Here are two you can look way up to
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot —
Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” — Dr. Seuss Gabriel Ghiglione and Kristian Ferreira are two young men who care “a whole awful lot.” They care about kids, about community and about making a difference.
Ghiglione and Ferreira were recently recognized for extraordinary community service by Ontario University Athletics.
“Gabriel is awesome. Not many like him,” said McMaster crosscountry coach Paula Schnurr.
“Gabe is dedicated to making a difference beyond his involvement in sport. He is the most community engaged individual that I have had the pleasure of coaching in my 20 plus years (at Mac).
“His personal level of engagement is an inspiration to witness.”
In 2015, Ghiglione was awarded the prestigious McMaster Les Prince Award for involvement with outreach programs and commitment to community and service work.
And Dino Perri, coach of the Mac men’s soccer team, is delighted that for the second consecutive year a member of his Marauder men’s soccer team was awarded the OUA West Community Service Award.
“I don’t know where Kristian finds the time and energy to combine school, varsity soccer, varsity track, work, volunteering, and extra training,” Perri said. There is no one more deserving of praise than Kristian. His contributions are large and much of what he does is unknown.
“The fact that he is a Hamiltonian (Westdale grad) and giving back to the local community makes it even more gratifying.”
Nicole Grosel, McMaster’s Community Engagement Co-ordinator, is continuously amazed at “the level of passion, commitment, and heart” that Mac student-athletes “pour into everything they do.”
Grosel poured personal praise on Ghiglione and Ferreira.
“Regardless of the circumstances, struggles, or barriers that youth may face in their daily lives, when Gabe is around he makes it his responsibility to bring some joy to their day and a smile to their face,” said Grosel.
Ghiglione, an anthropology major, is an executive member of the McMaster Athletes Care (MAC) program; volunteers at Boys & Girls Club, City Kidz, McMaster Children’s Hospital, “Kids to Campus,” Living Rock; serves as the president of the McMaster ALS Society helping to organize and promote the ALS Hamilton Walk which raised in excess of $110, 000 (2014-2016); helped organize and execute the Mac Athletic & Recreational Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Week, and, he addresses community kids about competing “clean” in a program called “Succeed Clean.”
Like Ghiglione Ferreira, too brings joy to the lives of kids.
“Kristian has the unique ability to positively touch people’s lives and support their development without them even realizing it,” said Grosel. “That is a beautiful form of leadership.”
Ferreira, a recipient of the ACCPI Award (2011) and John Holland Youth Award (2012), is totally committed to community.
The senior sociology major mentors “at risk” inner city youth (Pathways to Education); provides peer education in music and music literacy with a focus on the Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra (2007 — present); coached kids at the West Hamilton Soccer Club; provided mentorship at Sage Family Camps (Good Shepherd Centres); and volunteers at The North End Community Health Centre (Sit and Fit Program).
“Making a positive impact on his community comes naturally to Kristian as every aspect of his personality is kind, genuine and generous,” said Grosel.
Ferreira plans to continue “giving back” upon completion of his undergraduate degree. He is presently pursuing law school.
Meanwhile Ghiglione — who was the recipient of the 2016 U Sports CSA (cross country) — will pursue his volunteerism on the global stage with NGO India, an organization committed to social justice, sustainable development and human rights.
Gabe Ghiglione and Kristian Ferreira, two exceptional members of “Mac Nation.”