Unveiling the Primucci Family Centre

at Villa Colombo

On August 1st, Villa Charities Foundation hosted a recognition and thank you event in honour of the Primucci family, acknowledging their philanthropic support. The Primucci family and Pizza Nova's partnership with Villa Charities spans more than 26 years! 

 

To honour this partnership, the sign for the future “Primucci Family Centre” at Villa Colombo Toronto was unveiled. In addition, new furniture for the fountain area and 8 new state-of-the-art resident beds were purchased through the Primucci family’s generous contributions. Following the unveiling, guests made their way to the Columbus Centre for a reception and dinner at Ristorante Boccaccio.

 

We are extremely grateful to the entire Primucci family for their ongoing support of the Villa Charities family of organizations.

Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION!


Time is running out - Buy your name plaque today so your family can be included on the installation when it is unveiled. 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 spotlight the incredible story of resilience and hope of Silvio Bot, who moved from Friuli Venezia Giulia to Canada in 1948.

 

“(He) Arrived by boat at New York City (Ellis Island) at the age of 23 on Oct. 25,1948 with literally pennies in his pocket. Sponsored by a Canadian farmer, he crossed the border to Southwest Ontario. He married Doris Pellegrini in 1954, and had 3 children – Roy, Steve, and Nancy. In 1957, he pursued entrepreneurship and took a chance by creating his own curb and gutter forming business, along with his bros Jack, Carlo & Luigi.”

 

Read more of his story on the Immigrant Map.

 

Silvio’s hard work and determination turned his dreams into reality and this 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

Outdoor Movies Every Thursday This August

Join Villa Charities and Caffe Cinquecento for “Cinema Sotto le Stelle”, outdoor summer movies every Thursday in August on the Caffe Cinquecento patio. Screening tonight, August 15 at 8:00pm is “Amleto è Mio Fratello,” by director Francesco Giuffrè. Join the heartwarming adventure of four friends as they chase their dreams, make unexpected connections, and find the true meaning of belonging. Next week, catch “La Kryptonite Nella Borsa”, directed by Ivan Crotoneo. Screened in Italian with English Subtitles. Reserve your seat with a $5.00 deposit. For any queries, email RSVP@villacharities.com.


Reserve A Seat

Ballo Liscio Outdoor Summer Edition – Only 2 More Weeks

Join us Wednesdays at 6:30pm at the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard for Ballo Liscio, only until August 28! Enjoy social dancing with lively musical performances. Tickets are just $5.00 at the event. Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program.


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Villa Charities Sponsors 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. Be sure to visit our Tribute Project booth in the Heritage Centre!


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Romulo Delgado Performs World Music this September

Presenting "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 Classes for Toddlers

Give your child an early introduction to Italian culture with Italian for Toddlers, for ages 1 to 3. 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.


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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, September 13. 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

Personal Training Summer Sale – Extended to Sept. 15

We’ve just extended our Personal Training Summer Sale for four more weeks! Sign up for a 13-week package with one of our expert trainers and enjoy up to 50% OFF your Columbus Centre Athletic Club membership. Now extended to September 15, 2024! Don’t miss your chance to transform your health and fitness with one-on-one instruction, guided by our certified professional Personal Trainers.


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Registration for Fall Aquafit Classes Opens August 29

Our Aquafit programs provide a great stretching, strengthening, and low impact aerobic workout, in warm, soothing water, perfect for toning muscles and improving flexibility. Register online beginning Friday, August 29, via email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215. Fall term classes begin the week of September 8.

 

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Learn to Swim at Columbus Centre Athletic Club

The Columbus Centre Athletic Club swimming pool offers swimming lessons, programs, and clubs for children and adults of all ages and abilities, for all levels. Registration for Group Swimming Lessons opens on Saturday, September 14 at 9:00am (in person) for Members and Non-Members. For more information, call 416-789-7011 ext. 215 or visit our website. Lessons begin the week of September 23.


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Ace Your Game with Our Tennis Memberships

Has the Canadian Open got your adrenaline running? 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. Ace your game or have fun while learning to play!

 

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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 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

Beppe Gambetta Live – TONIGHT!

Beppe Gambetta is a guitarist, vocalist, researcher and composer born in Genova, Italy who developed a style that brings American and European Roots to speak together with one voice. In his unique approach, Beppe blends energetic grooves with passionate melodies, giving new life to sources from different times, periods and places. In addition, the original music he composes gives contemporary influences to traditional roots music. See Beppe Gambetta live at Hugh's Room Live, tonight at 8:00pm.


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Women of the Academy of Realist Art

Experience the Academy of Realist Art Exhibition “Women of the Academy of Realist Art: A Legacy of 18th Century Techniques in the 21st Century”, on now in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. This all-female exhibition features the exceptional talents of Academy of Realist Art alumni, including Fanny Ku, Robyn Asquini, Miriam Rosenthal, Lynne Crouch, Leslie Morgan, Elaine Rakowski, and Debra Repka. These artists skillfully use classical techniques from 18th-century French Academies to create stunning pieces that speak to contemporary audiences. Attend the closing reception on Thursday, August 22, from 4:00 8:00pm. This exhibition continues until the end of August.


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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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