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Italian Club to the rescue in wake of quake By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 13 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Saturday May 16th Doors open at The Oakville Italian Club is doing what it can to extend a helping hand to those affected by this month's earthquake in south Italy. "We at the Oakville Italian Club would like to remember and assist as a community," said longtime club member Leo DiRisio. With a death toll of several hundred and approximately 50,000 homeless in the Abruzzo region in the wake of the quake, DiRisio said the situation is of concern to the club as many of its members hail from the area. So on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, the local club will host an Open House for the Oakville community at its club headquarters at 467 Speers Rd., Unit 16 (across from the bingo hall). From noon to 9 p.m., on both days, the club will offer panini in exchange for a $5 donation. Other refreshments and food will also be available for sale, with proceeds directed to the earthquake victims. "All donations will be directed to assist our friends and paesani," said DiRisio. The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck L'Aquila and other towns in central Italy in early April. Altogether, more than two dozen cities and towns were damaged, officials say. In L'Aquila, which is northeast of Rome, between 3,000 and 10,000 buildings in the medieval city were reported as damaged. The Oakville Italian Club has been established for 20 years and has approximately 200 members. The club is encouraging everyone in town, not just those of Italian background, to come out, enjoy the days and offer assistance from afar. "Donations will be accepted. If it's $1,000, $500 or $10, it will all go to them directly," said DiRisio. Whatever is made will be donated to the cause -- via the Villa Charities in trust for the Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund -- and tax receipts will be available. For information about how to help with the fund or the open house, call the club at 905-8448000. 6am