?This year we are celebrating optimism and its importance in building strong character and strong communities,? said Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, Chair of the Character Community Committee. ?Vaughan depends on optimistic people who expect the best, see the best, want the best, and give their best. Historically, it is the vision and optimism of pioneers who carved a community out of nothing.?

Character Community Week celebrates and promotes twelve attributes: leadership, respect, responsibility, courage, inclusiveness, honesty, fairness, integrity, compassion, perseverance, optimism and initiative. The Week will be launched at the Promenade Mall on October 26 at 10 a.m. with the Mayor and Members of Council in attendance. TVO will cover the launch event, which includes a Storytime for Children that highlights good character. An information booth at the mall will be staffed on October 26 and 27.

Other events of the Week:
? An all-week celebration at local libraries with special stories, songs and rhymes
? An all-week celebration of character in sports at local community centres
? A special event for City employees and the public at the Vaughan Civic Centre on Thursday, October 29 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with guest speaker Spencer West of the Free the Children movement. Without legs since the age of five, Spencer will give a personal testimonial to the power of optimism.
? York Region?s Character Community initiative is working with Vaughan to support the Week with various games and promotions

?Character Community Week is a time to reflect on who we are, on our core values,? said Mayor Linda Jackson. ?It?s a chance to focus on our role as citizens and the quality of our community. I?m delighted with the wide scope of this year?s program, our most extensive celebration of Character Community week yet.?

Click here for Character Community Poster (1.02 MB) 
Click here for Character Community Sport Week (506.26 KB)
Click here for Character Community Storytime (284.10 KB)