Heart & Hand Awards

on Friday, October 25, 2024

The Heart & Hand Awards are only 4 weeks away! Please join us in celebrating and recognizing our 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 are expected to 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.


Date: Friday, October 25, 2024

Time: 6:00 - 9:30pm

Location: Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre, 3710 Chesswood, Toronto, ON

Buy Tickets

Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute

WIN TWO ROUND-TRIP TICKETS TO ITALY!*


Purchase your Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute plaque before October 31, 2024, for your chance to win two (2) round-trip economy flights to Italy, valued at approximately $3,500.


*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight

Calabria-born Giovanni and Bettina Strongoli Vatalaro understood the importance of perseverance for their family. This #TributeThursday, we spotlight their legacy and the sacrifices they made for their family, working to keep everyone together.

 

“He (Giovanni) worked through language barriers, embraced his new country, and worked hard to bring Bettina and his kids to Canada in October. He'd bus and walk for over 2 hours, in the harsh winters, to ensure he got to work on time… Both were able to forge a new life, always humble and proud of their Italian heritage and how far they'd come, against all the challenges they faced. They never forgot their roots, and welcomed paesani that followed them, to make this new land their home.”

 

Read more of their story on the Immigrant Map.

 

Giovanni and Bettina Strongoli Vatalaro’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

TONIGHT: Music of the World

There are still tickets available for tonight’s presentation of "Music of the World", the grand finale of our Opera è Vita series for 2024! Join us at 7:30pm in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery to enjoy famous global melodies performed by a talented live band and starring tenor Romulo Delgado. Don’t miss your chance to see “one of Canada’s most unique performing artists.” (The Globe & Mail)

 

Buy Tickets

Culture Days Event: The Vines of Diaspora: Italian Canadian Literary and Artistic Cultures

Enjoy literary readings (poetry, prose & plays) and artistic works in Italian Canadian literature and culture from a variety of genres at the Association of Italian Canadian Writers’ (AICW) 19th Biennial Conference. Acclaimed Italian-Canadian photographer Vincenzo Pietropaolo is the keynote speaker for the conference. Saturday, September 28, 8:00am – 5:30pm. FREE

 

Learn More

Culture Days Event: Recreational Drop-in Dance Classes

Interested in trying out a new dance class? DanzArts Toronto is excited to introduce children (ages 2.5+) & adults to the joy of dance by showcasing its benefits in a fun and inclusive environment! Sign up for any of DanzArts’ Recreational classes* such as Tiny Tots, Kinder Ballet, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Acro, Musical Theatre, designed to nurture creativity and provide a rewarding dance experience for all students. Saturday, September 28, 9:45am – 2:30pm. FREE

*Subject to Recreational class schedule & availability.  


Register Now

Culture Days Event: Hula Dancing with Seniors in Action

Celebrate National Seniors Day with a wonderful evening of performances and demonstrations including Hula dance, ukulele performance, folk and line dancing. With support from Seniors in Action. Tuesday, October 1, 6:30pm. FREE

 

Learn More

Culture Days Event: Yoga in the Gallery with Seth Mohan

Join us for free drop-in yoga classes amidst the backdrop of stunning artwork in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Expert instructor Seth Mohan will teach participants the movement, meditation and breathing techniques of Hatha Yoga and Gentle Hatha Yoga, part of our offerings at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Wednesday and Thursday, October 2 and 3.

 

Learn More

Culture Days Event: Ballo Liscio Social Dancing

Enjoy the Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio! Join Villa Charities on Wednesdays for these popular social dancing nights featuring music from DJ Fortunato Gratta and DJ Sam Severino. Presented in partnership with the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Wednesdays, October 2 & 9, 6:30 – 8:30pm.


Learn More

Culture Days Event: Instrument Petting Zoo for Kids

Learn about different musical instruments with our expert instructor from Columbus Centre School of Music to assist and answer questions. Geared towards young and aspiring musicians, this instrument ‘petting zoo’ gives children an opportunity to see, hold and experience an assortment of musical instruments in a supervised environment. Saturday, October 5, 9:00am – 12:00pm.

 

Learn More

Culture Days Event: Academy of Realist Art Studio Art Exhibition

At the Academy of Realist Art – the only art school of its kind in Canada – students learn the academic skills for classical drawing and painting. Through a unique step-by-step process, students master the skills and disciplines needed to create realist art. Visit the ARA in-studio art gallery on the third floor before Saturday, October 12 and be amazed by great classical works of art by our students and master instructors.

 

Learn More

Music for an Autumn Evening by Columbus Concert Band

Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a live musical performance by the returning crowd favourites Columbus Concert Band! This award-winning ensemble under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro will perform a selection of great music, guaranteed to entertain. Presented in partnership with Columbus Concert Band on Tuesday, October 29, 7:30pm,

 

Buy Tickets

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, October 11. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.


Book Your Meeting

Columbus Centre

Find Your Fit this Fall! Premium Programs Special Offer

Getting fit has never been this easy! Unlock a healthier, stronger you with our group Premium Fitness Programs, led by our expert instructors. Register for two or more Premium Fitness Programs and receive ONE-MONTH FREE General Membership* for the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! For registration or more information, visit the Membership Office or email fitness@villacharities.com. Offer ends on Sunday, October 27. *Conditions apply.

 

Learn More

A man and woman seen in the pool lifting weights

Book Now: Aquafit Classes and Swimming Lessons

Our Deep End Aquafit, Water Dance and Arthritic Aqua Training programs are all designed to strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness in a low-impact format, while having fun. We also offer group swimming lessons, programs, and clubs for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Registration is still open for our fall term classes. Contact us by email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215.

 

Learn More

4 Days Remain to Save 10% on a Full Year of Music Lessons

Fall term of music classes begin on Monday, September 16 at the Columbus Centre School of Music. Discover your musical passion and save 10% when booking for a full year of lessons (September 2024 – June 2025). Registrations are available to both returning and new students up to Monday, September 30.


Learn More

Fall Art Program Workshops Begin this October

Our 10-week Artista Painting Workshop series begins on October 8, led by professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa. These classes are perfect for students who have a passion for painting and wish to further develop their oil and acrylic painting skills and techniques. Our Less Defined Landscape workshop runs for 10 weeks beginning October 9 and inspires students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes.


Learn More

Registration Open for DanzArts Toronto

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!


Learn More

Dive into Fun with a Private Pool Party

Make a splash this fall 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!

 

Learn More

Messages From Our Valued Arts Partners

Pilar with The Royal Conservatory Strings and Bria Skonberg Quintet 

Italian singer Ilaria Pilar Patassini blends the singer-songwriter tradition with jazz, folk, pop, and classical music, backed by string musicians from The Glenn Gould School and a Toronto all-star band featuring Michael and Roberto Occhipinti, as well as Mark Kelso on drums and music director Federico Ferrandina. Described as “the shining hope of hot Jazz” (New York Times), BC native triple threat trailblazer and trumpeter Bria Skonberg brings her quintet for her Koerner Hall debut. Saturday, November 2, 8:00pm at Koerner Hall.


Special 25% Ticket Discount – Use Promo Code: VILLA


Buy tickets online, call 416-408-0208 or visit the Weston Family Box Office.

 

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!


Learn More


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

Follow us on Social Media for News and Updates
Facebook      Instagram