Join us on Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30pm as we send off Special Olympics Team Canada to Turin, Italy for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Co-hosted by TSN’s Marissa Roberto and Luca Celebre, this is your chance to cheer on these inspiring athletes before they depart to represent our country on the world stage. It’s not too late to RSVP to attend this free event, so register today!

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For centuries, Napoli has been one of the world’s great musical cities, producing melodies recognized across the globe. Tonight at 7:30pm, experience these vibrant songs performed by the young Italo-Canadese musicians of Festa Popolare. This performance will take you through three centuries of popular Neapolitan music, played on authentic instruments and sung in the iconic dialect. Tickets are still available.

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Tomorrow, February 28 at 6:00pm, explore the soul of Naples through a dinner celebrating its renowned culinary culture. Known for its hearty, street food-inspired cuisine and timeless flavours, this evening offers a taste of the lively and passionate spirit of Napoli. Discover the rich culinary traditions that have made this region a global favourite. Tickets are still available but don’t wait! Presented in partnership with Boccaccio Ristorante Italiano.

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Get ready to relive the magic of Elvis Presley with an electrifying tribute by Bruno Nesci & The Dreamers Show Band. From the legendary 1968 comeback special to the iconic hits of the 1970s, this show brings the spirit and sound of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll to life. Join us on Friday, February 28 at 8:30pm for an unforgettable night of nostalgia, excitement, and timeless music. Don’t miss your chance—get your tickets now!

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Enjoy an evening of music and community at our free social dancing nights. Whether you bring a partner, friends, or come solo, you’ll be swept up in the lively atmosphere with music by popular Italian DJs and musicians. Our next event is on Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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Be part of an inspiring event recognizing International Women’s Day 2025 and this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” with a presentation honouring the stories of remarkable Italian Canadian women as they share their personal and professional journeys of perseverance, stamina, courage, and determination. This special evening on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00pm features former Ontario Minister of Citizenship & Immigration Laura Albanese, Professor Monica Stellin, Ph.D, Doriana Onorati (Toronto Public Library), author and educator Marisa Agostini, and moderator Angelica DiCastro. The evening also features a performance by Angelica DiCastro, followed by a Q&A session. Presented in partnership with Marisa Agostini, author and educator.

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Join us on Friday, March 7, from 6:00 to 8:00pm as we celebrate the rich Venetian tradition of Carnevale. Known for its winding canals and romantic gondola rides, Venice is also home of the historic Carnevale di Venezia. Experience the charm and magic of Carnevale through elaborate mask displays, costumes and music, and a visual presentation. Children can participate in a mask-making workshop and face-painting. Bring your own Carnevale spirit by dressing up in costume and enjoy the festivities! Presented in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi.

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Join us on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00pm, for a special guided tour by curator Flavio Belli and artist meet & greet for the exhibition “ORIGIN – Paintings of scale and ambition,” featuring large-scale work by Kyle Bennett, Cheryl HJ Lee, Jan Wheeler, and Majid Zeraati. Plus, enjoy 10% off at Boccaccio Ristorante (dine-in only) before or after if you mention the “ORIGIN” exhibition tour. This exhibition continues through March 27, 2025, at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery.

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Designed for children aged 1 to 3, the Italian Immersion Toddler 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 10 weeks of fun learning beginning the week of March 24 to May 26, 2025, on Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 9:00 – 10:00am, at the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in the Columbus Centre. A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Visit the LDVA website or email: admissions@ldva.on.ca for more information or to sign up! Presented in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. 

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Drummer, composer, and producer Daniel Barnes returns to the Columbus Centre for a one-night-only performance with the Daniel Barnes Quartet on Thursday, March 27 at 7:30pm. This exceptional ensemble features JUNO Award-winning bandleaders and recording artists, including saxophonist Richard Underhill, pianist Brian Dickinson, and bassist Paul Novotny. Together, they bring their signature styles to the stage for an unforgettable evening of jazz.

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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, March 7. 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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Are you a member of an Italian Social Club? Villa Charities is inviting all active social clubs in the GTA to connect with us so we can update our records and explore opportunities to work together and support your club. We can also provide you with information about our event spaces if you’re looking for a venue to hold your next social event. Please contact Giulio Recchioni, Executive Director, Cultural Programming at grecchioni@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011, ext. 218, or you can complete our online form here.

In this feature we are proud 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.

Nebo Orazietti

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

In September 2016, Nebo retired from a 35-year career in the public sector and now devotes his many acquired professional skills to volunteering for community groups. He has an extensive range of experience in local municipal planning, the non-profit housing and physician health care service sector, having worked for the Region of Peel and the Province of Ontario.

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Join us on Sunday, May 25^th for the Villa Charities 18^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC. This is a fun community ride through Vaughan and surrounding area that brings together cycling enthusiasts with route options for every skill level. Don’t miss your chance to sign up for Giro with 50% off registration* (a savings of $50), from now until March 31^st.

*Conditions apply. See website for full details. 

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For over 40 years, the Columbus Centre has provided high-quality camp programs designed to inspire, challenge, and engage children in a fun and supportive environment. Led by experienced staff, our camps spark curiosity, encourage learning, and create lifelong memories. With a variety of options—including the All-In-One Camp Experience, tennis, cooking, and Ultimate Sports camps—there’s something for every child to enjoy. Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre runs from Monday, June 30 to Friday, August 22.

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Time is running out! Only one day left to take advantage of this limited-time offer at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Sign up by February 28 and save over 30% on a six-session Personal Training Package. Work with one of our Certified Personal Trainers to build strength, improve endurance, and stay motivated.

*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

Learn More and Sign Up Today!

Host an unforgettable celebration with a private pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Perfect for birthdays, social gatherings, or special events, our indoor pool rentals provide a fun and exciting way to celebrate with family and friends. Plus, our certified staff will keep the fun safe and worry-free. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and complete details.

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Mirvish Productions is excited to present “Made in Italy,” a one-man show that follows an Italian teenager growing up in Jasper in the 1970s, caught between two worlds and determined to make his mark. This tour-de-force show is packed with disco, fantastic singing and a host of hilarious characters. Winner of multiple awards, “Made in Italy” is a delightful, heartfelt coming of age story about a kid with the heart of Rocky Balboa and the moves (and hair!) of John Travolta.

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The Speakers Annex is Toronto's most exciting new speakers series. Hosted at the Al Green Theatre at Bloor and Spadina, this fun lecture program kicks off its spring season at the end of March with fun courses on arts, culture and history, including a series on cultural landmarks in great world cities featuring Italian Cultural Studies Prof Dr. Teresa Lobalsamo and a lecture on an iconic cafe in Naples. Series organizer Will Di Novi has passed along a discount code, SpeakersAnnexFriend, that will get Villa Charities friends $20 off the upcoming courses. For more info, please check out the Speakers Annex website or email him at thespeakersannex@gmail.com.

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