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Anthony Fusco Sr. Unveiling
and Recognition Event
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On Sunday, March 3rd, Villa Charities Foundation (VCF) held a recognition and thank you event in honour of Anthony Fusco Sr. and the Fusco family, who have been very generous supporters of Villa Charities. VCF was thrilled to recognize Anthony Fusco Sr., a Founding Member of Villa Charities, for his dedication, advocacy, and philanthropic support of the Villa Charities family of organizations and the Italian-Canadian community.
The newly redesigned Columbus Centre boardroom was unveiled and renamed as the Anthony Fusco Sr. Conference Room. The space underwent a complete renovation, featuring a beautiful new contemporary design and décor, made possible through a generous donation from Anthony Fusco Sr. In further appreciation, Villa Charities also dedicated a plaque for the Columbus Centre Courtyard and renamed the courtyard as the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard in his honour.
Anthony Fusco Sr. was instrumental in the creation of Villa Charities and the development of Villa Colombo Toronto and the Columbus Centre. He was a Founding Member and served as the President of the Italian Canadian Benevolent Corporation from 1973 to 1981, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. from 1973 to 1977, the Columbus Centre from 1978 to 1981 and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Foundation from 1990 to 1991.
Mr. Fusco Sr. was also very active in our early fundraising efforts and remains a generous donor to present day.
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
This #TributeThursday, we are featuring the immigration story of the Sacco family, and their journey from Abruzzo to Canada in 1958. | |
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“June 4,1958, was when my father Silvio, my mother Lidia Pichelli, my sister Domenica (Mima), and I started our 9-day journey from Abruzzo Italy, to Canada, arriving at the Port of Montreal. As it was still summer, there was no need to stop in Halifax. My family took a bus to Toronto and arrived at Union Station around midnight, where we slept on a bench waiting for a bus to take us to Welland in the morning. In 1964, our family welcomed a third child, my brother Enzo. In true Italian style my mother was picking cicoria (dandelion greens) in a nearby field along the railway tracks when she went into labour. Enzo was born later that day at Welland General Hospital.”
Read more about Silvio and Lidia Sacco’s immigration experience and explore the other donor histories on our Immigrant Map.
Why not make your own family a part of this historic heritage installation? Construction starts this spring so buy your customized name plaque today!
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TONIGHT! The ‘Dashing Divas’ of Opera | |
Don’t miss our first Opera è Vita concert of the year, “Dashing Divas” - tonight at 7:30pm. This International Women’s Month concert is an uplifting celebration of women in opera. Enjoy an evening of spectacular performances featuring women composers. Performers include sopranos Sara Papini and Lynn Isnar, accompanied by Sabatino Vacca. Tickets are still available for tonight’s show – plus, it’s your last chance to bundle all three Opera è Vita concerts and save!
Buy Tickets
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Early Bird Ticket Offer for “Back to the ‘80s Dance Party’ Starts Monday | |
Join us for a totally awesome night as Villa Charities hosts an epic ‘80s dance party at the Columbus Centre on Saturday, April 20. Our DJ will be spinning all the chart-toppers that defined a generation and made the ‘80s the ultimate dance decade. Plus, put on your legwarmers and tease up that hair, as we’ll be awarding prizes for Best Dressed, Biggest Hair and Fastest Rubik’s Cube!
Early Bird Ticket Offer: Tickets are only $15.00 if you purchase between March 18 – 24, 2024. Tickets on sale Monday, March 18 at 10am.
Learn More
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“Youth, Truth and Imagination” Exhibition Runs to March 28 | |
There’s only two weeks left to experience “Youth, Truth and Imagination”; a collective exhibition that weaves 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. To March 28, 2024, only, at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Presented in partnership with IC Contemporary.
Learn More
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Downsview Community Legal Services Clinic | |
Learn about Downsview Community Legal Services, a community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario providing free legal services for vulnerable individuals in the community. Led by Grace Pluchino and Cassandra De Freitas, this introduction to legal clinics will provide direction on navigating mental health and self-navigation tools. 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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Join our Online Book Club with Violante Binazzi | |
Don’t miss your chance 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.
Register Now
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Spring Term “Italian for Toddlers” Classes Begin April 10 | |
Toddlers can learn Italian through an immersive sensory experience including storytelling, music and arts with Italian for Toddlers! This program, in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi, offers the choice of a 10-hour course (Wednesdays or Fridays) or a 20-hour course (Wednesdays and Fridays). The spring term classes begin April 10, 2024. Parents must join their children in the class.
Register Now
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Jazz Night: John Pizzarelli and Caity Gyorgy on April 19 | |
The second installment of our exclusive series, "Culture Crush: Singles, Art & Connection" promises to be a show-stopper. Join us on Friday, April 19 at 8:00pm for Jazz Night at Koener Hall, featuring the sensational sounds of Italian-American guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli and the enchanting vocals of Canadian sensation Caity Gyorgy. Mix and mingle with fellow art aficionados at the VIP After Party. Presented in partnership with Cesaroni Consulting and Royal Conservatory of Music.
Buy Tickets
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“Echoes of Growing Up Italian” - Book Launch and Presentation | |
The Italian diaspora is one of the most significant of the 20th century, with a far-reaching impact in the Americas, Australia and Northern Europe. The Italian immigration narrative is a universal one. What you will find in “Echoes of Growing Up Italian” are accounts of the immigrant experience as told through the eyes of women. Presented in partnership with Guernica Editions, Frank Iacobucci Centre for Italian Canadian Studies, and University of Toronto, Italian Studies. Join us for this ‘Pay What You Can’ event on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00pm.
Register Now
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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, April 12. 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! | |
Join us on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the Veneto Centre for the Villa Charities 17th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC. This is a fun community ride through Vaughan and surrounding area that brings together cycling enthusiasts with route options for every skill level. Don’t miss your chance to sign up for Giro with 50% off registration (a savings of $50), from now until March 31st.
Register Now
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One Day Only! Wellness Workshop with Seth Mohan | |
Columbus Centre Athletic Club presents an exclusive workshop with yoga and mindfulness expert Seth Mohan on Sunday, March 24 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Seth will lead participants in a rejuvenating session that focuses on the four pillars of physical fitness: strength, balance, flexibility and stamina. Open to Members and Non-Members but spaces are going fast, so register today!
Learn More and Register
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Early Bird Registration for Tennis Court Memberships! | |
We’re happy to announce that the Columbus Centre Athletic Club will be opening its 3 tennis courts on April 1, 2024. The season will run from April 1 to October 31, 2024. Members and Non-Members can register for Tennis Court Memberships between March 18 and March 31 and SAVE $10.00!
To learn more or register, contact fitness@villacharities.com or 416-789-7011 Ext. 213.
Learn More
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Register Your Child for Judo Camp this Summer! | |
Give your child the opportunity to learn the martial art of Judo at our new Judo Summer Camp. Young campers will have an extraordinary summer through dynamic training sessions, skill-building exercises, and empowering lessons in discipline, respect and confidence. Register for the Judo Summer Camp or explore the range of general and specialty camps at Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre. Choose the ones that suit your child’s interests and make this summer unforgettable!
Learn More
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Dance With Us This Summer at DanzArts Toronto | |
Join us this summer! DanzArts Toronto at the Columbus Centre has more chances to dance than ever before! There’s a program for every age and level of experience. Check out our 2024 Summer Series line-up with open dance classes, Acro intensives and more. Registration is now open.
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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Swimming Lesson Registration Opens Saturday, March 23 | |
Make a splash this spring with swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre. The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers swimming lessons for all ages and levels with The Lifesaving Society Program. Registration for both Members and Non-Members begins on Saturday, March 23 at 9:00am in the Membership Office and swimming lessons begin the week of April 1, 2024.
Learn More
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Registration for Spring Term Aquafit Classes Opens Monday, March 25 | |
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a selection of aquafit classes designed to strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness in a low-impact format. Classes include Gentle, Deep End and Arthritic Aquafitness as well as Water Dance. Registration for both Members and Non-Members can register online or in-person at the Membership Office beginning on Monday, March 25, 2024. Classes begin the week of April 15, 2024.
Learn More
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Register Now for Spring Term Music Classes | |
Registration is open for the 2024 spring term at Columbus Centre School of Music, beginning Monday, April 1 for 12 weeks. We offer a wide variety of music lessons that are open to anyone of any skill level. Our seasonal one-on-one private lessons in vocals, guitar, piano, violin, flute, clarinet, drums and more are taught by our highly skilled professional instructors. Full details on our website.
Learn More
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Mark Your Calendar for Premium Fitness Programs Registration | |
Get ready to challenge yourself and expand your fitness regimen with the Columbus Centre Athletic Club’s Premium Fitness Programs. Registration for spring term classes including TRX®, Non-Contact Boxing, Judo, Yoga, Tai Chi and Mindful Meditation opens on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 9:00am. Not a Member? No problem – these Premium Programs are all available to Non-Members as well. You can sign up for these classes online or in person without the commitment of a membership.
Learn More
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Add Squash and Pickleball to your Spring Schedule | |
Try your hand at Squash and Pickleball on one of our five courts and make strides in your game. Whether you are a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, everyone is welcome! Learn from our certified instructors who will teach you the rules of the game, proper technique and more. Our Squash and Pickleball programs are available to both Members and Non-Members. Registration opens online and in person at the Membership Office on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 9:00am.
Learn More
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Spring Pasta Bingo Fundraising Event | |
Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents a Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00pm at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Tickets are only $50 and include a pasta and salad dinner, coffee, tea, and treats as well as three bingo games and dabber! Funds raised are for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. For tickets, please contact the VCTA Office at 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260 or email
vcla@villacolombo.on.ca by April 12,2024.
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Messages From Our Valued Arts Partners | | |
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Farm-to-Table Dinner Event at Boccaccio on April 5 | |
Join Chef Luciano for a unique farm-to-table dinner event at Boccaccio Ristorante, featuring fresh and locally sourced products from Secret Lands Farm. Indulge in a delectable 4 course menu while getting the chance to meet and buy directly from the farmer. A true celebration of local and sustainable cuisine.
Click here for more information and to reserve your seat.
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TLN Media Group Presents the Best in Italian Cinema | |
TLN Media Group is your ticket to never-before-seen Italian cinematic films (with English subtitles) on the big screen in Cineplex theatres across Canada!
This April 14 & 15, catch “Drive Me Crazy (Con Chi Viaggi)”. Starring Michela De Rossi, Pasquale Petrolo, Alessandra Mastronardi, and Fabio Rovazzi, this side-splitting comedy takes us on the road trip of a lifetime where four strangers meet through an app for a car ride share that turns into an adventure destined to change the lives of all those involved.
Click here for more details and to secure your tickets for this limited screening!
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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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