Recognizing his on-going efforts to help under privileged youth, The Boys' Towns of Italy has named MAPEI Americas president Nick Di Tempora as its "2005 Man of the Year." The honor was bestowed by the Florida chapter of the organization, which endures as the oldest American charity in service abroad and has been working to advance the welfare of children since 1945.

Di Tempora noted that the struggles he faced as a young man in Italy inspired him to reach out to needy children in his native country. "I was born in Campobasso, Italy, in 1939, and I faced many of the same difficulties as the children who became the first inhabitants of the Boys' Towns of Italy," said DiTempora. "Happily for me, my parents immigrated to Canada in 1951, and I was able to take advantage of the great opportunities offered to me in the Americas. Today, I am fortunate to be able to assist this worthy charity, and I am deeply honored by their wonderful tribute to me."

The Boys' and Girls' Towns of Rome remains committed to responding to the needs of children in Italy, focusing on the international population of children who pass through Rome. It works to protect the rights of children and ensure the quality of child care worldwide. The charity is supported by the Boys' Towns of Italy, an American organization headquartered in New York. Those interested in supporting its efforts can visit the Website at www.boystown.it for more information.