older adults and youth come together weekly for activities, shared meals, and mentorship. These gatherings break down barriers, celebrate wisdom, and foster understanding across generations. For seniors, it means laughter and connection. For youth, it’s lessons in empathy, respect, and community.

Beyond this, our social drop-ins, workshops, and events give seniors opportunities to connect, stay informed, and gain new skills — from health and wellness to technology and financial literacy.

Our vision is bold: to expand these vital programs, open a dedicated Seniors Centre and food bank, and create more daily opportunities for connection and care. With your support, we can build a community where no senior is left behind — where every older adult feels safe, nourished, connected, and seen.

Together, we can give back to the people who built the foundations of our community. Together, we can ensure every senior ages with dignity, independence, and love.

Our Mission

At Bridges of Love of York Region, we believe in honouring seniors as valued members of our community — individuals who have helped shape the world we live in today. Our mission is to help seniors age safely at home, with dignity and connection, by providing essential supports that reduce isolation, address food insecurity, ensure home safety, and protect against abuse and fraud.

  • Mary Mauro: Co-Founder/Executive Director

    Alessandro Casbarro: Co-Founder/Executive Director

    Angela Panacci: Secretary/Treasurer

    Tony Di Battista: Director, Community Outreach

    Adele D’Elia: Director, Seniors Outreach

    Elio Gatto: Director, Marketing and Communications

    Susan Paterino: Director, Fundraising

    Selena Paglia, RN: Director, Programs and Services

    Deputy Mayor, Linda D. Jackson: Honourary Chair

“Growing old is humbling and it takes effort to accomplish this stage of life with dignity.”

— Kilroy J. Oldster, Dead Toad Scrolls

Testimonials