Ciccolini Family Lounge

Recognition Event 

On Wednesday, October 11th, Villa Charities Foundation held a recognition and thank you event in honour of the Ciccolini family, who have been very generous supporters of Villa Charities for over 30 years. The Columbus Centre main entrance seating area was dedicated and unveiled as the Ciccolini Family Lounge, which was followed by a reception at Ristorante Boccaccio where the Ciccolini family and Masters Insurance Ltd. presented a very generous donation to the Foundation.


Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute

#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight

Happy #TributeThursday! This week, we are highlighting the story of Emilio and Carmela Caldarone, who immigrated from Ari, Abruzzo and Roseto Valfortore, Apulia, respectively, in 1972.


Read an excerpt from their inspirational story, below.


“Emilio Caldarone was born in Ari, Abruzzo (Chieti) in 1945. Carmela Policelli was born in Roseto Valfortore, Puglia (Foggia) in 1950. Both were born into hard-working families from small villages. Emilio and Carmela were married in 1968 and followed some of their family who had emigrated to England. Having left with only a suitcase each, they took up residence in Dartford, Kent and built a home together. Upon visiting brother Nicola and sister Rosa in Toronto, Canada, Emilio and Carmela decided it was time to move. Many siblings had emigrated to Toronto, making it a city that not only presented opportunities but also would allow them to enjoy the strong bonds of family that blessed their formative years.”


Read their full story on our Immigrant Map and explore all the incredible immigrant experiences from our donors.


We are honoured that the Caldarone family are celebrating their history with the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project. Join them and honour your own family’s history and legacy for future generations.



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Villa Charities

Back by Popular Demand!

Italian Serenade: A Lume di Candela”

Our very popular candlelight concert returns on Friday, November 3! Surrounded by candlelight, Italian-Canadian tenor Giacomo Folinazzo with special guest, classically trained soprano Maria Vetere, perform a repertoire of canzoni, arias, duets, and popular songs in English and Italian. Accompanied by the warm tone of a cello and the timeless sound of the piano, Folinazzo and Vetere lend their highly distinctive voices, passion, and versatility to this intimate acoustic concert.



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Pat LaBarbera & Roberto Occhipinti Trio Play the Italian Songbook

One of the most famous jazz musicians in Canada, LaBarbera (saxophone) will explore the rich melodies and versatility of the Italian Songbook. Accompanied by the Roberto Occhipinti Trio, featuring award-winning musicians Roberto Occhipinti (bass), Davide Di Renzo (drums) and Anthony D'Alessandro (piano), the night will feature a performance of some of most beautiful Italian songs ever written. One night only – Thursday, November 9 at 8:00pm.


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View the “Chiarandini: From Then to Now” Art Exhibition 

This compelling art exhibition at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery contrasts three mannerist portraits from its collection with the work of five contemporary artists. The three Hippie portraits, painted in 1967 by Albert Chiarandini (1915-2007), depict beauty and idealism in an age of hopeful innocence. Today, Bonfanti, Campagna, Canaviri, Paina, and Stramaglia are the inheritors and interpreters of a changed world. By defying established norms and disturbing our present ethos, they challenge the viewer to look at their art with intelligence and consider its significance and deeper consequence. The gallery is open Mon. – Fri. from 10:00am to 5:00pm. 


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An Evening of Music and Storytelling with The Trio Kings

You won’t want to miss this lively evening of live Italian music and storytelling at The Trio Kings’ CD launch party for “La Nostra Storia” (Our Story). A collection of renowned traditional Italian songs that resonate with Italian immigrants, “La Nostra Storia” celebrates Italian heritage and its vitality. Joining the trio, local author Robert Marrone will also share excerpts from his novel “The New Vine”, which tells a story of Italian immigration. 


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Learn Italian at our Monthly Online Book Club

Immerse yourself in the world of literature as we explore extraordinary works by acclaimed Italian authors with our online book club, "Club del Libro" with Violante Binazza. On Wednesday, November 15, we’ll be reading “Le tre del mattino”/ “Three O’Clock in the Morning” by Gianrico Carofiglio. Follow the journey of a father and son as they navigate two transformative nights, delving into deep conversations and unexpected adventures. Tickets are only $10!


Register Now

Our  Opera è Vita  Series Explores “How to Conduct an Opera” 

Acclaimed tenor, multi-instrumentalist and composer Romulo Delgado is joined by one of Canada’s most experienced conductors, Maestro Denis Mastromonaco. This engaging concert lecture on November 16 will uncover the magic behind the conductor’s waving hands that can create the beauty, excitement, passion, tragedy, sadness and inspiration that opera has to offer.


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Announcing the Tafelmusik Chamber Music Concert Series

Tafelmusik, the world-renowned period orchestra returns to Villa Charities with three unique chamber music performances. On Tuesday, November 21 at 7:00pm, “Making Herself Heard: Music by Baroque Women” celebrates the creativity and artistry of women in the 17th and 18th centuries, by bringing us the music of baroque women whose renown as composers and performers was all but ignored in the annals of history. 


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Book Your Virtual 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 Virtual Friday Chats is scheduled for Friday, November 10. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.


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Columbus Centre

Fall Fitness Flash Sale for Personal Training – Final 2 Days!

Columbus Centre Athletic Club members have only 2 days left to take advantage of our Fall Fitness Flash Sale. Get 25% off a 6-session Personal Training Package when you train with the best at the Athletic Club this fall. Purchase your package by Friday, October 27, 2023, and save over $130!*. This special offer includes six 1-hour private sessions with one of our 11 Certified Personal Trainers. Only a limited number of these packages are available, on a first-come, first-served basis. *Conditions apply.


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Make Strides in Your Squash Game This Fall 

Try your hand at squash and make strides in your game. Whether you are a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, everyone is welcome! We have ‘Learn to Play’ Squash Clinics for kids and adults, and Intermediate Clinics for more advanced players. Or join our Squash House League on Monday nights and compete for the win!


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Register Today for our New TRX® Classes

Gain strength and fire up your core with TRX® (Total Resistance Exercise). A great addition to include in your exercise regimen, this 60-minute TRX® class allows you to test your limits using just your own body weight and gravity. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, this class is for everyone looking to achieve their fitness goals. You’ll leave feeling stronger and accomplished. Available to Members and Non-Members.


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FREE Mind & Body Awareness Classes for Seniors

This popular fitness program at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a variety of free classes designed specifically for seniors. From mobility training and mindful meditation to arthritic aqua training and water dance, there’s something for everyone. Open to Members and Non-Members - view the schedule and register for a class today! This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.


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A MESSAGE FROM A VALUED ARTS PARTNER

Italian Music Sensation Alessandro Martire Live in Toronto

Prepare for a sensational evening of timeless melodies as renowned Italian composer Alessandro Martire graces the stage at the Isabel Bader Theatre on November 18th. Alessandro is the modern face of Classical Music. His highly anticipated concert 'Contemporary Echos' has already traveled Europe and the Middle East and will make its first stop of its North American Tour in our lovely city. Reserve your seats now and experience his magical music live. **Villa Charities subscribers get a 10% discount with Promo Code VILLACHARITIES**


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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. | 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

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