Jonathan Sun, Richmond Hill High School student and owner of Merchant Branding, was awarded with the 2015 William F. Bell Young Entrepreneur Award. Through the Ontario Summer Company Program, Jonathan received start-up funding, business training and mentorship to start a promotional branding business. This assistance helped Jonathan transform his t-shirt printing business ideas into reality! He achieved good sales numbers this summer and plans to continue his business as he completes Grade 12. This award was established in honour of Richmond Hill’s longest serving Mayor and long-time supporter of youth and business, William F. Bell. In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) delivers the Summer Company Program.Since 2004, Richmond Hill’s SBEC has helped more than 90 young, creative people to explore entrepreneurship as a career option and launch summer businesses through Summer Company. For more information contact Kitty Yung, Small Business Consultant – Youth Programs, at 905-747-6317 or kitty.yung@richmondhill.ca.

 

Deputy Mayor, Regional & Local Councillor Vito Spatafora announced that $30,000 was raised at this year’s Tastes of the Hill (TOTH) Multicultural Festival in support of Autism Ontario, York Region. The organization was selected to receive the funds raised due to their work in supporting individuals living with autism, their families and other professionals with whom they interact.This year’s TOTH multicultural festival did not disappoint! Visitors experienced international cultures through a variety of activities, including live entertainment, a fashion show, contests and a showcase of culture, food and beverages, fashion, film, arts and crafts, sports and animals. To date, Tastes of the Hill has raised more than $440,000 for local charities. For more information, contactDan Di Ruscio, Events Coordinator, at 905-771-5513 or dan.diruscio@richmondhill.ca.