Villa Charities Supports its Seniors Through Outdoor Fitness Classes
On Wednesday, April 8, Villa Charities supported its seniors' apartments residents through outdoor fitness classes. Fitness instructors from the Columbus Centre Athletic Club conducted outdoor fitness classes while residents from Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo participated in their own home from a balcony or window, in an effort to promote physical activity while also effectively allowing residents to continue social distancing. This initiative is part of our strategy for everyone in the Villa Charities community to feel supported, connected and engaged while our on-site operations are currently suspended.

Support COVID-19 Safety Measures and Help Keep our Seniors Safe
Villa Charities launched an Easter campaign to support COVID-19 safety measures for the more than 650 residents at our independent seniors’ apartments. As COVID-19 continues to escalate and as more seniors self-isolate, we anticipate the demands for our safety measures to grow. There’s still time to contribute, so please consider making a donation in support of COVID-19 safety measures at Casa Del Zotto, Caboto Terrace, and Casa Abruzzo today.

Villa Colombo Toronto Engage Residents with Positive Activities
COVID-19 has changed the lives of many around the world. While we maintain social distancing, it is essential to keep our residents engaged in social, emotional and physical activities. Our staff at Villa Colombo Toronto have been providing comfort to the residents through prayer and songs. We have also shared paintings and posters with hopeful affirmations around the building to spread positivity. We would like to thank Mr. Joe Fusco, President/Chair of the Villa Colombo Toronto Board, Fernando Peri and the VCTA for their generous donations and thoughts during this time.

Donate to the Italy
COVID-19 Response Appeal
The Italian Government, together with the Canadian Red Cross, have launched a campaign to help support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised will go directly to the Italian Red Cross, to support it and the Italian Civil Protection in their efforts to fight COVID-19. Please consider supporting this campaign through a contribution to the Canadian
Red Cross.

Our Learn Italian by Doing Program Continues Online
Our popular Learn Italian by Doing series returns! “Travel through Italy with Angelita Papa” is running online, every Wednesday at 7pm. Enjoy a virtual journey through the beautiful regions and cities of Italy and get inspired by landscapes, recipes, small towns, poems, art, literature masterpieces and local tales. Plus, beginning April 26, join us every Sunday at 11am for our new online series “Learn Italian by Doing from Angelita’s Kitchen” to learn new Italian vocabulary, all while preparing easy-to-follow, classic Italian recipes. Contact us today to book your spot – limited spaces are available!

Enjoy Reading of “The Most Extraordinary Women in the World” by Pier Giorgio Di Cicco
Born in Arezzo, Italy, Pier Giorgio Di Cicco served as the City of Toronto’s Poet Laureate from 2004 to 2009. He has written 13 books of poetry, and his prose focuses on the Italian Diaspora in North America, family conflict, spiritual identity and global problems. Join DopoLavoro Teatrale actress Danya Buonastella for a video poetry reading of “The Most Extraordinary Women in the World” by Laureate Pier Giorgio Di Cicco.

Explore Giovanni Caboto and the Discovery of Canada in New Video Series
Join Professor Matteo Brera for " Pillole di storia Italo-Canadese – Five Minutes of Italian Canadiana," a series of short video clips that highlight the important moments in the history of Italian presence in the GTA. The first video discusses Giovanni Caboto and the Discovery of Canada.

Discover New Music with our Villa Charities Playlist on Spotify
Looking for some new, catchy tunes to brighten up your day? Check out our Villa Charities “Work from Home” Italian Playlist on Spotify! Curated by the Villa Charities team, this eclectic playlist features a selection of contemporary Italian hit songs, with artists like Jovanotti, Gianna Nannini and Mahmood. Listen now!

Exercise with DanzArts Toronto in New Stretch Video
At DanzArts Toronto, we are currently running virtual dance classes for our existing students to continue with our spring programs. In addition to our online initiatives, we are happy to share a free stretch routine created by DanzArts Toronto instructor, Miss Kat. These exercises are suitable for all ages and we encourage the whole family to make time to stretch together.

Get Your Muscles Moving with our Latest Home Workout Video
We hope you are enjoying our series of fitness videos to help you maintain your workout routine while staying fit and healthy from home! The latest workout video includes Dead Lifts, Slide to Side Push Ups, Pull Overs, Overhead Press, Single Leg Calf-Raises and Star Jumps. Please watch the video and then follow along with the workout description on our website. Try Home Workout #3 now!

Express Your Passion for Music with Online Classes
Do you have an instrument at home that you’ve always wanted to learn? The Columbus Centre School of Music is now offering online music classes! Our music instructors will be teaching private lessons virtually via apps such as ZOOM, FaceTime or Skype. Lessons are available in piano, vocal, violin, guitar and drums. Open to new and existing students. Contact us today to book your spot!

ICCO Presents “Tutti a Tavola!” Online Cooking Series with Chef Roberto Fracchioni
Join the ICCO - Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario for “Tutti a Tavola!”, a series of tasteful online culinary webinars from the comfort of your home while sipping a warm espresso and experience first-hand how to prepare amazing and easy dishes. Don’t miss the next session on Tuesday, April 21 at 6pm and learn how to prepare Fennel & Blood Orange Salad!