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Highlights from the Italian Community Celebration for Senator Toni Varone | |
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On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the GTA’s Italian Canadian community came together to honour Toronto entrepreneur and philanthropist Toni Varone, in commemoration of his recent appointment to the Senate of Canada. The event was held at the beautiful Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre in North York and was co-hosted by CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada and Villa Charities Inc. Colleagues, associates and friends of Senator Varone enjoyed the cocktail reception that also included a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the event will go to the CIBPA Scholarship Fund, the ICCO Canada Scholarship Fund and the Villa Charities Scholarship Program.
Guests included Consul General Sig. Luca Zelioli, Consul General of Italy in Toronto, Senator Tony Loffreda, ISG - Quebec (Shawinegan), Hon. Judy Sgro, MP, Humber River-Black Creek, Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, MPP, Vaughan-Woodbridge and Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor, City of Toronto.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening to celebrate Senator Toni Varone.
View the Event Photo Gallery
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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It’s #TributeThursday, where we feature immigrant histories from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. This week, we're sharing the story of Francesco and Maria Rezza Trentadue, who both immigrated from Modugno, Apulia.
“Francesco Trentadue was born in Modugno, Puglia in 1929. He met the love of his life in his hometown prior to her immigrating to Canada in 1953. Maria Rezza was born in Modugno, Puglia in 1932. They married by proxy in 1955 and Francesco immigrated to Canada in 1956. They made their roots in Toronto. Both had aspirations of a better life for their families in their homeland and their children. As they both came from big families, they had a duty to help the rest of their families. Francesco was a carpenter and Maria worked in a factory making perfume boxes and vinyl record slips. They had two children: Pasqua and Raffaela. Through hard work and a lot of sacrifice they helped their siblings and Maria's parents immigrate to Canada.”
Read the complete story of Francesco and Maria on our Immigrant Map.
Construction begins this spring – don’t miss your chance to be part of the historic opening of this installation!
Buy your customized name plaque and celebrate your family’s immigrant story for future generations.
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“Youth, Truth and Imagination” Exhibition Opening – Tonight! | |
Villa Charities is excited to present the second edition of “Youth, Truth and Imagination”, a collective exhibition that promises to weave a captivating narrative inspired by the lives of fourteen artists. Don’t miss this vibrant exhibit of pure imagination, where stories of everyday life, diaspora, feminism, queer and racial identities transcend into abstract fictitious masterpieces. Join us for the Opening Night Reception tonight at 7:00pm. Presented in partnership with IC Contemporary.
Learn More
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Celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 with Us! | |
Commemorate 2024 International Women’s Day with a presentation that honours and reflects on the stories of three remarkable Italian Canadian women, who share their personal and professional journeys of perseverance, stamina, courage and determination. This inspirational evening on Thursday, March 7 features Project Curator & Director Laura Libralato, City of Toronto Ward 5 Councillor and City Councillor Speaker Frances Nunziata, and journalist, reporter and host for OMNI TV Daniela Sanzone,followed by a Q & A. Presented in partnership with Vibrant Women’s Voices.
Register Now
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“Donne!” New Phoenix Ensemble Concert | |
Experience this newly created avant-garde trio performance by New Phoenix Ensemble, in celebrationof International Women’s Day 2024, on Friday, March 8 at 7:30pm. “Donne!” is exclusively dedicated to female composers who during their lifetime have been in the shadow of male artists of their time and to composers who were not only extraordinary artists, but who also had an impact on 19th and 20th century society. Clarinetist Letizia Elsa Maulà, cellist Jean-Baptiste Schwebel and violinist Ian De Jong will captivate concertgoers with an unforgettable musical performance. Presented in partnership with Istituto Italiano di Cultura.
Register Now
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Opera è Vita Concerts
Bundle and Save!
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Our popular series “Opera è Vita” returns with a new lineup of concerts for 2024! Explore the captivating world of opera with some of the most accomplished voices on the stage today. Our three-concert series features “Dashing Divas” on March 14, “Viva Verdi!” on June 12, and “Music of the World” on September 26.
Buy all three shows for only $100.00! ($70.00 for Students/Seniors).
Learn More
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Community Workshop on Mental Health Resources | |
Learn about available mental health resources and self-navigation tools from Grace Pluchino and Cassandra De Freitas of Downsview Community Legal Services, a community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario providing free legal services for vulnerable individuals in the community. Join us for this ‘Pay What You Can’ presentation with Q&A on Tuesday, March 19 at 7:00pm. Presented in partnership with Downsview Community Legal Services.
Register Now
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March’s Book Club
Selection is Here! | |
We invite you to embark on literary adventures with extraordinary works by acclaimed, prize-winning authors. Register now to discuss “La donna della Domenica”/ “The Sunday Woman” by Carlo Fruttero and Franco Lucentini, on Wednesday, March 20 at 7:00pm. Considered one of the first examples of modern Italian crime novels, this story is set in Turin and deals with the investigation of commissioner Santamaria about the murder of an architect of dubious fame, Garrone. The “Club del Libro” online book club hosted by Violante Binazzi is an opportunity to explore and discuss notable contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian.
Register Now
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Our Carnevale Celebration with LDVA and Accademia dei Ragazzi | Leonardo Da Vinci Academy joined Villa Charities and Accademia dei Ragazzi for a lively Carnevale celebration on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, which featured live music, crafts, and performances by LDVA students. Pictured here are Lower Elementary Montessori students in their Carnevale costumes. | | |
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Book Your 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 Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, March 8. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Villa Charities Foundation | | |
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Save 50% on Giro Registration Until March 31! | |
Building upon the exhilarating finale of the Giro d’Italia, Villa Charities’
Giro Cycling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 26 brings together cycling enthusiasts with route options for every skill level and rest stops that celebrate Italians’ love of food, community and celebration! We are also thrilled to announce that LiUNA OPDC is back as the Presenting Sponsor of the 17th Annual Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser! LiUNA OPDC has been a generous supporter of Villa Charities and a sponsor of past fundraising events such as Giro. Grazie mille LiUNA OPDC!
Register before March 31st and receive 50% off the registration fee - that’s a $50.00 savings!
Register Now
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Early Bird Registration Offer for Summer Camp Ends Tomorrow! | |
The Columbus Centre is the place to be for summer camp! Our camps provide interactive learning opportunities, engaging activities and a chance for your child to make life-long friends. From general camps to specialty camps in tennis, art, soccer, and more, we offer high-quality programming in an inclusive and inspiring environment. Register by Friday, March 1 to receive 10% off each camper registration! Camps run from July 2 to August 23, 2024.
Learn More
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Specialty Clinics Now Available for Small Group Personal Training | |
The Small Group Personal Training program is a great opportunity for Members to 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. We are now also offering Small Group Personal Training specialty multi-week clinics that are customized for specific fitness interests and goals. There is a maximum of only four Members per class, and we offer many training options including cardio, strengthen and endurance, weight training, seniors’ mobility, and golf and tennis clinics. Demo sessions are available. Visit the Membership Office or contact Kabir at ksankar@villacharities.com for more information or to book your sessions today!
Learn More
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Master Your Landscape Painting Skills – Spaces Still Available! | |
Integrating both landscape and abstract, our Less Defined Landscape workshop will inspire students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes, while encouraging creativity and imagination. This 4-week painting workshop runs from March 6 to 27 and is suitable for intermediate to advanced students with prior experience.
Learn More
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Villa Colombo Toronto is Looking for Board Members!
Are you interested in getting involved and making a difference in the support and care we provide for our seniors? Villa Colombo Toronto is currently looking for accomplished leaders to join their committed Board. Previous experience in a non-profit or senior-level experience in complex organizations is preferred. Deadline for applications is March 15, 2024.
Learn More and Apply Today!
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Message from a valued arts partner | | |
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OpéraFest at Jeanne Lamon Hall
As talent presents itself, we create and OpéraFest is upping its showcase game celebrating the Italian Bel Canto repertoire juxtaposing 4 principal composers Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini and Verdi with scenes from NORMA, I CAPULETTI E I MONTECCHI, DON PASQUALE, LA CENERENTOLA & UN BALLO IN MASCHERA. This year’s cast is a thrilling and talented group of emerging and established artists. Join us on Saturday March 9, 2024, at 7:30pm for this high-energy musical adventure at Toronto’s Jeanne Lamon Hall.
Learn More and Buy Tickets
Learn More and Apply Today!
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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
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