Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: March 18, 2020
- Invested on: December 07, 2023
Franca Damiani Carella, M.S.C. (posthumous)
Woodbridge, Ontario
Franca Damiani Carella founded The Vitanova Foundation, a facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of those struggling with substance abuse. As its executive director, she developed a unique treatment program, expanded the range of services offered and organized annual fundraising events in the community. Vitanova has since treated more than 17 000 clients and family members at no charge, and it remains the only in-patient program in the York region for men with addictions.