For the Iacobelli family and their nationally-recognized businesses, Sun-Brite Foods Inc., Unico Inc. and Primo Foods Inc., giving back has always been second nature.
In late 2020, Unico Inc., Primo Foods Inc., and Onorio (Henry) Iacobelli and family pledged $1 million to the Ultimate campaign, to support the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) within the Mental Health Unit at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
The gift provides access to the specialized care needed to help treat and support the growing number of people who require mental health care in the community. Mackenzie Health’s inpatient Mental Health Program is located at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital where the Unico, Primo, and Onorio Iacobelli and Family Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit includes eight beds compared to the four-bed unit formerly located at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. This space has been uniquely designed for less stimulation and constant monitoring by our crisis team to support high risk patients and provide the best chance at healing and recovery.
In York Region, about 275,000 people, or one in four, suffer from mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia.
“It’s humbling to have the Unico, Primo, and Henry Iacobelli and Family Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit named to honour our family roots and over 100 years of longstanding traditions in bringing our communities together,” says John Iacobelli, Chief Executive Officer of Sun-Brite Foods Inc., Unico Inc. and Primo Foods Inc. “We hope that we can continue to do good for the community, good for the people and good for each other’s well-being. We hope that those who can, will join us in supporting one another.”
With a local Unico Inc. distribution centre in York Region, a primary focus for the Iacobelli family continues to be giving back to the local community to ensure their employees, families and communities have access to the ultimate health care and mental health supports. In times of greatest need, this gift will help to support those in our community who need it the most.
On October 14, 2021, a gift celebration was held at Unico Headquarters in Concord to recognize Unico, Primo Foods and Iacobelli family’s transformational gift.
From left: Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO of Mackenzie Health; Rina Pillitteri, Chair of the Mackenzie Health Foundation Board of Directors; John Iacobelli, Chief Executive Officer of Sun-Brite Foods, Unico and Primo Foods; Priscilla Iacobelli, wife of John Iacobelli; John Porco, Chief Operating Officer, Unico; Dr. Youssoufian, Chief and Director of the Mental Health Program, Mackenzie Health; and Wendy Dias, Principal Gift Officer, Mackenzie Health Foundation