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Villa Charities Begins Construction on
Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation
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Shovels hit the ground last week at a public event for the eagerly anticipated Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project installation, which is set to honour the Italian Canadian immigration story.
The ceremonial Groundbreaking Event was held on Wednesday, June 12 and marked the start of construction on the installation at the Columbus Centre. Hosted by International Chef and Executive Producer, David Rocco, the event featured dignitaries, politicians, Board members, current Tribute Project donors, representatives from other Italian organizations, and members of the Italian Canadian community who all took in the milestone amid a backdrop of enthusiastic celebration of Italian Heritage Month.
Speakers included the Consul General of Italy in Toronto, Luca Zelioli, Hon. Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, who all expressed their support of the project to the crowd of over 350 people.
View Photos From the Event
Designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., the Immigrant Tribute installation will be located on the Villa Charities site at Lawrence Avenue West and Dufferin Street in Toronto, on the north-facing wall of the Columbus Centre. It will showcase name plaques dedicated to thousands of Canadians of Italian heritage and the year that they immigrated to Canada. The installation will be accompanied by a landscaped seating area and a bronze cast sculpture crafted by artist and marketing executive, Aldo Cundari.
The installation will offer individuals of Italian heritage a space to gather, commemorate, and reflect on their immigrant heritage and collective achievements.
While the construction of the physical installation is underway, personalized single or double name plaques are still available for a $1,000 donation and will feature the name of the family member and the year they immigrated to Canada. For each plaque purchase, a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount.
Canadians nationwide can purchase plaques that will appear on the installation at the Columbus Centre, but also have their stories told on the Villa Charities Immigrant Tribute website. This allows donors to share family photographs and histories with the public, acting as a useful resource for generations to come.
The unveiling of the completed installation is currently planned for later this year. The funds raised from the Tribute Project through Villa Charities Foundation will support senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs.
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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As we reflect on family and our heritage this #TributeThursday, we shine a light on Salvatore Valela and Filomena Valela, whose legacy of hard work, sacrifice and love lives on through their family.
“Though he only made 90 cents an hour, Salvatore saved and sent money back to Filomena and their daughter who were still in Simbario. In 1957, Filomena and their eldest daughter immigrated to Canada and lived in Elliot Lake before making their final move to Toronto … This Pool Hall was a symbol of Salvatore and Filomena’s unprecedented work ethic. While Salvatore worked long days and nights at the Pool Hall, Filomena worked early mornings while also raising their 6 children.”
Read more of their story on the Immigrant Map.
Salvatore Valela and Filomena’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!
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Ballo Liscio Returns for a Summer of Outdoor Dancing! | |
The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio returns to the Columbus Centre Courtyard this summer! Prepare to dance the night away every Wednesday from July 3 to August 28 on the beautiful grounds of the Columbus Centre, with lively musical performances. $5.00 tickets are available at the event. Funded by the Government of Canada New Horizon for Seniors Program.
Learn More
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FREE Salsa Lessons for Seniors | |
Villa Charities is proud to support ‘Salsa for Seniors’ at the Columbus Centre! Dance your way through FREE Salsa lessons presented by TD Salsa in Toronto Festival, with the best professionals in Toronto and around the GTA. Join us on Wednesday, July 3 and 10 from 5:15 to 6:15pm, then stay afterwards for Ballo Liscio and show off your newly acquired skills! Lessons are for seniors of all ages, no experience needed. In partnership with TLN.
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Join us on Saturday, July 6 at 11:30am for our summer community event to enjoy some delicious food, dancing and live music by Fortunato Gratta. Tickets are only $5.00 and available at the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
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“Italy At Home” Film Festival on TLN TV | |
Villa Charities is proud to be a sponsor of the “Italy at Home” Film Festival on TLN TV, featuring a hand-picked selection of captivating contemporary hits and never-before-seen on Canadian TV Italian film gems with English Subtitles. Join us for a month-long Italian film festival TV event starting June 1 to June 30, Mondays to Fridays at 9:30pm and weekends at 9:00pm.
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Villa Charities Partners with ICFF | |
Villa Charities is proud to co-present the film “A Small Southern Enterprise" on Sunday, June 30 at 9:30pm with the Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival, organized by the ICFF! From June 27 to July 21, 2024, the Lavazza IncluCity Festival will bring the best of contemporary international cinema along with immersive entertainment for attendees with red carpet appearances, special guests, celebrity hosts, unique cocktail experiences, special events, brand new theatre venues and so much more!
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Meet & Greet with Neri Marcorè | |
Don’t miss your chance to meet Neri Marcorè, a multifaceted artist who over the years has covered the roles of actor, dubber, singer and television and radio host. He is one of those actors you recognize immediately. Many are his roles in television where he has played well-known figures from Alberto Angela, Antonio Ligabue to Papa Luciani. This free event on Tuesday, July 2 at 7:00pm is presented in partnership with ICFF and Società Dante Alighieri.
Learn More
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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, July 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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Pizza Nova Donates Funds From Golf Tournament to
Villa Charities
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Villa Charities is very grateful to Pizza Nova and the entire Primucci family for selecting our organization as the benefiting charity of the Pizza Nova 27th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, which was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Station Creek Golf Course. An impressive $56,887 was raised at their premier event that was attended by more than 215 participants including franchisees, suppliers, partners, family members and friends. We would like to thank all the golfers, sponsors, and especially the Pizza Nova team and volunteers who made the day so enjoyable for everyone. The funds raised from this year’s golf event will go towards supporting key strategic priorities at our Villa Colombo Toronto long-term care home.
Read the Pizza Nova Press Release
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10 Days Left to Apply to the 2024 Villa Charities Scholarship Program | |
Apply now to the 2024 Villa Charities Scholarship Program! Applications are being accepted for only ten more days, until Sunday, June 30, 2024. This opportunity is available to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. Four awards of $1,000 are available to Undergraduate students and four awards of $2,000 are available to Graduate level students.
Learn More
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Columbus Centre is Looking for Board Members! | |
Are you interested in getting involved in your local community and making an impact on a community centre that has played a vital role since 1980? For more than four decades, the Columbus Centre has served as a social, recreational, cultural and athletic complex, and a popular destination for the Italian-Canadian community. We are looking for accomplished leaders that can take their places on the Board and make an impact. Deadline for applications is July 15, 2024.
Learn More and Apply Today
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New Camp Families Save 15% | |
Give your child a summer to remember and save 15%* with our special offer for Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre! From general camps to specialty camps in tennis, art, soccer, and more, we offer high-quality programming in an inclusive and inspiring environment. Click on the link below and learn more about our half-day and full-day camps for ages 4 – 13.
*Offer available to new camp families only.
Conditions apply.
Learn More
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New Tennis Clinics this Summer | |
Whether you want to learn the fundamentals of tennis or improve your game, we have a Tennis Clinic that’s right for you. Register now for one of our Adult ‘Learn To Play’ programs for ages 14+ that focus on strokes, footwork, grips and play strategy. For more information, email fitness@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 213.
Learn More
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Registration for Columbus Centre School of Music is
Now Open
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The Columbus Centre School of Music is happy to welcome returning and new students for our fall term of music classes beginning September 16, 2024. Check out our selection of instruments and music programs and save10% if you book for a full season of classes (September 2024 to June 2025) if you book by September 30, 2024.
Learn More
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Personal Training Summer Sale | |
Get fit for summer with our Personal Training Summer Sale! Transform your fitness and health with one-on-one instruction, guided by our certified professional Personal Trainers. Register for any 13-week Personal Training package and receive up to 50% OFF* your Columbus Centre Athletic Club membership! This special offer is available to new Personal Training Members only and expires on August 15, 2024.
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Summer 2024 Premium Fitness Programs Registration | |
Registration for our summer 2024 Premium Fitness Programs begins on Tuesday, July 2 for Members and Non-Members. See our wide selection of premium fitness programs for all interests and abilities, such as TRX®, Judo, Non-Contact Boxing, Pilates and Yoga. Register online, via email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 231.
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Register for Summer Aquafit Classes Beginning July 2 | |
Registration for our Aquafit Classes begins on Tuesday, July 2 for Members and Non-Members. Deep End Aquafit, Water Dance and Arthritic Aqua Training classes are available this summer, beginning July 9. Members and Non-Members can register online, via email, or in-person at our Membership Office. Aquafit provides a great stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic workout – perfect for toning muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving heart health.
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Registration for 2024/2025 Season at DanzArts Toronto Begins July 8 | |
DanzArts Toronto at the Columbus Centre provides exceptional programming in an inspiring and fun environment. Recreational and Competitive programs offer training for all levels, from the beginner dancer to pre-professional. Registration for the 2024/2025 season begins Monday, July 8. Or join us for our 2024 Summer Series and dance with us all summer long!
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Messages From Valued Arts Partners | | |
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Watch UEFA EURO 2024 on TLN TV | |
TLN Media Group kicks off another explosive summer of international soccer coverage following Italy, Spain, and Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024. From June 14 to July 14, experience the explosive multilingual coverage featuring the three nations in Italiano, en Español and em Português from coast to coast on TLN Television.
Learn More
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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!
Learn More
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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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