You don’t want to miss the next “Club del Libro” online book club workshop on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:00pm, for your opportunity to explore contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian. Violante Binazzi will lead a lively discussion on “Il cane di terracotta”/ “The Terra-Cotta Dog” by Andrea Camilleri, author of “The Shape of Water”. The second novel of the internationally popular Inspector Montalbano series, this mystery takes readers on a journey through Sicily's past and into one family's darkest secrets. Tickets are only $10!

Register Now

There’s still time to sign up for our Cultural Tuesday’s presentation “An Evening of Poetry Readings and Reflections” on Tuesday, November 28 at 7:00pm. The evening features selected works by four distinguished Italian-Canadian authors: Bruna Di Giuseppe-Bertoni, Antonia Facciponte, Joe Giampaolo and Gianna Patriarca. Participants will be given the opportunity to purchase copies of the books. A ‘Pay What You Can’ event but advance registration is required.

Register Now

On November 30, join us for a magical evening with beloved author Gia Laurent, as she unveils her enchanting new children’s storybook, “Benjamin’s Quest for Bravery”. The event includes a presentation and Q & A, book signing and refreshments. Free to attend but patrons are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.

Learn More

Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping and activities at the Villa Charities Festive Christmas Market, on Saturday, December 2 from 12:00 to 5:00pm. Shop fantastic local vendors and enjoy delicious seasonal food and beverages at the Columbus Centre. Get in the Christmas spirit as you discover great gifts for family and friends, or a special something for yourself. Children can enjoy face painting and have their photo taken with Santa!  

Learn More

Join Villa Charities for the Toronto premiere of the film “Gino: A Child of War”, an inspiring docu-drama that sheds light on an incredible story of hope and boundless kindness of the human spirit amid the chaos of war. The film narrates the story of Gino Farnetti-Bragaglia, a five-year-old boy discovered frightened, hungry, and wandering amidst the war-torn ruins of Torrice, Italy, in 1944, by compassionate Canadian soldiers. Q&A following the screening. Monday, December 4, 7:00pm at The Royal Theatre, 608 College Street. Presented in partnership with Lazio Federation of Ontario and Amarcord – Associazione EmilianoRomagnoli Dell’Ontario.

Buy Tickets

The Columbus Concert Band kicks off the holiday season with a performance of cherished Christmas music that will delight patrons of all ages. The band will also showcase an exciting new repertoire with solo performances. Join us on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30pm and celebrate the Columbus Concert Band’s 13^th season at the Columbus Centre!

Learn More

As part of our Ballo Liscio night with musical guest Bruno Nesci, we invite you to bring your homemade Italian Christmas dessert and take part in our Traditional Italian Dessert Contest for your chance to win a prize, as selected by our judging panel. Join us on Wednesday, December 6 and share your traditional desserts such as Panforte, Struffoli, Scalilli and Turdilli with fellow community members. Enjoy a slice of Panettone, courtesy of Villa Charities! (First come, first-served, while supplies last.)

Learn More

Celebrate the festive season with “A Christmas Concert: Pastores Transeunt Usque Bethlehem”, a live performance of holiday music by Coro San Marco on Monday, December 11 at 7:30pm. Under the baton of Daniele Colla, pianist Adolfo De Santis, violinist Carina Charmaine Sandejas along with other talented vocalists will perform a selection of traditional Christmas music sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Buy Tickets

Giacomo Puccini, regarded as the greatest and most successful composer of Italian opera after Verdi, created masterpieces that are among the most frequently performed and recorded of all operas. Sara Papini and Romulo Delgado lead this exciting concert lecture on Tuesday, December 12, 7:30pm. They will share insightful observations on the composer and perform some of the most famous arias and duets from his iconic operas.

Buy Tickets

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 last Friday Chats for 2023 is scheduled for Friday, December 8. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.

Book Your Meeting

The Association of Italian-Canadian Writers (AICW), in collaboration with the Department of History, York University and Villa Charities, is accepting proposals for their 19th Biennial Conference in September 2024.This year’s theme is “The Vines of Diaspora: Italian Canadian Literary and Artistic Cultures.” Writers, artists, academics and researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to submit proposals to present new (or posthumous) creative or critical works in Italian, English or French by January 31, 2024.



Learn More

Our Gentle and Deep End Aquafit programs provide a great stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic workout in warm, soothing water, perfect for toning muscles and improving flexibility. Member and Non-Member registration for our winter term Gentle Aquafit classes Begins Monday November 27 at 9:00am; registration for our Deep End Aquafit classes begins Tuesday November 28 at 9:00am. Register in-person at the Membership Office during office hours. For more information, email fitness@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215.

View our Aquafit Programs

Learn to swim in the new year! With our large indoor swimming pool, our swimming classes cater to preschool-aged children just learning how to swim, to seniors who enjoy aquafitness. Mark your calendar now - Winter 2024 Swimming Lesson Registration opens on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 9:00am for Members and Non-Members, in-person at the Membership Office. Swimming lessons will begin in January 2024. For more information, call 416-789-7011 ext. 215 or visit our website.

Learn More

Start a new fitness regimen or upgrade your current routine before the year ends with our one-on-one Personal Training or Small Group Personal Training services. With highly experienced and certified trainers, we can work with individuals of all abilities and help support any existing rehabilitation regimens you have. You'll be able to stay on track and reach your fitness goals in no time! Visit us today at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, call 416-789-7011 ext. 217 or email fitness@villacharities.com.

Learn More

Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents their annual Christmas Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Monday, December 4 at 6:00pm at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Your $50 ticket includes a pasta and salad dinner, coffee/tea and traditional Christmas 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.

Learn More

The Academy of Realist Art presents a free exhibition of the work of Ivan Alberto Joya Gonzalez. This special arts event includes pieces based on his training at the renowned Academy of Realist Art. In this show, Ivan journeys outside the parameters of realism and creates provocative works that reflect his unique world view and perspective. It features his work in charcoal, ink, graphite, pencil and markers as well as select pieces in acrylic and watercolour.

Date:  Saturday, December 2,

2:00 – 8:00pm.

Location: Columbus Centre,

Academy of Realist Art, 3^rd Floor