Get Fit and Have Fun with
our Outdoor Group Fitness Classes
Summer’s here and it’s time to get active outdoors with a group fitness class at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Under the Step 2 Reopening guidelines, we have expanded the capacity of our socially distanced outdoor group fitness classes, personal training and tennis lessons at the Columbus Centre.
 
There’s a variety of classes to choose from, including Boot Camp, Zumba®, Circuit 55+, Spin and more. Led by our certified instructors, our classes are energizing, motivating and accessible to everyone.
 
Gabriella Lalli, Interim Athletic Director for the Columbus Centre Athletic Club says, “It’s great to see everyone back and exercising at the Columbus Centre again. There’s a class for every fitness level and interest – so just pick a class, come out and have fun!”
 
Don’t forget that live virtual group fitness classes and live virtual personal training continue to be offered. In addition, access to the virtual class library with over 60 classes to choose from is also available. All group fitness classes are included in a Monthly Outdoor/Virtual Membership for only $24.99 + HST (excluding Hatha Yoga).
 
We look forward to resuming our indoor programs with capacity limits and safety protocols in place at the Athletic Club when we enter the Step 3 Reopening phase.

We can’t wait to welcome the community back to the campus! See the outdoor fitness class schedule below and register today.
 
Villa Charities Supports Italy: A Place To Go
Presented by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario, with the support of Villa Charities. The inaugural “Italy: A Place To Go” event is created to spread knowledge that goes beyond the typical Italian charms and attractions. This initiative will show us all how Italy is both a place of beauty and sustainable opportunity for the future. The broad perspective from this event will highlight the Economy, Design & Architecture, Innovation & Technology, Fashion, and Tourism & Culture.Several brilliant Italian speakers with diverse cultural and economic backgrounds will deliver lectures in these fields via Zoom.
 
Thursday, July 8 at 12:00pm
– Architecture & Design

Thursday, July 15 at 12:00pm
– Tourism & Culture
 
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, July 9. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.
Celebrate the 10th Edition of ICFF!
Villa Charities is a Film Sponsor of the 2021 Italian Contemporary Film Festival. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the ICFF, organized with the support of the Italian Embassy, the Consulates General of Italy, and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura. The ICFF 2021 will run to July 17 at Ontario Place, Vaughan, and Montreal through drive-in screening and brand-new open-air theatres and online across Canada on the ICFF official digital platform to July 13. For this exciting new edition of the festival, ICFF is proud to present the Premieres of “The Best Years,” Gabriele Muccino’s latest masterpiece; the award-winning film, “Out of My League” by Alice Filippi, and amongst many other amazing pictures. In celebration of its 10th anniversary of successes and exceptional screenings, the festival will also bring back past editions’ People’s Choice Award winners. For more info, please visit icff.ca.
 
Villa Charities and Columbus Centre Remain in Step 2 Reopening Phase
Please be advised that as per the direction from the Ontario government and local public health authorities, Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre will continue to operate following the ongoing Step 2 Reopening guidelines. We look forward to welcoming more patrons and members back to the campus! Check the COVID-19 Updates page for full details.
 
Villa Charities Celebrates
50 Years with 50 Recipes
In recognition of our 50th anniversary this year, we’re sharing lots of fun and interactive social media content for the Villa Charities community. Celebrate #VCI50 by enjoying 50 Recipes for 50 Years! These recipes include some of our favourite Italian dishes and recently, we featured the delicious Italian dessert, Tiramisù, courtesy of our friends at Eataly. The perfect balance of coffee and sweetness, tiramisù appropriately translates to “pick-me-up." Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Buon Appetito!

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.
 
Plein Air Painting Workshop Now Available
Join us outdoors on Saturday, July 17 from 9:30am – 3:30pm for the Plein Air Painting Workshop with professional artist and instructor Sam Paonessa. Sam will demonstrate, provide helpful instruction, individual attention and constructive critique. These painting workshops are recommended for participants with some previous experience. Students will need to bring their own materials and easels. Acrylics or oils welcome.
 
Book A Tennis Court at the Columbus Centre
Our outdoor tennis facilities are open for member use following strict guidelines and booking schedule, and we have also introduced tennis lessons. Games can be played in doubles. Book the court now and get your body moving! Contactfitness@villacharities.com to learn more.
 
Columbus Centre School of Music Continues Virtual Lessons Online
Have you ever wanted to learn an instrument? It is time to embrace your musical side! Learn from home with the Columbus Centre School of Music. We offer affordable and effective online lessons for all instruments to kids, teens, adults, seniors or groups. Contact cultural@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 248 to join.
 
Casa Del Zotto Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Residents and staff celebrated Casa Del Zotto’s 30th anniversary on June 23, 2021. Italian-Canadian musician Bruno Nesci performed popular Italian folk music for the residents as they enjoyed the outdoor concert from their balconies, and a commemorative tote bag and sports bottle were also delivered as a surprise gift. Congratulatory certificates from Robin Martin, MPP, Eglinton-Lawrence and the Hon. Marco Mendicino, PC MP, Eglinton-Lawrence were awarded in recognition of Casa Del Zotto’s milestone anniversary. The City of Toronto also awarded a congratulatory certificate.
TAC Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre
Summer is here and so is Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre! TAC Sports is hosting their Summer Camp 2021 for kids ages 4 -12, with a variety of sports and activity options to choose from. Keep your children active, focused, and having fun during this season. Camps run until September 3, 2021.