News from the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre in Niagara, Ontario
Posted July 21st, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Donna French, mother of the late Kristen French with Joe Pillitteri, recipient of the Doug French Helping Hands Award
Niagara Region – Each year, the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre recognizes outstanding individuals and companies for their exceptional dedication to supporting children and youth affected by abuse, internet luring, or violence.
This year, the Centre is proud to honour a diverse group of champions whose contributions have made a profound impact: Joe Pillitteri: The recipient of the Doug French Helping Hands Award
More on this award: The late Doug French, father of Kristen French, was a constant presence around the Centre, caring for everything from changing lightbulbs to doing paint touch-ups.
This award is presented to an individual whose extraordinary commitment to volunteerism strengthens our mission.
Our honouree: While Joe Pillitteri may be best known for his quick wit and charm, he is equally recognized as a pillar of generosity in our community and has made a profound impact on the Centre. His dedication year after year as host/emcee of the Annual Bravehearts Gala (since 2016) has not only helped raise vital funds, but has also built awareness across the community about the work being done at the Centre to support those who have been impacted by abuse.
John White: The recipient of the Marlene DeRose Spirit of Giving Award More on this award: Presented to someone who honours the true meaning of generosity, who gives of themselves, and inspires others to do the same. Named after the late Marlene DeRose, the founding chair of the Centre and passionate advocate for children and families. With a career spanning over 35 years in education, Marlene’s leadership left an indelible mark on the Niagara Community.
Katie Marino. Rudy DeRose &award recipient John White
Our honouree: John White is the founder of the Niagara District Golf Tour and visionary behind what is now the 16th Annual Kids Golfing for Kids fundraiser in support of the Centre. When creating the tour decades ago, John’s goal was to help junior golfers become champions on and off the course. Part of his belief was to instill the importance of giving back to the future leaders of our community. To date the tournament has raised well over $300,000.
Duliban Insurance: The recipient of the Frank Parkhouse Community Builder Award More on this award: Retired Deputy Police Chief, Frank Parkhouse was a lead investigator on Kristen’s case and a driving force behind the creation of the Centre. To this day, Frank continues to champion our cause and help guide our mission to support children who have experienced abuse and trauma. This award in his name honours and celebrates remarkable leadership and compassion.
Frank Parkhouse Liz Toner & Colleen Craitor
Our honouree: A third-generation family business, Duliban Insurance has been dedicated to community impact for decades. Brothers Adam and Jason Duliban are continuing the legacy of leadership and philanthropy. From leading impactful fundraising events, making generous financial contributions and encouraging employees to volunteer their time in meaningful ways, they embody community spirit and exemplify how immense impact can be achieved when we work together.
We at the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre remain deeply grateful for the ongoing support from these community champions, whose commitment continues to inspire others to make a difference. Brian Bratt, Executive Director at the KFCACN
About the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre At the Centre – We transform lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma.
Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.
To learn more about the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, visit; https://www.kristenfrenchcacn.org
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