His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo
Blesses the Villa Charities
Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto led a public ceremony on Thursday, June 26th where he blessed the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation.
With over 600 people in attendance, the highly anticipated appearance by Canada’s newest Cardinal marked Italian Heritage Month and celebrated the remarkable history and journey of the Italian Canadians who have played such a pivotal role in this city and country.
The event took place in front of the Tribute installation at Toronto’s Columbus Centre. The gathering brought together community members, Tribute Project donors and dignitaries in celebration, highlighting the profound importance of the occasion.
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The event began with opening remarks by emcee Antonio Giorgi from TLN Media Group. Speakers included Joseph Arcuri, Board Chair, Villa Charities Inc. and Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. Remarks were also delivered by Luca Zelioli, Consul General of Italy in Toronto; Hon. John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour) and MP for Etobicoke North; Vince Gasparro, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Combatting Crime) and MP for Eglinton-Lawrence; Hon. Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines, and MPP for King-Vaughan; Michelle Cooper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance and MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence; and Angela Gauthier, Tribute Project donor and Board Chair, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Also in attendance was Hon. Judy Sgro, MP for Humber River-Black Creek.
Cardinal Leo delivered his special address and conducted the historic blessing of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation. Following the blessing, a special plaque to commemorate the occasion was unveiled by Marco DeVuono and Cardinal Leo.
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“We were deeply honoured to welcome His Eminence, Cardinal Frank Leo, to lead today’s blessing,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. “His blessing not only consecrates this physical space but also sanctifies the memories and contributions of countless Italian Canadian immigrants—honouring their enduring legacy of faith, family, and perseverance, and celebrating their lasting impact on Toronto and Canada.”
Villa Charities inaugurated the first phase of the Tribute installation and sculpture in November 2024 at an official unveiling at the Columbus Centre. The installation includes a fluttering wall adorned with hundreds of name plaques honouring Italian immigrants and their families. The landmark also includes the bronze statue titled Hope by marketing executive and artist Aldo Cundari, symbolizing the strength and dreams of a 1950s immigrant family.
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Canadians nationwide not only have the opportunity to 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, preserving their legacies and acting as a useful resource for future generations. In addition, as part of the physical installation, current donors can scan a QR code on the information panel to find on which section of the panel their family’s plaque is located.
The funds raised from the Tribute Project through Villa Charities Foundation go to support senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this historic occasion!
| | | Villa Charities Earns 2025 Great Place to Work Certification™ |
We’re proud to share that Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third year in a row! This recognition is based entirely on what our employees say about their workplace experience, with 88% of staff saying VCI is a great place to work—28 points higher than the average Canadian company. This honour reflects our ongoing efforts to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-trust workplace culture.
View Our Certified Company Profile
| | | Bring Your Dancing Shoes to Ballo Liscio! |
Ballo Liscio nights are back, now on the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard all summer long! Join us every Wednesday at 6:30pm through August 27 for outdoor social dancing with music by popular Italian DJs and musicians.
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| | | Get Ready to Experience Culture Days at Villa Charities |
Ontario Culture Days, an annual celebration of arts, culture, and heritage, launches on September 19 and runs through October 12, 2025. Ontario Culture Days at Villa Charities features multidisciplinary programs that invite the public to engage with and participate in a broad range of hands-on and behind-the-scenes activities. Join us for our FREE events and experience joy, pride and strong community connections through the power of arts and culture.
Villa Charities is an Official Festival Hub of Ontario Culture Days. Event registration opens on Tuesday, July 8 at 10:00am!
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Join us on Sunday, July 13 at 11:30am for this year’s Speducci Summer Festa in the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard at the Columbus Centre. Enjoy a delicious afternoon of speducci, pasta, dancing, and music by DJ Gianni Mignardi, courtesy of Villa Charities. Tickets are $5.00 and available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
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| | | Italian for Toddlers Returns This Fall |
Villa Charities is excited to continue our Italian Immersion Toddler Program this fall, 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 14 weeks of fun-filled learning from the week of September 8 to December 8, 2025, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays, 9:00–10:00am, at the Columbus Centre. A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Visit ldva.on.ca or email admissions@ldva.on.ca to sign up!
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| | | Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco |
Book your 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 meetings will be held on Friday, July 4 and Friday, August 1. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am or 2:00pm, 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.
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| | Villa Charities Foundation | | | A Remarkable Response to
Our 2025 Scholarship Program | We had an overwhelming response to the 2025 Villa Charities Scholarship Program, with 610 applications received for the sixth year of our program that provides financial support to Undergraduate and Graduate level students. Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. The recipients will be announced in September. | | | Terroni’s ‘Sagra del Panzerotto’ in Support of Villa Charities Foundation |
Villa Charities Foundation is excited to share that we have been selected as the beneficiary of Terroni’s upcoming Sagra del Panzerotto on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Terroni Sterling.
Get ready to celebrate Puglia, one panzerotto at a time. Enjoy a selection of panzerotti, additional food and drink stations, games, a live DJ, and great company. Tickets include a welcome drink, one food station token, and a donation to Villa Charities Foundation.
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| | | It’s Not Too Late to Register
for Summer Camps |
Summer is in full swing at the Columbus Centre, and spaces are still available in our general and specialty camps. Our experienced and specialized staff provide an engaging camp experience where kids can learn, grow, and make lasting memories. Camps run until Friday, August 22, 2025 — join us for a summer to remember!
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| | | Learn a New Instrument
this Fall |
Early Bird Registration continues for the 2025/2026 season at the Columbus Centre School of Music. Students of all ages and skill levels can explore their passion with one-on-one lessons tailored by our experienced instructors. Choose from a variety of instruments and musical styles. Save 5% if you register before August 15!
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| | | Register for Summer Aquafit Classes |
Registration for our summer Aquafit classes is now open for Members and Non-Members. Starting the week of July 7, join us for Deep End and Arthritic Aqua Training classes. These low-impact workouts are ideal for improving strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Register online or in person at our Membership Office.
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| | | Play on the Tennis Court
this Summer |
The outdoor tennis and pickleball courts are open for the season at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. To book a court, players must register for an Outdoor Court Membership, available to both Members and Non-Members. From seasoned players to first-timers, everyone can enjoy a full season of play on the outdoor courts until October 31, 2025.
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| | | Swimming Lessons at Columbus Centre Athletic Club |
Group swimming lessons are now underway for the summer at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, and there’s still time to register! Led by experienced instructors, these lessons help children of all ages and skill levels build confidence and develop their swimming technique. To register, please visit our Membership Office in person.
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| | | Summer Premium Fitness Programs Begin Soon |
Get ready for a new season of Premium Fitness Programs at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. These specialized classes are open to both Members and Non-Members and offer a great way to explore new areas of fitness. Choose from Non-Contact Boxing, Judo, Pilates, Yoga, and more. Registration is now open, and classes begin the week of July 7.
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| | | Tennis and Pickleball Lessons Available for All Levels |
Looking to sharpen your skills or try something new? The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers tennis and pickleball lessons for players of all ages and abilities. In addition to group programs, we offer private pickleball and tennis lessons with certified instructors—perfect for those seeking personalized, one-on-one coaching.
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| | | Take Your Dance Training Further This Summer |
This summer, take your dance training to the next level with the 2025 DanzArts Summer Series. Designed for competitive-level dancers, this program will challenge you to refine your technique, expand your range, and sharpen your edge. Registration is now open. For more information, contact dance@danzartstoronto.com. Don’t miss this chance to train with top instructors and set yourself up for success.
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| | | Villa Colombo Vaughan: June Event Highlights | June was a joyful month at Villa Colombo Vaughan as the community celebrated Italian Heritage Month. On Italian Republic Day, residents enjoyed a special performance by the Coro Italia Choir and traditional gelato in the Piazza De Gasperis. The celebrations continued with the official opening of the Alfredo DeGasperis Bocce Court and our Annual Bocce Tournament, bringing together residents, families, and staff for a day of connection and tradition. The month also featured Art Therapy and a Drum Circle led by dedicated volunteers, along with immersive Virtual Reality experiences provided by Help Mobility. We wrapped up with our EMS & First Responders Appreciation BBQ, a special event to thank the local heroes who support our community. | | Message from Our Valued Arts Partner | | | La Dolce Voce – When Opera Meets Fellini |
When opera meets Fellini, glamour takes the stage and cinema bursts into song. On Friday, July 11 at 9:15pm at Trinity Cinema in the Distillery District, step into an unforgettable night where iconic film moments are reimagined through soaring operatic live performances. Kick off the evening with a district-wide complimentary aperitivo experience. Then international soprano Lucia Cesaroni, mezzo-soprano and CBC host Julie Nesrallah, and acclaimed baritone Jorell Williams bring the spirit of Fellini’s Italy to life through iconic opera and film music—from La bohème to Roman Holiday. And wrap the night with an exclusive afterparty at Spirit House!
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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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