George & Mary Vasilache

2026 Richmond Hill Honourees

Photographed in his native work environment at Signarama in Richmond Hill, George and Mary Vasilache have built more than an award-winning business over the last sixteen years - they have created a platform for community impact. What began over a decade ago as discounted printing for Portraits of Giving honourees’ signs soon evolved into a full sponsorship, with George and his wife Mary providing all signage at no cost.

Beyond Portraits of Giving, George has supported a wide range of businesses, organizations, and charities through his leadership and community involvement, including  serving as past Chair of the Richmond Hill Board of Trade, supporting the Romanian Board of Trade, the Ontario Romanian Canadian Association, the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research, the Kassandra International Soccer Tournament, the Terry Fox Run, and the St. John Evangelist Romanian Orthodox Church. His contributions have been recognized with the Business Achievement Award and the Community Leadership & Contribution Award.   Giving by way of time, sponsorships, donations, and hands-on contributions – time and again using his own business to amplify local causes and recognize community leaders, George and Mary’s approach to business and life reflects and exemplifies their belief that giving is not about getting credit or thanks, but about strengthening the community.

An immigrant from Romania, George credits both his roots and his life in Canada for shaping his values. Guided by his motto, “If you believe in yourself, nobody can stop you,” he continues to lead with generosity, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility to give back to his community.  George and Mary grew up in Romania under a dictatorship regime and did not want the same for their two small children, so they left home in 2001 and came to Canada.  You can see from their history of giving and community involvement that they showed and shared their kindness and generosity from almost the moment they landed but also remained very strong and connected to their roots and history.  Those two young children they brought to Canada all those years ago are now very proud and grateful adults.  Alex is now 28 years old and Sabina is 26 years of age – both living wonderful lives, made possible by the bravery, sacrifice and hard work of their parents.

Never forgetting where they come from and wanting to continue to nurture and preserve Romanian culture here at home, George and Mary are passionate supporters and champions of Arts4People Movement – a non-profit program through the Romanian United Foundation that offers supports and resources to keep Romanian culture, linguistics and traditions alive, for many generations to come.  For more information on how you can help grow the Arts4People Movement, please visit:  https://www.romanianunitedfund.org/arts_4_people_movement

Story Credit:

Meave Mastracci is the Owner of Ascend Services and a community-focused writer with over 25 years of experience helping local businesses grow. She specializes in community engagement, community give-back initiatives, and improving online presence through social media marketing, website design, Google verification and management, and the development of printed promotional materials. Her work—both in writing and business—champions good people, good businesses, and good organizations.  Contact: mmastracci@ascendalliance.ca