Onley recognized the “personal courage” of individuals who are battling their addictions and have turned their lives around. The event helps raise funds for Caritas' projects.

Caritas is a non-profit organization, partially funded by Ontario's Ministry of Health, that runs rehabilitation programs for individuals who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. It also provides support to people with mental health issues and behavioural problems. Caritas has an office in Toronto and runs a therapeutic farm in King City, Ont.

In Ontario, individuals with disabilities make up about 15.5 per cent of the population, Onley said. But only half of that group are people with physical disabilities, he explained. The other half have non-visible disabilities which can result from mental illness or addictions.

During his term as lieutenant governor, Onley has chosen the theme of accessibility “which enables people to achieve their full potential,” he said.

One of the biggest barriers to promoting accessibility, he said, is people's attitude towards individuals with disabilities, such as those with mental illness.

“I applaud you in your commitment to overcoming obstacles in your life,” Onley said of the residents who attended the event. “I applaud Fr. Gianni (Carparelli) who responded generously to a mother with an addicted son. He did not turn away nor pass on the other side of the road. Like you, (he) stopped to help.”

Carparelli, Caritas' founder, says the event's theme “Revival” represents a new beginning not only for the residents, but also for the organization.

In February, Caritas Project was locked out of its building after a dispute with its landlord. (The landlord was asking Caritas to pay for a parking repavement but Caritas placed the responsibility back onto the landlord.) Caritas had been renting the North York building for the past 16 years.

But it now has a new building on Ormont Drive which could be open in about a month, Carparelli told The Catholic Register. Caritas moved in about two months ago.

Carparelli said, the new building and record-breaking Oct. 17 event represents how Caritas can “overcome the difficult times we have.”

“We can't abandon those going through difficult times,” he added.