Double Your Impact
This Holiday Season!
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This holiday season, consider giving a tangible charitable gift that will make a lasting impact. Whether you’re generously providing a personal gift yourself or giving this gift in honour or memory of a loved one, it’s not too late to donate and get your tax receipt for 2024. Not only will your donation help Villa Charities Foundation continue to help provide programs and services that honour Italian culture and heritage, but your donation will also be matched up to $10,000 by a generous anonymous donor. | |
*Donations made between Nov 18th – Dec 31st will be matched up to a maximum of $10,000. Please note tax receipts will only be issued for the donation amount and will not include the match. | |
Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
Today, we spotlight the story and journey of Michele & Maria (Verre) Ferraro who immigrated from Cosenza, Calabria in 1958 and 1959, respectively. Immigrating separately with their 10 children, they all reunited in Canada.
“Life in Italy was challenging, with Michele and Maria labouring on their farm, cultivating figs, olives, and tomatoes. In Canada, Maria dedicated herself to nurturing their family, creating a warm and inviting home that welcomed friends and relatives alike. They took immense pride in their 33 grandchildren, making holidays a joyful celebration for the entire Ferraro family. Michele and Maria’s legacy lives on in the love and unity they instilled within their family.”
Read more of their story on the Immigrant Map.
Their story and legacy will also be remembered forever, as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation. The first phase of this one-of-a-kind installation is now open.
This holiday season, gift a plaque to your loved ones and shine a light on their story. Remember, you can split the purchase of a plaque with family member(s) or arrange to pay in installments.
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Festive Christmas Market – This Saturday! |
Get into the Christmas spirit this Saturday, December 7, from 11:00am to 3:00pm! Find great gifts, enjoy delicious seasonal food, and live musical entertainment. You can shop from over 30 local vendors and buy unique gifts for family, friends, or a special something for yourself. Discover handcrafted jewellery, ornaments, art, crafts, books, baked goods, specialty oils, and more. Plus, don’t miss our holiday raffle for a chance to win holiday prizes. Children can also enjoy holiday-themed face painting and card crafts, and of course, having their photo taken with Santa!
Learn More
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La Befana Comes to Toronto! |
In the Italian tradition, the visit from the Befana on the Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas holidays. The Befana is an old woman who flies on a broom and brings sweets and gifts to good children, and charcoal to bad ones. Join us on Friday, January 10 at 6:00pm as Mariella Bertelli tells stories to entertain the children and prepares them for a special visit by the Befana herself! Attendance is FREE but advance registration is required. Presented in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi.
Register Now
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Christmas Concert with Coro San Marco |
Following a successful tour of Italy, Coro San Marco invites you to a joyous celebration of Christmas with “Glory Glory Alleluia”. Under the baton of Daniele Colla, the talented vocalists of this acclaimed choir will perform a selection of traditional Christmas music and hymns on Sunday, December 15 at 5:00pm.
Buy Tickets
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Get into the Holiday Spirit with Columbus Concert Band |
Enjoy a diverse musical program by the Columbus Concert Band on Tuesday, December 17 featuring the works from John Williams to Mozart, along with your favourite holiday tunes to get you into the Christmas spirit. We’re also excited to welcome special guest Soprano Kira Braun for this performance. Don’t miss this festive event—we hope to see you there!
Buy Tickets
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View our Art Exhibition &Sale for the Perfect Christmas Gift |
Stop by the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery to view the art exhibition showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of students from our Columbus Centre Art Programs, led by instructor and professional artist Sam Paonessa. Many of the displayed artwork pieces are available for purchase, making them perfect Christmas gifts! Exhibition continues until January 8, 2025.
Learn More
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Enjoy Authentic Calabrese Cuisine at Taste of Calabria |
Join us for the first stop in our Taste of Italy series on Friday, January 24 and savour the flavours of the ‘birthplace of the name of Italy, Calabria! Indulge in delicious and authentic Calabrese dishes prepared by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano. Bring your family or friends and enjoy a delectable four-course meal of regional specialities!
Learn More
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Back by popular demand, Bruno Nesci & The Dreamers Show Band take you back to 1968 and throughout the 1970s to experience the timeless music of the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Don’t miss this unforgettable Elvis tribute concert on Friday, February 28 at 8:30pm that promises to be a memorable night of music and nostalgia.
Buy Tickets
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Storie di Liberazione (Memories of the Liberation) |
Villa Charities is proud to be the Venue Sponsor for Storie di Liberazione (Memories of the Liberation), a live event dedicated to the memories built during WWII in the winter of 1944/45 by Italian civilians who met the Canadian soldiers liberating Romagna, the eastern part of Emilia Romagna Region. Join us at Columbus Centre on Sunday, December 15 at 10:00am.
Register Now
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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 bookings take place Friday, December 6, and January 10, 2025. 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.
Book Your Meeting
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Spotlight on Villa Charities Board of Directors |
In this new feature, we are thrilled to shine a light on the members of the Villa Charities Board of Directors. These dedicated volunteers generously give their time, expertise, and passion to guide our organization and support the communities we serve. Learn more about the inspiring individuals who help make our work possible.
Sandro D’Ercole
Treasurer
Sandro D’Ercole is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with over 40 years of senior management experience. His breadth of knowledge ranges from real estate construction, asset management, property management, client reporting, leasing to cash management, finance, financial reporting, and accounting. He is currently the Executive Vice President and CFO of a private equity company. Sandro serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Inc. Board.
Read Full Bio
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Villa Charities Foundation | |
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Registration Now Open for the 18th Annual Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser |
We are excited to announce that registration is open for the 18th Annual Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser event which will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025! We’re inviting you to be the first to reserve your spot for Giro 2025!
Registering early has its benefits! Everyone who registers by December 31, 2024, will have the registration fee waived - that’s a $100 saving!
Register Now
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Register for Winter 2025 Aquafitness Classes Now |
Our Water Dance, Arthritic Aqua Training and Deep End Aquafit programs provide a great stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic workout in warm, soothing water, perfect for toning muscles and improving flexibility. Classes begin the week of January 6th and registration is now open to Members and Non-Members, online through our website or in-person at the Membership Office during office hours. For more information, contact us at fitness@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215.
Learn More
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A Specialty Fitness Class for your New Year’s Goals |
Start the new year with one of our Premium Fitness Programs and make progress on your specific fitness goals or get a full-body workout. Classes include Judo, Pilates, TRX®, Yoga, Women’s Self Defence, and more. Our certified instructors will teach you the proper techniques and form, but most of all, they’ll make sure you have fun!
Not a Member? Not a problem! You can sign up for these classes without the commitment of a membership. Registration for 2025 winter term classes is now open for Members and Non-Members, in-person at the Membership Office or online.
Learn More
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Pickleball & Squash Programs Return in January |
Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers Squash and Pickleball programs beginning in January, perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. Our 'Learn to Play' Squash workshops for adults and kids focus on building fundamental skills, while the Adult Intermediate Squash program helps refine techniques. Plus, don’t miss out on our popular Pickleball clinics starting January 12, 2025 – spaces are limited, so register soon. Registration is now open, for Members and Non-Members, online or in-person at the Membership Office.
Learn More About Squash Programs
Learn More About Pickleball Programs
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Registration for Winter 2025 Swimming Lessons Opens January 4 |
Learn to swim in the new year! With our large indoor swimming pool, our swimming classes cater to preschool-aged children just learning how to swim, to seniors who enjoy aquafitness. Mark your calendar now - Winter 2025 Swimming Lesson Registration opens on Saturday, January 4, 2025, for Members and Non-Members, in-person at the Membership Office. For more information, call 416-789-7011 ext. 215 or visit the Membership Office.
Learn More
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Gift the Gift of Massage Therapy |
Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers massage therapy with Registered Massage Therapists, to help you relax and rejuvenate. Treat yourself or someone else to a session and enjoy the many health and wellness benefits of this therapeutic treatment. Gift certificates are also available for holiday giving!
Learn More
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Learn a New Instrument in 2025 |
Register now for winter term classes and learn a new instrument in the new year! Columbus Centre School of Music offers a wide variety of music lessons that are open to anyone of any skill level. Our seasonal one-on-one private lessons are taught by our professional instructors. Choose from saxophone, clarinet/flute, violin, piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, accordion or music production with one-on-one instruction by our experienced teachers. The 10-week winter program runs from January 6 – March 23, 2025. Contact jclemenger@villacharities.com for more information or to register.
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A Message From Our Valued Arts Partner | |
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New! Italian Immersion Toddler Program |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy is proud to introduce an exciting new program for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years. The children will be exposed to the Italian Language and Culture by a genuine speaking Italian instructor who has had years of experience in language education. The program begins the week of January 6, 2025, and runs for 10 weeks until the week of March 10, 2025. Interested parents can sign up for one or two lessons per week, Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 9:00am to 10:00am. Each toddler must be accompanied by a parent or authorized adult for the duration of the lesson.
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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