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"What's Trending" Newsletter
February 2026 Vol. 2
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Villa Charities Launches
the Aielli Mural Project
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Villa Charities is excited to announce the Aielli Mural Project, in partnership with Borgo Universo. This new initiative offers one Canadian visual artist between the ages of 18 and 35 the opportunity to create a permanent mural in Aielli, Italy.
Located in the Abruzzo region, the medieval village of Aielli has experienced a cultural renaissance through Borgo Universo, a creative initiative that has revitalized the community through public art and engagement. The selected artist will travel to Aielli in July 2026 to complete a mural celebrating the historical links between Italy and Canada, contributing to the village’s internationally recognized open-air gallery.
This initiative reflects Villa Charities’ commitment to fostering artistic exchange and supporting the next generation of Canadian talent on a global stage.
The winning artist will receive a $1,000 CAD stipend, round-trip economy airfare to Rome, accommodation and materials. Once completed, the mural will become part of Aielli’s permanent public art landscape.
Applications open Monday, February 23, 2026, at 12:00pm (EST) and close Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:00pm (EDT).
| | | | Celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with Us! | |
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an intimate live concert honouring the legendary women of jazz, alongside a contemporary repertoire. Taking place on Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm, the evening features award-winning jazz vocalist Joanna Majoko, accompanied by guitarist Andrew Marzotto, in a thoughtfully curated program highlighting iconic artists and composers such as Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday, as well as others who shaped the jazz tradition.
Buy Tickets
| | | | Art in Transition: Visit “Figures in Flux” | |
Visit the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery and explore “Figures in Flux,” featuring works by over 15 emerging artists. The exhibition examines the future of the fine artist within a creative landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, highlighting originality and creative freedom at a time when spontaneity and inspiration risk being replaced by machine-generated imagery. This exhibition runs until Friday, March 13.
Watch TLN TV’s Coverage
| | | | Introduce Your Toddler to Italian Language | |
Villa Charities is proud to continue the Italian Immersion Toddler Program this spring in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. Designed for children aged 1 to 3, this fun-filled program introduces Italian language and culture through play, songs, and engaging activities led by a genuine Italian instructor with years of experience. Join us for 12 weeks of fun learning from March 30 to June 15, 2026, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays from 9:00–10:00am at the Columbus Centre. A parent or guardian must accompany each child.
Learn More
| | | | Discover the Stories Behind “The Other Half of the Apple” | |
Hear stories of exile, identity, and belonging from the Julian-Dalmatian immigrant community on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30pm. The stories are drawn from “The Other Half of the Apple: Conversations with Julian-Dalmatian Immigrants in Canada, the USA, and Italy”, a book by Rosanna Turcinovich Giuricin documenting her conversations with members of the community. The evening will feature a presentation by Professor Konrad Eisenbichler, who translated the book into English, with remarks from Daniela Chiasson, President of the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto. A Q&A will follow, with book copies available for purchase while supplies last. Presented in partnership with the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto.
Buy Tickets
| | | | Grab Your Dancing Shoes for Ballo Liscio | |
Enjoy the Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio! Join us every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30pm for lively social dancing featuring music by Italian DJs and musicians. Whether you come with a partner, friends, or on your own, everyone is welcome to take part. Ballo Liscio runs through April 29.
Learn More
| | | | Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco | |
Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, March 6. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am, and must be scheduled in advance. 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 | | | | FREE Giro 2026 Early Bird Registration Ends February 22 | |
Don’t miss your chance to join the 19th Annual Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser and save $100 with FREE Early Bird registration. Register before February 22, 2026, to secure your spot and be part of this year’s ride. Taking place at the Veneto Centre on Sunday, May 24, Giro 2026 brings together riders of all levels for scenic routes, strong community spirit, and Italian-inspired food and fun — all in support of programs and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
Register Now
| | | | Terroni’s ‘Sagra Pugliese’ in Support of Villa Charities Foundation | |
Villa Charities Foundation is proud to once again be a charitable partner of Terroni’s upcoming ‘Sagra Pugliese!’ This celebration of Pugliese food, culture, and community takes place on Saturday, February 28, from 12:00 to 3:00pm at Spaccio East, 22 Sackville St. Get ready to savour the flavours of Puglia with a selection of regional dishes such as orecchiette con cime di rapa, cavatelli, and ciceri e tria, plus additional food stations featuring burrata, focaccia Barese, and olive oil straight from Puglia. There will also be an interactive pasta-making station with Executive Chef Giovanna Alonzi, and a live DJ. Tickets include a welcome drink, one food station token, and a donation to Villa Charities Foundation.
Buy Tickets
| | | | DanzArts Toronto Takes Centre Court at Raptors Halftime Show | |
DanzArts Toronto dancers took centre court with a standout halftime performance at the Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons game on Wednesday, February 11. Performing in front of a packed arena was an exciting opportunity to share their talent on a major stage. We’re proud of DanzArts Toronto and congratulate the dancers on a memorable performance.
Watch the Performance Video
| | | | Celebrate Wellness This March | |
As we head into Wellness Month, prioritize your well-being at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Our programs support self-care, mindfulness, and stress relief so you can feel your best throughout March. From Yoga and Pilates to Meditation and Massage Therapy, explore classes and services designed to help you reset and recharge.
Learn More
| | | | Serve, Rally and Play at Pickleball Camp | |
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason. Designed for children ages 8–12, Pickleball Camp at the Columbus Centre develops skills in serving, rallying, and teamwork while teaching the rules of the game through guided drills and exciting matches. With a focus on fun and friendly competition, campers will build confidence, stay active, and discover why this sport is capturing attention everywhere. Camps run from June 29 to August 28.
Register Now
| | | | Learn to Play a New Instrument | |
It’s not too late to register for lessons at the Columbus Centre School of Music. Learn from professional instructors who bring expertise across a variety of instruments, genres, and techniques. This year, our expanded string offerings now include banjo, alongside guitar, ukulele, and violin, giving students even more ways to explore their musical interests.
Learn More
| | | | Make Your Next Event a Pool Party | |
Turn your next birthday or special event into a pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Our indoor pool rentals offer a fun and memorable experience for all ages, with certified staff on-site to ensure a safe and stress-free event. Visit our website for full pricing and details.
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| | A Message from a Valued Partner | | | | Earn Your Religion Part 1 AQ in Sicily & Malta | |
We invite educators and their friends and families to join us for a truly exceptional and unique professional learning opportunity this summer with Trent University. Take your Religious Education in Catholic Schools Part 1 AQ course while touring the spectacular sites of Sicily and Malta. This OCT accredited course offers high-quality learning grounded in the Catholic tradition, fostering community through shared reflection, professional dialogue, and collegial engagement. We will be hosting a Virtual Information Evening on February 19th at 7:00pm. Please RSVP
bryan@ghardytours.com to receive a meeting link.
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.
Villa Charities Inc. 901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3
416-789-7011 • info@villacharities.com • villacharities.com
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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