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Watch the Best of Italian Cinema
for FREE
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Join Villa Charities, TLN Television and Caffe Cinquecento for FREE outdoor summer movie nights every Thursday until August 31 in the Columbus Centre courtyard and Caffe Cinquecento’s patio. Enjoy hit movies from Italy with a spectacular lineup of English-subtitled films from some of the most acclaimed names in Italian cinema.
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UPCOMING MOVIES
Tonight at 7:00pm, join us for “Un giorno perfetto” / “A Perfect Day”
A Venice International Film Festival official selection film that tells the story of a dysfunctional family torn apart in a moment of violence and anger.
Thursday, July 27, 7:00pm: “Maldetta primavera” / “Sirley”
A Rome Film Fest official selection, this coming-of-age film explores the struggles and experiences of teenagers navigating the challenges of adolescence.
Thursday, August 3, 7:00pm: “Un’avventura” / “Forever You”
Matteo embarks on a quest to win Francesca’s heart upon her return from a life-changing vacation in this 1970’s musical featuring nostalgic Italian seventies songs.
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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We’re so inspired by the amazing immigrant stories we’ve received from our Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project donors. This #TributeThursday we’re sharing the inspirational journey of Francesco and Michelina Vaccarelli, who immigrated to Canada from Apulia.
Read their story below:
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“My father Francesco was born Aug. 31, 1933, in Modugno, provincia di Bari (sadly, he passed away Jan. 11, 2021). My mother Michelina Patisso was born Nov. 30, 1935. Both their early lives were tainted by the fascist occupation of Italy, war and the economic hardships of post-WWII Italy.
My parents first met at a wedding in 1958. At first, my mother, a "big" city girl from Bari, was not interested in a country boy - but my father's charm and gregarious personality eventually won her over. My father left for Canada in 1961 to work, learn a trade and hopefully improve his family's fortunes. He returned after 4 years, rekindled his relationship with my mother and they married on Feb. 19, 1966. On April 8, 1966, they boarded the SS Michelangelo in Naples bound for New York. This turned out to be a very perilous journey as the ship was caught in a fierce storm and was hit by a rogue wave that severely damaged the ship killing two passengers and one crew member. Unshaken, they continued on to Toronto by train where they would live in the basement of my aunt's house. My sister Mary (Maria) was the first to be born there, however, by 1969 after years of night shifts and working two jobs, they purchased their starter "home" - a triplex in the Jane/Eglinton area. My parents were quintessential Italian-Canadians, hard-working, deeply proud of their Italian roots and sincerely grateful for the opportunities Canada had given them. For my parents, family was everything.”
If you’d like to celebrate and honour your own family’s immigrant experience, please consider donating to the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. You’ll receive a customized name plaque on our Tribute installation and the chance to share your story with future generations.
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Don’t Miss the Final ‘Salsa for Seniors’ on July 26 | |
The secret to a happy life is dancing! Don't miss FREE Salsa and Latin dance lessons for seniors at the Columbus Centre Courtyard presented by TD Salsa in Toronto Festival, with the best professionals in Toronto and around the GTA. Don’t miss the final night of this series on Wednesday, July 26 at 5:45pm, for a memorable evening of salsa dancing, music and fun! There is no experience needed, and no registration is required. In partnership with TLN.
Learn More
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Dance the Night Away with Ballo Liscio | |
Join us every Wednesday until August 30 for Ballo Liscio. These outdoor social dancing nights in the Columbus Centre Courtyard feature live musical performances. Presented by the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) in partnership with Villa Charities and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program.
Learn More
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Celebrate Italian Heritage at Mississauga ITALFEST |
Villa Charities is a proud Amici Sponsor of the 2023 Mississauga ITALFEST, taking place on August 11 and 12, 2023 at Mississauga Celebration Square. Named a ‘Top 100 Festival in Ontario’, Mississauga Italfest is Mississauga’s first and premier Italian festival. Enjoy two days of live events, food, activities and entertainment from international talent and local emerging artists.
Learn More
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You’re Invited to Join Us for our Ferragosto Celebration on August 20 | |
Join us for our Ferragosto & Sagra della Porchetta community celebration on Sunday, August 20 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Columbus Centre, as we commemorate this annual Italian holiday. Drop by this free event, with children’s entertainment & carnival ride, porchetta and other delicious foods, and many more activities that the whole family will enjoy. Presented by the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) in partnership with Villa Charities and CIBPA Toronto, with funding by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Learn More
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Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco | |
Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next Virtual Friday Chat is scheduled for August 11. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Meet our Columbus Centre School of Music Instructors! | |
The Columbus Centre School of Music is renowned for its highly qualified and specialized instructors, who provide enjoyable, educational and engaging musical instruction to students of all ages and skill levels.
Meet Marco Marrone - Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Marco Marrone has been a music instructor at Columbus Centre School of Music since 1984. As a soulful clarinet and saxophone player, he has performed and continues to play with many musical ensembles throughout the GTA. Marco is an electronic musician/composer skilled at using midi and digital applications and has scored original music for short films and live performances. His fluency in many styles of music is well-suited to students who are eager to learn.
Learn more about all our instructors, and sign up for our Priority List to get first access to our Early Bird Registration for the 2023/2024 season.
Register Now
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Spaces Still Available at Columbus Centre Summer Camp Through August | |
Our Columbus Centre Summer Camp programs will spark your child’s curiosity and encourage them to explore themes including sports, cooking, dance. Half day, full day and extended care options are available. With seven different camps to choose from, your child will be engaged and active this summer. There are still spots open for camps throughout August.
Learn More
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Discover the Excitement of Pickleball | |
Try your hand at Pickleball this summer with our beginner Pickleball clinic. Designed to introduce players to the rules of pickleball including scoring, strokes and proper grip, this program will provide the knowledge and skills to start playing one of the fastest growing sports in North America. One-hour clinics run every Wednesday to September 6, open to Members and Non-Members.
Learn More
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Summer 2023 Premium Group Fitness Classes | |
Registration continues for our Summer 2023 Premium Group Fitness Programs, for Members and Non-Members. See our selection of programs such as Kickboxing, Pilates and Yoga. Register via email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 231.
Learn More
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Enhance Your Fitness Regimen with Personal Training | |
Transform your fitness and health with the support and guidance of our professional Personal Trainers. Personal Training provides an easy way for clients to stay on track and stay healthy. Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers One-on-One, Semi-Private and Small Group Personal Training, where members can benefit from the energy and camaraderie of group fitness with the individualization and the attention of a personal trainer, at a fraction of the cost.
Learn More
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Our Mission:
Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
Our Vision:
Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.
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901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
Follow us on Social Media for News and Updates
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