John Tory’s taps anti-violence advocate as special guest at swearing-in

WATCH: Louise Russo, a Toronto-area anti-violence advocate, reiterates her support for new mayor John Tory and expresses her desire for a greater, improved city in the years to come.

TORONTO – John Tory’s special guest at his inauguration Tuesday will be Louise Russo – the anti-violence advocate and founder of the non-profit Working Against Violence Everyday (WAVE).

“She’s one of my heroes, she is the person who had unbelievable adversity befall her and then has devoted her life to kids to make sure they had a great life in this city,” Tory told reporters at city hall Tuesday.

Former Premier Bill Davis, with whom Tory worked, will also be in attendance.

Tory will be presented with the Chain of Office at a ceremony in council chambers at 2 p.m. when he will also make his inaugural remarks.

“It’s like any new job. You’re a bit apprehensive about the job, what it entails. You haven’t had it before. I’ve had it for one day now. You’re excited at the same time,” Tory told reporters outside city hall Tuesday morning.

WATCH: Louise Russo, a Toronto-area anti-violence advocate, and former Premier Bill Davis presented Toronto mayor John Tory with the Chain of Office Tuesday afternoon after the mayor was sworn in.

Russo was hit by a stray bullet from a botched drive-by shooting while she was in a sandwich shop in North York in 2004.  She was given $2 million in restitution and created the non-profit organization Working Against Violence Everyday (WAVE) in 2004, which aims to end violence.

During the meeting, Tory will formally announce his appointments for deputy mayor, chairs of standing committees and will advise council on the election of a speaker. Most of his choices were publicized Monday, including Denzil Minnan-Wong, who will be tapped as deputy mayor.

READ MORE: The Ford years: A look back on Rob Ford’s 4 years as mayor

Canadian hockey commentator Don Cherry was selected by former Mayor Rob Ford during his inauguration in 2010 and was criticized for calling cyclists and certain journalists “left-wing pinkos.”