Joe Ruscio is an entrepreneur who has experienced success at the highest level. He is an accountant by trade, owns a hotel, has several business properties around the city and is developing more. He is also a very faith filled man who is gentle, and kind, and one of the most generous philanthropists out there in our community. He is humble in his demeanor, and has not sought the limelight ever for his gift of giving back to his community.
He recently was elected to the Catholic School Board as a trustee, so students and families now benefit from his guidance and expertise.
Joe recently lost his father, who was also a community builder, and the sorrow in his heart over the loss of his father was genuine, tender and so loving.
Joe has been involved in so many charitable acts of giving that it is hard to keep record of all of them. There probably is not a charitable organization in our city that has not had the hand of Joe Ruscio help them. I want to focus on a couple.
Joe has been participating for many years in an annual event that would find Joe, and many of his pals, sleeping in a box outside at night, and during the winter, to raise funds for St. Vincent Place. St. Vincent Place operates a mens’ shelter, a soup kitchen, and a food bank.
With COVID in place, things changed a little, but not Joe’s giving. In fact, last year Joe raised over $44 000 himself toward the cause. There was a virtual event held rather than the actual sleep outside at night.
Joe attributes the success of his campaign to all of the generous folks out there who gave. Just like Joe to deflect the attention away from himself.
He used the hotel, Quattro, that he is part owner in, to offer incentives for people to give. Gift cards and spa packages. Joe said that many of the donations came in with the call to give the incentive to someone who could use it. So many good folks out there.
Prior to COVID, Joe also was part of a group of guys who, following the 100 Women Who Care group, started 100 Men Who Care. The premise is that several times a year, the guys meet, decide on a worthy charity to give to, and then everyone writes cheques for $100. The total of $10 000 is then given to the charity. A noble and easy way to give to those in need.
In 2014, Joe was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce with the Paul Dalseg Award. This is one of the Chamber’s highest awards given to a person who has demonstrated interest in their community and made outstanding, and unique contributions to help the life of their community over the years.
And Joe just continues to give generously over the years. You will see his business name on so many great events, activities and charitable acts all over town each and every year. Needs arise and Joe helps out.
When Joe and his family make their way up the north shore, they like to take time up here to relax, it is always great to see him, and know that he is getting to spend quiet time with his family and friends.
What amazes me is how a man, who is so successful in business, can be so humble and kind and giving towards others. The people Joe directs his charitable acts toward are some of the most marginalized in our city. Joe ensures that he helps them is some way.
And I guess that goes back to Joe’s strong faith roots. He gives and he walks among the most needy in society because that is what his God would want Joe to do.
God Bless you sir. You are an angel among us. You are an inspirational leader with the kindest of hearts and most giving spirit. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you.
Joe - I hope that you and your wonderful family enjoy a blessed and joyous Christmas Season.
Cheers to you my friend – Frank O’Connor
Frank O'Connor and his wife Gail are the owners and operators of Voyageur Lodge and Cookhouse in Batchawana Bay. He's writing a profile a day leading up to Dec. 24, featuring people who have given back to their community in a positive way through their good deeds and work.