Joseph and Angela Gulizia

2026 Vaughan Honourees

Poised together in the sunshine, standing outside of York Region’s first residential respite centre for people living with dementia, Joseph and Angela Gulizia’s work and portrait embody dignity, compassion, and responsibility. CIBPA Place was developed in partnership with Care As One, a non-profit group, to alleviate and offer alternative support to families who may need short-term accommodation for their loved ones living with dementia. Through UniversalCare Canada Inc., the Gulizia's have made a lasting impact across York Region and throughout Ontario. 

They have led the development of long-term care and retirement residences, championed community-based healthcare initiatives, and partnered with organizations such as Mackenzie Health, Villa Colombo Vaughan and The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.  They also lead major fundraising efforts, including the annual UniversalCare Strides for Seniors.  What began during the challenges of 2020 has grown into a powerful movement, uniting thousands of participants, raising more than $6 million over five years, and surpassing $2 million in 2025 alone; it is now recognized as the largest grassroots dementia care fundraiser of its kind in Canada.

The couple credits their parents and the community leaders they grew up with for their influence.  They were both raised with a strong sense of responsibility toward others, and they’ve always believed that success meant ‘helping the community to grow stronger’.  These lessons shaped them and their approach to philanthropy and to life itself.  When asked what advice they would give their 17-year-old selves, they unanimously and without hesitation said, “Start giving early and stay close to the people you are helping.” They feel that it is through community involvement that we can learn first-hand where the needs or gaps exist in community support, and then, through consistency, we can be the change needed to make that difference.

Their ongoing mission includes the development of the St. Rita at Marylake Long-Term Care Home, located at the Marylake Shrine in King City, Ontario, a setting that echoes the couple’s faith, focus, and sense of purpose.  Their work is rooted in service, not transaction. The Gulizia family gives with purpose, dedicating their time, energy, and resources to seniors, their families, and the broader community.

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