Celebrate Italy in Song and Cinema This June | |
Join us this June for two unforgettable concerts featuring
iconic film scores and beloved Italian classics.
Serenata Cinematica!
Under the direction of Artistic Director Daniele Colle, Coro San Marco returns with a captivating program celebrating the power of film music. “Serenata Cinematica!” features timeless themes by Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, John Williams, and more—brought to life by the choir, soloists, and pianist Adolfo De Santis. With scenes from classic films projected behind the performers, this immersive concert offers a moving blend of music and cinema.
Sunday, June 15 | 6:00pm
Price: $15.00
Celebrate Italy with the Columbus Concert Band
The award-winning Columbus Concert Band closes out its 2025 season with “Celebrate Italy”, a dynamic concert in honour of Italian Heritage Month. Conducted by Annamaria Mazzaferro, the program features an eclectic mix of Puccini’s masterpieces, beloved regional songs, lively jazz numbers, and iconic hits by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Presented in partnership with Columbus Concert Band.
Tuesday, June 24 | 7:30pm
Price: $15.00 (Adults) / $10.00 (Seniors/Students)
| | Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | | | Purchase a Tribute Plaque for Your Chance to Win Two Round-Trip Flights to Italy |
Villa Charities Foundation wants you to reconnect with your heritage – in Italy! We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Italy travel contest in support of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project, which honours Italian Canadian immigrants and their families. Anyone who purchases a Villa Charities Immigrant Tribute plaque by June 30, 2025, will be entered into a contest for a chance to win two (2) round-trip economy flights to Italy*, valued at approximately $3,500.
Purchase Your Plaque
* For more information, please see the Contest Rules and Regulations.
| | | Blessing of Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation |
Join us on Thursday, June 26 at 10:00am for a special ceremony marking the blessing of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation, honouring the legacy of Italian immigrants and their families. His Eminence, Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, will preside over the blessing of the donor name plaques, commemorative sculpture, and surrounding space. Hosted by Antonio Giorgi of TLN Media Group.
Register Now
| | | Villa Charities Thanks Board of Directors |
At the Annual General Meeting on Monday, May 26, 2025, Villa Charities voted in the Directors to serve on the Villa Charities Inc. and Affiliate Boards for the 2025/2026 term. We would like to acknowledge their service and dedication to the organization and thank them for all that they do for the communities we serve. We also shared highlights from the past year.
Watch our 2024 Highlights Video
| | | IHM Event: “Italia & Canada: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” Opens Tonight! |
In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, “Italia & Canada: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” explores the evolving relationship between Italy and Canada through the lens of eight diverse Italian Canadian artists. Through themes of climate change, immigration, and urban development, the artists reflect on both personal narratives and broader social and cultural dialogues. Join us for the opening night reception TONIGHT AT 7:00pm. The exhibition runs until June 27.
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| | | IHM Event: An Evening of Opera and Italian Song |
Experience the beauty of Italian music with “Il Canto Italiano” on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30pm. This stirring performance by soprano Sara Papini, tenor Romulo Delgado, and pianist Sabatino Vacca features a program of opera arias, Neapolitan favourites, and beloved Italian songs that honour the richness of Italy’s musical heritage.
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| | | IHM Event: Step Right Up for Shirley Happening’s Circus Cabaret |
Step right up for a circus cabaret led by your drag ‘hostess with the mostess,’ Dame Shirley Happening. On Friday, June 13 at 8:00pm, Shirley will take you on a wild ride through the three-ring circus of life with a bold mix of song, dance, dazzling costumes, comedy, and audience antics. It’s a night of cabaret—Shirley style!
Buy Tickets
| | | 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, June 6 and Friday, July 4. 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
| | Villa Charities Foundation | | | Thank You for Supporting Giro |
Villa Charities’ 18th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC was held on Sunday, May 25th at the Veneto Centre. The event was a great success with 185 registered participants taking part in the event and raising close to $124,000. If you were unable to participate, and would still like to support the event, please consider making a donation to the event. Save the Date for next year’s Giro on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
View our Photo Gallery
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
| | | Final Weeks to Apply for the 2025 Villa Charities Scholarship Program |
The 2025 Villa Charities Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! Over $252,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving students across Canada since the program was launched in 2020. This opportunity is open to students of any cultural background who share Villa Charities' mission of enriching lives by honouring Italian culture and heritage. Five scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to Undergraduate level students, and five scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded to Graduate level students. The application deadline is June 30, 2025.
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| | | Tee Off for a Great Cause at the 7th Annual Maranello BMW Golf Open |
Villa Charities Foundation is excited to share that we have been selected as the beneficiary of the upcoming 7th Annual Maranello BMW Golf Open on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at King Valley Golf Club. As well as the tournament itself, you’ll hear a motivational talk from an NHL legend and will have the opportunity to take part in a silent auction and exclusive prize draws.
Join us for an exciting day of golf, gourmet food, and much more. Golf and lunch only options available.
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| | | Celebrating the ‘90+ Club’ at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club | On June 3, the Columbus Centre Athletic Club celebrated its remarkable gym members aged 90 and above. Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities, and Gabriella Lalli, Athletic Director, hosted a small gathering to honour the inaugural members of the '90+ Club' for their inspiring commitment to health and wellness. Their dedication to staying active is a testament to the lifelong benefits of fitness. | | | Columbus Centre School of Music Registration Opens on June 9 |
Get ready for the 2025/2026 season at the Columbus Centre School of Music. With professional instructors and personalized one-on-one lessons, students of all ages and skill levels can explore their musical passion. Registration opens Monday, June 9 at 9:00am, and the fall term begins Monday, September 8. Register before August 15, 2025, to receive a 5% Early Bird discount.
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| | | Just Added! Summer Pickleball House League Begins June 11 |
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club is excited to announce the return of our Pickleball House League, just in time for summer. The 10-week House League starts Wednesday, June 11, and is perfect for building skills, enjoying friendly competition, and meeting fellow players. Led by certified instructor Pranjal Ghate, sessions run every Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00pm. Open to both Members and Non-Members.
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| | | Refine Your Skills with New Tennis Clinics this Summer |
Whether you’re new to tennis or looking to improve your game, the Columbus Centre Athletic Club has a clinic for you. This June, we’re offering a variety of four-week programs for both adults and kids, including beginner, intermediate, cardio, and game-based sessions. Led by certified instructors, each clinic provides a fun and supportive environment. Clinics begin the week of June 9th.
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| | | Summer Swimming Lesson Registration Opens Soon |
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers group swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities. Whether it’s their first splash or they’re building advanced aquatic skills, our experienced instructors provide expert guidance in a supportive setting. Registration for the summer group lessons opens Saturday, June 14 at 9:00am, in person at our Membership Office. For more details, email fitness@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215.
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| | | Save on Select Summer Camps at the Columbus Centre |
Looking for a unique summer camp experience? Register your child for Ultimate Sports Camp or Minecraft Redstone Development Camp, two of our specialty camps at the Columbus Centre. Led by expert instructors, both offer fun, hands-on experiences for kids who love sports or technology-based programs. Camps run from June 30 to August 22, 2025. For full details, visit our website.
Register Now
| | | Advanced Dance Training This Summer at DanzArts Toronto |
This summer, take your dance skills to new heights! With exclusive training designed for competitive-level dancers, you’ll push your limits, perfect your technique, and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed. Registration is now open for our 2025 Summer Series. Contact dance@danzartstoronto.com for more information. Don’t miss this opportunity to train with the best—join us for a summer that will set you up for success!
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| | | Push Further with Small Group Personal Training |
Take your fitness to the next level with Small Group Personal Training at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. With only four participants per session, you’ll benefit from focused guidance, personalized support, and the motivation of training alongside others. Our NEW six-week 'Train Like a Firefighter' program is also available, offering a high-intensity workout inspired by real firefighter training. To learn more or to register, visit the Membership Office or email fitness@villacharities.com.
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| | | Villa Colombo Vaughan: May Event Highlights | May was a fun-filled and memorable month at Villa Colombo Vaughan. The community came together for a week-long celebration in honour of Nursing Week, with daily appreciation events recognizing the incredible team of nurses and physicians. Help Now HealthCare generously provided a staff-wide pizza party, and residents created heartfelt thank-you cards for their favourite nurses. On May 15, the residents marked Mother’s Day with personalized flowers for all mothers of the home and a joyful afternoon of live music. With the arrival of warmer weather, residents, staff, and families prepared the vegetable gardens and filled Casa balconies with vibrant flower beds—welcoming the new season with colour and care. | |
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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