Across multiple awards and recognitions, the Sons and Daughters of Italy – Garibaldi Lodge has been celebrated for:
- Philanthropy in education, medical research, and poverty relief
- Community service through events like the Christmas Eve Feast
- Support for children and youth via Rossbrook House, scholarships, and cultural programming
- Leadership in fundraising, contributing over $1 million in charitable donations
2019: Mayor’s BIZ Award
On May 9, 2019, Mayor Brian Bowman presented the Mayor’s Award to the Sons of Italy at the Metropolitan Event Centre. The award recognizes significant contributions to Winnipeg’s Business Improvement Zones. It was awarded largely in recognition of the 13-year run of the Christmas Eve Feast, hosted annually at X-Cues Billiards & Café.
In 2018 alone, the Feast welcomed 800 guests, offering a festive Italian-style meal with live music, toys and sleds for children from Santa and hampers of food, hygiene products, and warm clothing for adults
Impact of the Christmas Eve Feast (13 years):
- 4,900 people fed
- 240 turkeys served
- Countless meatballs enjoyed
- 7,275 gifts given to children
- 48,500 lbs of food distributed in hampers
Co-chairs Reno Augellone and John Giavedoni emphasized that the event is made possible by dozens of SOI members, their families, community volunteers, and police officers. They also acknowledged the dedication of event partners: West End BIZ, X-Cues Billiards & Café, Sorrento’s on Ellice, and The North West Company (Valu Lots).
A special thanks was extended to Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner, Executive Director of West End BIZ, for her years of support before her retirement.
2017: Kateri Award – Rossbrook House
In June 2017, Rossbrook House presented the Kateri Award to the Sons of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge.
- The award honours individuals and groups who encourage children and youth to recognize their own strength and resilience.
- Rossbrook House praised SOI’s philanthropic work in medical research, education, and poverty relief.
- For over a decade, Reno Augellone and John Giavedoni coordinated support for Rossbrook’s graduation dinner, providing food and volunteers.
Phil Chiappetta, Co-Executive Director of Rossbrook House, noted:
“The food is fantastic and the service is 5-stars. Up to a dozen aproned Sons show up annually with trays of pasta and salad and very big serving smiles. They make the event memorable for many deserving youth and their proud families.”
2015: Outstanding Service Organization – AFP Manitoba
On November 13, 2015, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Chapter presented the Sons of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge with the Outstanding Service Organization Award.
- The ceremony was held at the Metropolitan Event Centre.
- SOI was recognized alongside other honourees, including Doug Harvey, Ace Burpee, The Asper Foundation, and McDonald’s Restaurants of Manitoba.
- The award acknowledged SOI’s contributions of over $1 million in charitable giving over 10 years.
Special thanks were extended to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation for nominating SOI.
“Great Friend to Kids” Award – Manitoba Children’s Museum
In October 2013, the Manitoba Children’s Museum honoured the Sons of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge with the Great Friend to Kids Award.
- The award recognizes organizations that contribute significantly to children in Manitoba.
- SOI was acknowledged for support of charities including Winnipeg Harvest, Variety Club, Children’s Wish Foundation, Amadeus Steen Foundation, and for hosting the Christmas Eve Feast.
- Funding was also directed to the Dante Alighieri Society for Italian language studies.
The event at the Children’s Museum at The Forks featured special guests John and Bonnie Buhler, entertainment by Al Simmons, and enthusiastic participation from SOI members, youth lodge Leonardo Da Vinci, and women’s lodge La Lupa di Roma.