We started out recognizing a community need
and have been growing ever since.
Our
Mission
We nurture and empower individuals living with disabilities to reach their potential.
Our
Vision
By leading our community in becoming the most inclusive, accessible and welcoming place possible.
Our
Actions
In everything we do, we Nurture, Empower and Celebrate.
Guiding Principles
Our Guiding Principles encompass our beliefs and values and guide our
organization in all circumstances. Learn more about them here.
Board of Directors
We thank past and present Members of the Board of Directors for their personal commitment, hard work and the incredible value brought to our organization.
LCSS Board of Directors
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PresidentJack A. Prazeres
Jack Prazeres was a founding member of Luso Canadian Charitable Society in 2002 and is the current LCCS President.
Jack is also the President of Senso Group Building Supplies and is a well known, respected businessman who has been associated with various professional and community boards, including the Peel Police Services Board, being a Trustee of the Bricklayers Pension Fund Local 1, a past President of Masonry Contractors Association of Toronto, a past President of the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga, a past Director of the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and a past Chair of the Carassauga Festival of Cultures.
Recognized for his outstanding community commitment and positive impact, Jack has received many awards, including the Order of Portugal – Comendador, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship and the Recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award, just to name just a few. Jack is also the first Portuguese Canadian inducted to the Legends Row Mississauga's Walk of Fame.
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Vice PresidentJoe Botelho
Joe Botelho has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2011. In addition to being a Vice-President for the LCCS board, Joe is the President of the Luso Support Centre Hamilton Board of Directors, creating a strong link between our GTA and Hamilton Centres and the communities they serve. He is the President of Target Drywall & Acoustics and works tirelessly on Luso’s behalf.
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TreasurerFilipe Ferreira
Filipe Ferreira has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2023. He has been volunteering with us and advocating for Luso for more than 10 years. Filipe is a Real Estate Broker with Royal LePage Supreme Realty. He has been Luso Canadian Charitable Society's Treasurer since 2024.
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SecretaryDante DiGiovanni
Dante DiGiovanni has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2011 and holds the position of Secretary. Dante is the Owner and President of Blair Building Materials and has been involved with various construction and masonry boards such as TORBSA, Masonry Works Council of Ontario, Ontario Masonry Contractors Association and Ontario Masonry Design Awards Committee.
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DirectorAlfredo Pita
Alfredo Pita has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2011. Alfredo is the Senior Advisory Manager with F. Silveira, Chartered Professional Accountants. In addition to his financial expertise, Alfredo brings to the Board his experiences with the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga and Carassauga Festival of Cultures.
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DirectorBernardino Ferreira
Bernardino Ferreira has been a valued member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2014. Bernardino is the Vice-President of LiUNA! Local 183 and a strong contributor to the continued growth and success of Luso.
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DirectorCesar Bras
Cesar Bras has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2019. Cesar is President of Top-Line Roofing & Sheet Metal.
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DirectorChristine Rodrigues
Christine Rodrigues has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2012. Christine is the Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of National Bank Independent Network and brings several years of financial sector experience to the Board. As the sister of a Luso participant, she is a strong advocate for the organization and provides a valued family perspective on the needs of persons living with disabilities.
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DirectorDavid Mare
David Mare has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2020. In addition, David is the President of the Luso Support Centre GTA Board of Directors. He is the General Manager at Senso Waste Management and a member of Ontario Waste Management Association.
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DirectorErminio Oliveri
Erminio Oliveri has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2011. He is well connected to the construction industry through his position at Brampton Brick.
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DirectorFernando Alexandre
Fernando Alexandre has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2023. Fernando is a Business Representative for Drywall Acoustic Lathing & Insulation Local 675
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DirectorFilipe Morgado
Filipe Morgado has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2018. Filipe is the President of Legacy Masonry.
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DirectorFortunato Manvati
Fortunato Manvati (Tuccio) has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2019. Tuccio is a Sergeant with Peel Regional Police and a highly regarded and active member of the community.
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DirectorJohn da Costa
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DirectorJulio DeJesus
Julio DeJesus has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society Board of Directors since 2012. He has more than 23 years in the financial sector holding executive positions at both CIBC and BMO with extensive experience managing market risk and providing some unique perspectives to risk, client relationships and project management.
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DirectorNelson Cidade
Nelson Cidade has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2014. Nelson is a Business Representative from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 46 and provides valuable ongoing support for Luso and its families.
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DirectorOtilia Prazeres
Otilia Prazeres has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2011. Otilia is the Controller of Senso Group and brings a sound financial background along with her past board experiences with the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga and Carassauga Festival of Cultures.
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DirectorRoger Mendes
Roger Mendes has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2023. Before that, he has been volunteering and supporting Luso for many years. He is the Director of Alegre Cabinetry & Millwork.
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DirectorRui Ramos
Rui Ramos has been a member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2011. A registered agent at RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Brokerage, Rui provides valuable market insights, perspectives and community awareness to the Board.
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DirectorDaniel Padovani
Daniel Padovani has been an Associate Member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2024.
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DirectorMatthew Civichino
Matthew Civichino has been an Associate Member of the Board of Directors of Luso Canadian Charitable Society since 2023. Matthew has over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is the President of ELM Life and Group Management Inc. and Vice-President of ELM Insurance Brokers Inc.
GTA Board of Directors
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PresidentDavid Mare
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Vice PresidentTony do Vale
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Secretary / TreasurerChantel Nascimento
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DirectorAntonio Nunes
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DirectorDaniel Padovani
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DirectorJack A. Prazeres
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DirectorMelanie Da Silva
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DirectorNuno Brito
Hamilton Board of Directors
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PresidentJoe Botelho
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Vice PresidentFátima Custódio
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SecretaryIsabel Rodrigues
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TreasurerCristina Santos
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DirectorChris Dorigo
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Hon. PresidentHelena Medeiros
Honorary Presidents
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Andrew Aideira Fonseca
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Charles Sousa
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Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva
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Dra. Manuela Aguiar
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Dra. Maria de Jesus Barroso
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Dra. Ana Maria Teodoro Jorge
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Frank Melo
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Frank S. Alvarez
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Hon. Peter Fonseca
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Jack Oliveira
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Matthew Pinto
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Sandra & Paula Almeida
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Silverio Araujo
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Prof. Dr. Aníbal Cavaco Silva
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Prof. Dr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
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Dr. José de Almeida Cesário
Honorary Directors
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Antonio Dionisio
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John Dias
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John Goncalves
Become a Sponsor
Are you interested in sponsoring an event or program?
Accessibility
Luso Canadian Charitable Society is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination and understands its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Its accessibility standards and commitment to this excellence do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law. Accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.