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June 2026 Vol. 2

“Italy ’82: From Victory to Identity”

Discussion with Soccer Legend Antonio Cabrini

Italy from Victory to Identity

Sunday, June 28, 6:00 – 9:30pm

Join us for a special evening celebrating one of the most iconic moments in sports history. “Italy ’82: From Victory to Identity” features an engaging conversation with Antonio Cabrini, legendary member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team, and film producer Francesco Rossano. Together, they will reflect on the triumph that united a nation and the enduring legacy of that historic victory. Moderated by Alf DeBlasis, the discussion will be followed by a screening of the acclaimed documentary “Il Viaggio Degli Eroi”.

Antonio Cabrini

“Il Viaggio Degli Eroi” captures the soul of a nation during its most defining sporting moment. Narrated by the unmistakable Marco Giallini, the film invites viewers back to 1982, when Italy’s National Team defied the odds to claim the World Cup in Spain. Director Manlio Castagna masterfully weaves together rare archival footage and deeply personal reflections from legends like Gianluca Vialli and Dino Zoff. It is a story of an underdog squad that mirrored a country in transition, finding unity, resilience, and a renewed sense of pride through the beautiful game.


More than a sports celebration, the initiative reflects on the profound impact that Italy’s victory had on Italian communities abroad, particularly in Toronto, where the celebrations of 1982 became a defining moment of identity, pride, and belonging for generations of Italian Canadians.

A Full Day of Music, Sport, and Family Activities

The celebration begins earlier in the day at the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard, featuring a vibrant lineup of live entertainment, interactive activities, and a live match screening of Team Canada’s first-ever appearance in a Round of 32 knockout match, as they take on South Africa.


Musical performances showcase emerging talent from Open Mic Canada, with performers ranging in age from just 10 to 29 years old. Alongside the music, guests can enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting throughout the afternoon.


Following the screening, guests are invited to stay and enjoy complimentary pizza and wine.

 

Price: FREE

Location: Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery & Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard, Columbus Centre

Event Schedule

2:00pm – Musical Entertainment: Open Mic Canada – March Break Idol performers

               Beer Garden 19+ (to 6:00pm)

3:00pm – Live Match Screening: Round of 32 Match – Canada vs South Africa

               Facepainting (to 7:00pm)

5:00pm – Post-game Entertainment (30 mins)

6:00pm – Italy ’82: from Victory to Identity – Panel Discussion

7:00pm“Il Viaggio degli Eroi” documentary screening (75 mins)

8:30pm – Complimentary pizza and wine

Presented in partnership with ICFF / Lavazza IncluCity Festival, CIBPA Toronto and ICCO Canada.

 

Columbus Centre Soccer Fest is funded in part by the City of Toronto through the Community Celebration Support Fund.

Upcoming Match Screenings

Thursday, June 25

4:00pm

Ecuador vs Germany


7:00pm

Tunisia vs Netherlands

Friday, June 26

3:00pm

Norway vs France


8:00pm

Uruguay vs Spain

Saturday, June 27

5:00pm

Panama vs England


7:30pm

Colombia vs Portugal

& Next Gen Soccer Night

Sunday, June 28

3:00pm

South Africa vs Canada

Immigrant Tribute Plaque

Villa Charities

Villa Charities - Great Place to Work 2026-27

Villa Charities Earns 2026 Great Place to Work Certification

We’re proud to share that Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth year in a row! This recognition is based entirely on what our employees say about their workplace experience, with 84% of staff saying VCI is a great place to work - compared to 62% of employees at a typical Canadian company. This honour reflects our ongoing efforts to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-trust workplace culture.

 

View our Certified Company Profile

Soccer Fest

Columbus Centre Soccer Fest – Share Your Photos!

Got photos or videos from Columbus Centre Soccer Fest? We’d love to see them! Share your favourite moments and help us relive the excitement. Send your photos directly to our Marketing team by email at marketing@villacharities.com or tag us on social media (Facebook: @villacharities, Instagram: @villa_charities) so we can showcase our amazing community enjoying this historic event. Don’t forget to use our event hashtags to join the celebration and be featured in our channels. Let’s keep the spirit of Soccer Fest going!

Next Gen Soccer Night

Columbus Centre Soccer Fest – Next Gen Soccer Night 

Join Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee on Saturday, June 27 at 7:00pm for an exciting soccer-themed night geared for young adults! Cheer on Colombia vs. Portugal in a thrilling Group Stage matchup, streamed live on our big outdoor screen. Enjoy a lively viewing party atmosphere with games, a DJ, and fellow fans, plus food and beverages available for purchase. This 19+ event is free with advance registration, and proceeds support Villa Charities’ mission to preserve community heritage.

 

Register Now

Soccer Fest - Canada Day

Columbus Centre Soccer Fest – Canada Day Celebration

Celebrate Canada Day at the Columbus Centre on Wednesday, July 1 with an exciting day of soccer, music and community spirit. Watch three Round of 32 match screenings alongside fellow fans, plus festive highlights including flags, sparklers, poppers, a live fireworks display, celebration cake, and music by DJ Pulsar. Indoors, enjoy Gettoni game tables, popcorn, refreshments, and a unique exhibition of soccer-themed art and collectibles. This vibrant event brings together global sport and national pride for a fun, welcoming celebration - and everyone is invited! This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada, and the City of Toronto through the Community Celebration Support Fund.

 

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Soccer Fest Art Exhibitions

Columbus Centre Soccer Fest – Art Exhibitions

Explore two compelling exhibitions celebrating the legacy and cultural impact of Italian soccer. “July 11, 1982: A Historic Day by Vincenzo Pietropaolo captures the electrifying moment Italy’s World Cup victory sparked an unforgettable celebration in Toronto’s Little Italy, documented through striking photography - some shown publicly for the first time. Complementing this, “I Bleed Blue” by Vince Mancuso presents vibrant, nostalgic paintings honouring Italy’s national team and its most iconic moments. Together, these exhibitions reflect the passion, pride, and lasting influence of the Azzurri on both sport and Italian Canadian identity. On display through July 19.

 

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Pasta Making Classes Cavatelli

Learn to Make Cavatelli in our Pasta-Making Class

Discover Southern Italian cavatelli and the way its unique shape beautifully holds sauce. In our class on Tuesday, June 30 at 6:30pm, participants will learn to hand‑roll and shape the pasta using the classic drag technique before exploring sauce‑pairing fundamentals designed for optimal cling and consistency. The class concludes with a tasting of cavatelli served with a classic, seasonally appropriate sauce. Participants will take home fresh cavatelli and a printed sauce recipe. Presented in partnership with Chef Luciano Schipano.

 

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Celebrate Summer at the Speducci Summer Festa

Celebrate summer with us at the Speducci Summer Festa on Sunday, July 26 from 11:30am to 1:30pm! Gather with friends, family, and neighbours for a lively afternoon featuring delicious speducci, fresh pasta, dancing, and live musical entertainment. This festive community event promises great food and warm summer vibes for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are just $10 so get yours today!

 

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ICFF

Villa Charities Partners with ICFF 2026

Villa Charities is a Film+ Sponsor of ICFF 2026 and proud to co-present the film “Five Seconds” (“Cinque Secondi”) with the Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival on Sunday, July 5 at 9:00pm. Held at the Rogers Trinity Theatre in the Distillery District, this outdoor screening is part of a vibrant festival lineup running from June 25 to July 19, where cinema meets art, music, food, and innovation.

 

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Marco DeVuono

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 meetings will be held on Friday, July 3.  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

Tribute Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunity: Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Ambassador

Villa Charities Foundation is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to serve as Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Ambassadors. Help promote a meaningful initiative that honours the journeys and achievements of Italian immigrants who came to Canada in search of a better future. Volunteer ambassadors support community outreach and engagement efforts, attend events across the GTA, engage with members of the public, and promote awareness of the Tribute project. Flexible opportunities are available throughout the year, including evenings and weekends. 

 

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Scholarship Program 2026

Final Days to Apply for the 2026 Villa Charities Scholarship Program

There are only 5 more days to apply for the 2026 Villa Charities Scholarship Program. Over $287,000 in scholarships has 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 $2,000 each will be awarded to Undergraduate level students, and five scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to Graduate level students. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.


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Columbus Centre

Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre Begins Monday!

Columbus Centre Summer Camp begins Monday and offers engaging programs for ages 4 - 14 including general and specialty camps in Sports, Tennis, Pickleball, Cooking, and more, all led by experienced staff in a fun, inclusive environment. Featured is the All-In-One Camp for ages 7 - 12, a dynamic, full- or half-day experience packed with sports, swimming, arts & crafts, outdoor adventures, and team challenges. Perfect for curious, energetic kids, it keeps them active, building friendships, and creating lasting summer memories every day.


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Turn Up Your Fitness This Summer with Premium Fitness Classes

This summer, make the Columbus Centre Athletic Club the destination for all your health and fitness activities. Join our Premium Fitness Classes and transform your workout routine! Our certified instructors will guide you through proper techniques for a safe, effective, and fun experience. Whether you're looking for a full-body workout or eager to try something new, we’re here to help you reach your goals with classes such as Judo, TRX® and Yoga. No membership? No problem! You can register for Premium Fitness Programs without committing to a full membership.

 

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Stay Active with Summer Aquafit Classes

Aquafit Classes return this summer at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Registration is now open for both Members and Non-Members. Starting the week of July 6, join us for Deep End and Arthritic Aqua Training classes. These low-impact classes are perfect for improving strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Register online or in person at our Membership Office.

 

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Group Swimming Lessons Offered for All Ages

Children of all ages and skill levels can build confidence and develop their technique with group swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Our experienced instructors offer expert guidance in a supportive and welcoming environment. Registration is now open, and lessons begin the week of July 6, running from 5:00 to 8:15pm. To register, please visit our Membership Office in person.

 

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Get on the Outdoor Courts This Summer

The tennis and pickleball season is officially underway at the Columbus Centre! Our outdoor tennis courts are now open, with lessons available for all skill levels. To book a court, players must register for a seasonal Outdoor Court Membership, available to both Members and Non-Members – but reserve early as spots fill quickly. This summer, get started with our Pickleball Clinics and House League on our new outdoor court, where beginners can learn rules, scoring, and technique, and more experienced players can enjoy three levels of friendly competition while building skills and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.


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Leonardo Da Vinci Academy

LDVA Logo

Introducing LDVA’s Toddler Program 

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Toddler Program for children aged 18 to 36 months. Designed to support early developmental milestones, this nurturing Montessori environment encourages independence, confidence, and a love of learning. Guided by certified educators, toddlers will participate in hands-on activities that promote language, motor, and social skills. Our program is further enriched through Italian language immersion, introducing children to Italian vocabulary and culture through songs, stories, and daily conversation. Limited spaces are available to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. Runs from September to June. Contact admissions@ldva.on.ca to learn more or schedule a tour.

 

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Villa Colombo Vaughan

Villa Colombo Vaughan

June Activities at Villa Colombo Vaughan 


June at Villa Colombo Vaughan has been filled with pride, community spirit, and meaningful moments. On June 10, volunteers from CIBC Vaughan joined residents for a special baking activity, preparing pizzelles and serving espresso while sharing stories, laughter and traditions. Excitement has continued with the start of the global soccer tournament on June 11. A projector in the Piazza has transformed the space into a lively gathering spot where residents, families, and staff come together to watch matches and cheer on their favourite teams.

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.comvillacharities.com

Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001


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