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"What's Trending" Newsletter
June 2026 Vol. 1
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Columbus Centre Soccer Fest
Begins Today!
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Celebrate the beautiful game through music, art, film
and community spirit all summer long,
right here at the Columbus Centre.
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The excitement begins today at 3:00pm as the Columbus Centre transforms into Toronto’s home for soccer and multicultural celebration, launching with the tournament’s first Group Stage match: Mexico vs. South Africa, streamed live on a large outdoor screen set against the backdrop of the beautiful Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard.
Starting today through July 19, fans from across the city are invited to gather for live match screenings, vibrant musical performances, soccer-inspired art, special events, and more - all in one of Toronto’s most dynamic cultural hubs, and all FREE to attend. Plus, enjoy free parking after 2:30pm from Monday to Friday, and on weekends.
| Don’t miss Team Canada Match Day tomorrow! | Bring your family and friends and get ready to cheer on Team Canada as they face Bosnia & Herzegovina in a high-energy outdoor viewing experience. | | The celebration begins before the game with a performance at 2:00pm from The DNAS, an electrifying young rock-pop band made up of five musicians aged 14 to 17. With raw talent, powerful stage presence, and unstoppable energy, they’re quickly making a name for themselves as one of the most exciting young bands on the scene. Plus, enjoy a lively beer garden, as part of the festive community atmosphere. | | Celebrate soccer through art, too! | | Running from June 11 to July 19, the Columbus Centre’s Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery and surrounding spaces will feature a soccer-inspired visual arts experience, including photography, paintings, and “The Wave,” an immersive soccer ball installation. Exhibitions include “July 11, 1982: A Historic Day” by Vince Pietropaolo and “I Bleed Blue” by Vince Mancuso. | | Columbus Centre Soccer Fest is funded in part by the City of Toronto through the Community Celebration Support Fund. | | Weekend Match Screening Schedule | | | Thursday, June 11 | 3:00pm | Mexico vs South Africa | | Friday, June 12 | 3:00pm | Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina | |
| 9:00pm | USA vs Paraguay | | Saturday, June 13 | 3:00pm | Qatar vs Switzerland | |
| 6:00pm | Brazil vs Morocco | |
| 6:00pm | Haiti vs Scotland | | Sunday, June 14 | 1:00pm | Germany vs Curacao | |
| 4:00pm | Netherlands vs Japan | |
| 7:00pm | Cote d’Ivoire vs Ecuador | | | | | Bring Nonna’s Traditions Home with Fileja & Cannelloni Pasta Classes | |
Discover the art of handmade pasta with Chef Luciano Schipano in our “Classics of Nonna’s Table” series. On Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30pm, craft Fileja con Sugo di ’Nduja e Pomodori, a traditional Calabrian spiral pasta paired with a bold, spicy tomato sauce. Then on Tuesday, June 23, learn to prepare classic baked Cannelloni with béchamel and tomato passata. Each immersive class features hands-on instruction, a tasting of the finished dish, pasta to take home, and a printed sauce recipe. Presented in partnership with Chef Luciano Schipano.
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| | | | 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 | | | | Giro 2026 Highlights & Looking Ahead | |
Villa Charities’ 19th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser, presented by LiUNA OPDC took place on Sunday, May 24th at the Veneto Centre. The event was a great success with 182 registered participants who raised over $161,000, exceeding our revenue goal by 16%! If you were unable to join us, and would still like to support the event please consider donating to the event at VillaCharities.com/Giro. We encourage all event participants to complete our post-event survey, which will help us plan next year’s milestone 20th Anniversary Giro Cycling Fundraiser on May 30, 2027.
Pre-Register Now
| | | | Final Weeks to Apply for the 2026 Villa Charities Scholarship Program | |
The 2026 Villa Charities Scholarship Program application deadline is less than a month away, so don’t miss your chance to apply. 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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| | | | Pizza Nova Donates Golf Tournament Proceeds to Villa Charities | |
We extend our sincere gratitude to Pizza Nova for selecting Villa Charities Foundation as the beneficiary of their 29th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on June 2. Thanks to the generosity of participants, sponsors, and supporters, the event raised an incredible $95,974 in support of our community. We are especially grateful to the entire Pizza Nova team for their dedication and hard work in organizing such a successful and memorable day.
A special thank you goes out to the Primucci family for their longstanding generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to giving back to Villa Charities. Funds raised through the tournament will support key strategic priorities at Villa Colombo Toronto, our long-term care home dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally enriched care to seniors in our community.
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| | | | Maranello BMW Golf Open Supports VCI Scholarship Recipients | Villa Charities Foundation is pleased to share that the 8th Annual Maranello BMW Golf Open was held on June 8 at King Valley Golf Club, with proceeds supporting the Villa Charities Scholarship Program. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Maranello BMW, the Ferri family, and all of the sponsors, donors, golfers, and volunteers whose generosity and support made this event such a success. Grazie mille for helping us invest in the educational aspirations and future success of our scholarship recipients. | | | | All-in-One Summer Camp for Ages 7–12 | |
Give your child a summer to remember with our All-In-One Camp for ages 7–12! Packed with variety, each day brings new excitement, from sports and swimming to arts & crafts, team challenges, outdoor adventures, and classic camp games. It’s the perfect choice for curious, energetic kids who love trying new things and making lasting friendships. With full-day and half-day options available from June 29 to August 28, this well-rounded camp experience keeps kids active, engaged and smiling all summer long.
Register Now
| | | | Tennis Lessons Now Available - Outdoor Courts Open Until June 30 | |
Our outdoor tennis courts are open through June 30, and the Columbus Centre Athletic Club is now offering tennis lessons for all skill levels. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your technique, our lessons by qualified tennis pros provide a fun and supportive way to stay active this season. For more information, contact the Membership Office by phone at 416-789-7011 ext. 231 or email fitness@villacharities.com.
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| | | | Just Added! Pickleball Clinics and Competitive House League | |
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club is excited to announce the return of our Pickleball Clinics and House League, just in time for summer. The beginner program will introduce players to the rules of pickleball including scoring, strokes and proper grip. Our House League offers three levels of play and is perfect for building skills, enjoying friendly competition, and meeting fellow players. Open to both Members and Non-Members.
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| | | | Registration for Summer Swimming Lessons Opens June 13 | |
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 13 at 9:00am, in person at our Membership Office. Classes begin the week of July 6, 2026.
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| | | | Registration for Summer Aquafit Classes Opens June 15 | |
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers low-impact Aquafit classes designed to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness. Classes include Deep End Aquafit and Arthritic Aqua Training. Registration opens Monday, June 15 at 9:00am for Members and Non-Members. Register online or visit the Membership Office. Classes begin July 7, 2026.
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| | | | Elevate Your Technique This Summer at DanzArts Toronto | |
Step into a summer of growth, precision, and performance excellence. Our 2026 Summer Series at DanzArts Toronto offers exclusive training tailored for dedicated, competitive dancers ready to refine their artistry and strengthen their technical foundation. Challenge yourself, gain confidence, and stand out on stage with expert-led instruction designed to help you excel. For details, contact dance@danzartstoronto.com and secure your spot in a program designed to move you forward.
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| | | | Make a Splash with Your Next Event | |
Turn your next celebration into something unforgettable at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Our large indoor pool offers a fun and unique setting for birthdays, group gatherings, and special occasions of all kinds. Relax and enjoy the moment knowing our fitness team is fully certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED, providing a safe and supportive environment for every guest. Ready to start planning? Visit our website for pricing and booking information and dive into an event experience everyone will love.
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| | Leonardo Da Vinci Academy | | | | Enrollment for the 2026/2027 School Year is Still Open | |
We are currently accepting applications for Casa Montessori, Scuola Materna, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary. At Leonardo da Vinci Academy, we provide a nurturing and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to develop independence, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We welcome families to discover what makes our school community so special. Spaces are limited, so we encourage interested families to apply early. For more information or to book a tour, please visit our website or email us at admissions@ldva.on.ca
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| | | | TDSB Students Support VCT Residents with Postcard Initiative | |
Each June, the TDSB recognizes Italian Heritage Month, celebrating culture, community, and connection. This year’s theme, Insieme in Piazza (“Together in the Square”), reflects the tradition of gathering across generations in shared spaces. Students participated in a poster contest capturing this spirit, with the winning artwork featured here. One design has also been adapted into a postcard initiative, allowing students to send thoughtful messages to residents at Villa Colombo Toronto during Seniors Month, fostering meaningful intergenerational connections.
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| | | | June at Villa Colombo Vaughan has already been marked by community, culture, and time outdoors. Residents launched Italian Heritage Month with a special performance by a talented Italian choir, filling the home with joy and pride. A traditional Sicilian horse and buggy on display in the Piazza sparked connection with heritage and shared memories. Residents also reopened the courtyard gardens, preparing beds for planting and enjoying fresh air together. Looking ahead, we anticipate the June 18 presentation of the Maria Di Salvo Award, recognizing team members who exemplify compassion, excellence, and leadership, and a June 23 BBQ honouring Emergency Responders for their dedication. | | |
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.com • villacharities.com
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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