Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the House of Commons international trade committee.
My name is Robert Sacco. In my professional life I am a service line leader for customs and trade for KPMG. I immigrated to Canada in 1958. As president of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations, I'd like to thank the committee on international trade for allowing the CIBPA to participate on a panel regarding multiculturalism and international trade.
With our origins and associations going back to 1949 when the first chapter was formed in Montreal, to the incorporation in 1983 of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations, the national federation has grown to 11 member chapters across Canada. In addition to our business activities, the national federation is very proud to report that our CIBPA chapters have distributed over $10 million to various Canadian community-based charities and education programs. The majority of our donations were made to hospitals, seniors residences, and students who receive government assistance, with over half the funds distributed to more than 2,500 students. We have also set up CIBPA endowments at three major universities.
In addition to our Canadian efforts, the CIBPA chapters, along with other Italian associations, provided help when Italy was struck by natural disaster. In addition to the many fundraising efforts that we had, on Friday, May 12, 2017, over 600 people attended the Italy earthquake relief fund lunch with Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Kathleen Wynne were both at the head table. The Prime Minister pledged to match grants from private donations for up to $2 million, and the premier committed a $250,000 donation. The lunch generated approximately $613,000 for the project. With federal government matching, the estimated funds raised to date are roughly $2,650,000.
The Italy earthquake relief fund, TIERF, will be making a substantial donation to a joint venture with the Vatican and the Italian Red Cross for telemobile hospital projects. When these technology-enabled mobile hospitals are not assisting in natural disasters, they will be used as hospitals in small towns that lack medical facilities. TIERF has made a commitment to fund two telemobile hospitals.
When we look back at the history of Italian Canadians in the CIBPA, in particular, we see a common theme of family values, good citizenship, and education being the cornerstone of our success as Canadians. We help in the communities we do business in, because we care about Canada and Italy. This is our commitment. This is our contribution to an investment in Canadian society. We're also very pleased about the Canada-European Union free trade agreement that went into effect on September 21, and look forward to many bilateral activities between Italy and Canada, as well as other members of the EU.
Thank you for allowing me to participate.