Mother of slain Toronto officer launches bail reform, kids programming foundation

At the funeral of Toronto police officer and Oakville father Marc Pinizzotto in June, his mother promised she would turn her son’s loss into a push for change.

Less than three months later, Linda Pinizzotto has now launched a foundation in Marc’s honour — advocating for criminal reform and providing sports and arts programming for kids.

Linda says on the day of her son’s funeral, she made a promise to herself — and to everyone listening to her eulogy.

“The promise was very simple, that there’s going to be changes,” Linda said.

Linda has launched the Marc Pinizzotto Foundation in memory of her son — a loving father of two, and Toronto police officer who was killed in the line of duty on June 11.

Their mission is two-fold — advocating for bail reform, and providing programming for kids called “G.O.A.T.”

“The greatest of all time in sports and music and art. In their heart, embrace others, play with their friends, have fun with their friends. Not look for gangs and getting into trouble. We need to support our children with proper growth,” Linda said.

It is a nod to Marc’s legacy in his local hockey community — he played the sport his entire life and coached for many years in Oakville and Burlington.

The foundation’s first goal is to raise $100,000. That money will support non-profits that already provide kids with access to sports, until their own program is up and running.

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“The commitment’s been made, it’s going to happen. We need help,” Linda said.

And Linda isn’t the only one finding new ways to keep Marc’s legacy alive. Over the summer, the parkette by his childhood home was renamed after the constable.

Earlier this week, a former hockey team also honoured Marc in a special way: “Tonight the Oakville Blades honour Marc, not only for the hockey player and the captain he was, but for the man he became.”

Marc’s son dropped the first puck at the Oakville Blades game on Thursday. The Junior A hockey team — where Marc played from 1999 to 2003 — retired the former captain’s number.

“I was fortunate enough to play with him one of those years. Just an overall great person and an excellent hockey player,” said Mike Tarantino, general manager and head coach of the Oakville Blades. “It was a great tribute to him and to his legacy. It was very touching and sad, but at the same time you really got to remember who he was within the organization.”

All of this comes just a week before what would have been Marc’s 44th birthday, on Sept. 24.

And while it will be a somber occasion this year, Linda says her family will still celebrate with their annual tradition.

“We’re going to have a gelato ice cream cake,” Linda Pinizzotto said.

Those wishing to donate can do so on the foundation’s website.

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