Villa Charities is Proud to Present
“Immigrant Story: The Exhibition” 
In celebration of Villa Charities' 50th anniversary, the website immigrantstory.ca, created and developed by Sholom Wargon, features an inaugural collection of more than 40 inspirational stories of individuals who immigrated to Canada from Italy and other countries. With eloquent narratives and stunning visuals, this interactive experience broadly reflects the ethnocultural origins of the Villa Charities and Columbus Centre communities. An on-site exhibition of these immigrant journeys is planned for the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery as soon as health and safety conditions permit.
 
Congratulatory Message for VCI’s 50th Anniversary
In recognition of Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, sent a congratulatory message. 
 
Don't Miss the Final Weekend of the Toronto Italian Book Festival
"Librissimi Toronto Italian Book Festival" is a celebration of Italian-Canadian writing and culture in all its forms, language and dialects. This year, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Villa Charities is sponsoring the Young Italian Canadian Writers panel discussion on Saturday, May 15 at 5pm. Moderator Maria Pia Spadafora will explore what it means to be a young Italian-Canadian writer with emerging authors Liana Cusmano and Gianluca Agostinelli.
 
Save the Month! Italian Heritage Month 2021 Coming Soon
Mark your calendar now for June 2021. We’ll be announcing our exciting programming line-up for Italian Heritage Month soon. Watch the video for a sneak peek of what’s to come including a new ‘behind-the-scenes’ video series with Sebastiano Bazzichetto.
 
"Toronto Salutes Dante" Presentations Continue on YouTube
Villa Charities is proud to sponsor “Toronto Salutes Dante”, which commemorates the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, and features more than thirty Canada-based guests who will read Dante’s “Inferno” in various languages, several for the first time. In addition to ten different Italian dialects, eighteen other languages are represented. In 15-minute clips, well-known personalities of Canadian public and cultural life, professors and students at the University of Toronto,
and members of the Italo-Canadian community share their voices and fresh memories of the most important Italian author in world literature. Listen to Dante’s “Inferno” as you have never heard it before on the Department of Italian Studies’ YouTube channel, now through June 2021.
 
Short Story Workshop, "Racconti In Italiano" Scheduled for May 26
With a focus on learning new Italian vocabulary, the “Racconti in Italiano” online book club offers adult students at any level the opportunity to discuss contemporary short stories in both Italian and English. A variety of literary themes and styles are covered including stories by established literary figures, as well as a new generation of writers, with stories that explore aspects of Italian life. The next workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 at 1:00pm.
 
Read May's Book Club Selection "Morte a Firenze/ Death in Florence"
Our online book club is an opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary
Italian literature while learning Italian. Join us for our May session, where
we will embark on literary adventures with extraordinary works by acclaimed prize-
winning authors. The next workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00pm as we read "Morte a Firenze/ Death in Florence" by Marco Vichi.

The Latest Art News and Events Discussed with “Art & Aperitivo”
Join us virtually, enjoy a drink, and master the Italian language with the "Art & Aperitivo" classes! "Art & Aperitivo" is an opportunity to talk about art in a relaxed environment, while enjoying your favourite drink together virtually. In this online interactive workshop, we will discuss the most significant art news and events from around the world, using Italian magazines and newspapers. We invite you to practice your Italian while expressing your views. We hope to see you tonight, May 13 at 7:00pm!
 
Escape to Italy with our “Travel Through Italy” Online Series
Take a virtual journey through the beautiful regions and cities of Italy! From North to South, get inspired by landscapes, recipes, small towns, poems, art, literature masterpieces and local tales. Whether you are sharing your Italian origins with your classmates or simply your love for this country, you will get to know lots of new Italian words, customs and friends! Don't miss the next workshops on Monday, May 17 at 6:30pm for the English-speaking class and 7:45pm for the Italian-speaking class.
 
Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with the CEO
You can have a virtual meeting with Marco DeVuono, Acting President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., for a one-on-one conversation to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. These informal chats with Marco will be held using GoToMeeting on the 2nd Friday of every month, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments are 20 minutes each and must be scheduled in advance. The next Friday Chats is scheduled for Friday, June 11. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.
On-Site Operations for Villa Charities and Columbus Centre Remain Suspended
Please be advised that as per the direction from the Ontario government and local public health authorities, under current the provincewide Stay-at-Home order guidelines, on-site operations for Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre remain suspended. Online programs and services continue to be offered. Stay tuned for any updates and visit our COVID-19 Updates page for full details.
 
Register Now for the
Ital-Canadian Golf Open at Eagles Nest Golf Club
Join us for the inaugural Ital-Canadian Golf Open on Monday, August 30, 2021. The CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada and Villa Charities Foundation are coming together to celebrate our community and give back in a meaningful way. Proceeds from the Golf Open will support programs provided by CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada and Villa Charities, as well as scholarships and bursaries for students across the country.
 
Villa Charities’ GIRO Cycling Fundraiser Returns in 2022
After a short hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, GIRO will return to the Veneto Centre in Woodbridge on Sunday, May 29, 2022. You can register online now for the 100km or 60km cycling route and reconnect with community members while enjoying all of your Italian favourites on-route and at the lunch reception. For more information and to register, click on the link below.
 
Applications for the Villa Charities Scholarship Program Now Closed
Applications for the 2021 Villa Charities Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Program are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied, and we look forward to announcing the scholarship winners later this summer. For more information about our scholarship program, visit the page below!
 
DanzArts Toronto Competes at the Youth America Grand Prix
DanzArts Toronto recently competed in the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s largest student ballet competitions. A special congratulations to Ruby Yang, Ella Pillon and Leah Moses for placing in the Top 12 Ensemble for “Is There Anybody Out There” as well as Advanced Company Dancer Alyssa Scocco for placing Top 12 in the Senior Contemporary Solo competition. We’re so proud of our incredibly talented DanzArts Toronto students!
 
Virtual Group Fitness Classes Continue at the Columbus Centre
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club continues to offer Live Virtual Group Fitness classes. Our certified instructors are offering courses six days a week! Check out Tuesday's class – Fine Toning. The fine toning method implies leanness in the body, noticeable muscle definition and shape, but not significant muscle size, working the smallest of muscles for the best results! Monthly membership fees are only $24.99 + HST and include access to our full fitness class video library. For more information, visit our website and register today.