Buon Ferragosto!

Saturday, August 10

Celebrate the height of summer and embrace the joy of Ferragosto, Italy's beloved summer holiday! Join us on Saturday, August 10 for a fun-filled afternoon perfect for the entire family. Enjoy children's activities, live music, delicious traditional porchetta, pizza, and other authentic Italian delights*. Don't miss out on this festive event!

 

Programming

Children’s Entertainment & Jumping Castle

Face Painting

Soccer & Zumba Demos

Magic Show

Live Musical Performances

Live Dance Performance by DanzArts Toronto

Beer/Wine Patio (Payment Required)

Traditional Italian Porchetta & Pasta

Italian Ice Cream

Live Raffle for Prizes!

 

Thank you to all our sponsors for their support!


Presented in partnership with the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) and CIBPA Toronto. Sponsored by Chef Luciano Schipano and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

 

Date: Saturday, August 10, 11:00am – 3:00pm

Price: $5.00

Location: Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard, Columbus Centre

*While supplies last. First-come, first-served.


See You There!


Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION!


Time is running out - Buy your name plaque today so your family will be included on the installation when it is unveiled this fall. Don’t wait!


Watch Highlights from our Groundbreaking Event 


Buy Your Plaque

#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight

As we reflect on family and our heritage this #TributeThursday, we shine a light on the journey of Luigi Pierucci and Flora Ricci in Pierucci, who arrived in Canada from Frontone, Marche in 1956, as shared by their children.

 

"With no education, no language and very little money they immigrated to Toronto in 1956 and brought with them hope and optimism... But despite their early struggles they remained committed to their faith and family & shared their rich culture with me & my two sisters… We were taught the importance of family & respect and were lucky enough to visit Italy often growing up.”

 

Read more of their story on the Immigrant Map.

 

Luigi and Flora's legacy will shine on for future generations as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation. You too can honour your own family’s immigrant experience with the purchase of a plaque and be part of this heritage installation - now under construction!

Yes, I Want to Buy a Name Plaque!

Villa Charities

Cinema Under the Stars –

All Month Long

Join Villa Charities and Caffe Cinquecento for “Cinema Sotto le Stelle”, outdoor summer movies every Thursday in August on the Caffe Cinquecento patio. Enjoy a spectacular lineup of hit movies from Italy beginning on Thursday, August 8 at 8:00pm with “Zamora,” the directorial debut from actor Neri Marcorè. In the wild world of soccer and office antics, Walter Vismara must dodge more than just footballs to score big in life, love, and career! Reserve your seat with a $5.00 deposit. For any queries, email RSVP@villacharities.com.


Reserve A Seat

Dance & Music from the Salento

On August 13, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Salento region of Puglia! Learn the 'pizzica', a traditional dance, and explore ancient Salento instruments. Enjoy the captivating performance by Kalàscima and Italian-Canadian folk artist Andrea Ramolo, blending music, dance, and cultural richness.


Buy Tickets

Wednesday Nights are for Ballo Liscio

Join us Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard for Ballo Liscio, until August 28! Enjoy lively musical performances on the beautiful Columbus Centre grounds. Tickets are just $5 at the event. Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program.


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Celebrate Italian Heritage at Mississauga ITALFEST

Villa Charities is a proud Amici Sponsor of the 2024 Mississauga ITALFEST, taking place on August 23 and 24, 2024, at Mississauga Celebration Square. Named a ‘Top 100 Festival in Ontario’, the free event features delicious food and crafts from a variety of vendors and artisans, cultural and family-oriented activities, entertainment from local and international talent, a thriving “mercato” (market) and more.


Learn More

"Music of the World" with Romulo Delgado

Don’t miss "Music of the World" on Thursday, September 26, the grand finale of our Opera è Vita series for 2024! Experience famous global melodies performed by a talented live band and starring tenor Romulo Delgado, hailed by The Globe & Mail as “one of Canada’s most unique performing artists.”


Buy Tickets

Italian Lessons for Toddlers Ages 1 to 3

Introduce your child (ages 1 to 3) to Italian with Italian for Toddlers! This immersive program, in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi, includes storytelling, music, and arts. Choose between a 10-hour course (on Wednesdays or Fridays) or a 20-hour course (on Wednesdays and Fridays). Classes begin September 25, 2024.


Learn More

AICW Conference:

"The Vines of Diaspora"

Villa Charities is proud to be the venue sponsor of the Association of Italian Canadian Writers’ (AICW) 19th Biennial Conference at the Columbus Centre on September 28, 2024. The conference entitled “The Vines of Diaspora: Italian Canadian Literary and Artistic Cultures”, will feature inspiring work by many local, national and international writers, artists and scholars. Acclaimed Italian-Canadian photographer Vincenzo Pietropaolo is the keynote speaker.

 

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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 available Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, August 9. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.


Book Your Meeting

Villa Charities Foundation

Heart & Hand Awards on Friday, October 25, 2024

This October, we invite you to join us in celebrating our volunteers at the 2024 Heart & Hand Awards, where we will be recognizing volunteers who dedicate themselves to Villa Charities. The exclusive Heart & Hand Award remains the premier volunteer and partnership recognition across the Villa Charities family. Over 350 guests will attend this event at Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre, to enjoy exceptional dining and camaraderie amongst old and new friends. Join us for this special celebration and support us in making this a truly memorable evening. To learn more about the event or to purchase a ticket, please visit villacharities.com/heart&handawards.

 

Buy Tickets

Columbus Centre

Ultimate Sports Camp: Unleash Your Child’s Athletic Potential!

The Ultimate Sports Camp offers recreational sports for all skill levels, giving kids ages 7 to 13 the chance to try their hand at a variety of sports and activities under the supervision of expert coaches. Campers will participate in dodge ball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football, floor hockey, recreational swimming, and much more. Spaces are still available!


Learn More

Act Now: 50% Off Gym Memberships with a Personal Training Package

Time is running out to transform your fitness routine with our Personal Training Summer Sale! Sign up for a 13-week package with our expert trainers and enjoy up to 50% OFF your Columbus Centre Athletic Club membership. Don’t delay - offer ends August 15, 2024!


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Splash into Fun with a Private Pool Party

Make a splash this summer with a private pool party at Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Whether it's for a birthday, a social event, or just because, our pool rentals guarantee a fantastic time with friends and family. Our certified staff will keep the fun safe and worry-free. Email gungar@villacharities.com for booking details and prices!

 

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Ace Your Game with Our Tennis Memberships

Looking to sharpen your tennis skills or want to try the game for the first time? Get access to our outdoor tennis courts until October 31, 2024, with a Columbus Centre Tennis Membership. These seasonal memberships are available to both Members and Non-Members.

 

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Pickleball Clinics and House Leagues

Get ready to smash your way into one of North America’s hottest sports — pickleball! Learn the rules, scoring, strokes, and grips, and get in the game whether you’re a rookie or a pro. Find details about our Pickleball Clinics and House Leagues on our website or contact us today at 416-789-7011 ext. 213 or fitness@villacharities.com.

 

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Save 10% on a Full Year of Music Lessons

The Columbus Centre School of Music is happy to welcome returning and new students for the fall term of music classes beginning September 16, 2024. Discover your musical passion and save 10% when booking for a full year of lessons (September 2024 to June 2025). Register by September 30, 2024.


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Dance with Us in 2024/2025

DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2024 Summer Series and registration is now open for our 2024/2025 Dance Season. Click on the link below to learn more about our Summer Series Program and 2024/2025 Recreational Schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season!


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Messages From Our Valued Arts Partners

Exclusive Screening of “Thank You Guys (Grazie Ragazzi)

Join us on August 11 and 12 for this month’s TLN Italian movie (with English subtitles) feature screening at Cineplex theatres across Canada! Featuring a stellar cast, including the brilliant Antonio Albanese, Sonia Bergamasco, Vinicio Marchioni, Giacomo Ferrara, Giorgio Montanini, Andrea Lattanzi, and the esteemed Fabrizio Bentivoglio, “Thank You Guys (Grazie Ragazzi)" is a heartwarming Italian comedy that tells the story of Antonio, a passionate yet frequently unemployed actor who finds new purpose by teaching drama in a prison.

 

Buy Tickets

Book a Tour for Leonardo Da Vinci Academy

Book a tour today! Meet with a member of our administrative team to learn more about our Casa Montessori & Scuola Materna Preschools, our Lower Elementary Montessori and our Upper Elementary programs while visiting our newly renovated campus. We look forward to meeting you!

 

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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.



Villa Charities Inc. | 416-789-7011 | info@villacharities.com | www.villacharities.com

901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001

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