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Special Olympics Team Canada Send-Off

Co-Hosted by TSN’s Marissa Roberto and Luca Celebre

 

Tuesday, March 4, 6:00 – 7:00pm

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

 

 

Celebrate with our community as we send off Special Olympics Team Canada to Turin, Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in March 2025! Join us in cheering on these inspiring athletes before they depart to represent our country on the world stage. Event highlights include the arrival of the Special Olympics torch and parade of athletes, special performances and remarks by dignitaries and Team Canada representatives.

 

This event is free to attend but advance registration is required by February 25.

Register Now

By email: astubbs@villacharities.com, By phone: (416)789-7011 ext. 306

Thanks to our tifosi and partners for their generous support:

Villa Charities

Ballo Liscio is Back in Full Swing

Experience the joy of dancing in a space filled with music and tradition. Bring friends, partners, or come on your own and enjoy these free fun social dancing nights featuring music by popular Italian DJs and musicians. Our next night is Wednesday, February 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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Sausage Making Festa on February 2

Join us for the Sausage Making Festa on Sunday, February 2 from 11:30am to 1:30pm and experience the Italian tradition of sausage-making firsthand. Enjoy a pasta lunch and music by DJ Gianni Mignardi, plus receive 2 complimentary freshly made sausages to enjoy at home, courtesy of Villa Charities. Tickets are $5.00 each and advance purchase is required.

 

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The Current State of the Italian Language Space in Canada

Prof. Simone Casini from the University of Tuscia and Prof. Salvatore Bancheri from the University of Toronto Mississauga will explore the global Italian linguistic space and its characteristics, with particular focus on Canadian context. Don’t miss this insightful lecture on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00pm, presented in both Italian and English. Presented in partnership with University of Toronto and Universita’ della Tuscia. Under the patronage of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto.


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Three Hundred Years of Neapolitan Songs

For centuries, Napoli has been one of the world's great musical cities, producing songs and melodies recognized across the globe. Experience these vibrant songs and melodies with the young Italo-Canadese musicians of Festa Popolare on Thursday, February 27 at 7:30pm. This performance will take you through three centuries of popular Neapolitan music, played on authentic instruments and sung in the iconic dialect.


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Taste of Italy Dinner Series: Napoli

On Friday, February 28, 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. Presented in partnership with Boccaccio Ristorante Italiano.


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The King of Rock 'n' Roll Returns

Step back in time and relive the legendary hits of the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ with an electrifying tribute by Bruno Nesci & The Dreamers Show Band. From the unforgettable moments of 1968 to the iconic sounds of the 1970s, this concert captures the spirit and music that defined a generation. Join us on February 28 at 8:30pm for a night of nostalgia and timeless melodies. Secure your tickets now for an Elvis tribute experience you’ll never forget!

 

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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 meetings will be held on Friday, February 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.


Book Your Meeting

VCI Spotlight

Spotlight on Villa Charities Board of Directors

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.

 

Nina Gesa

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

Nina is a dedicated public servant, having spent nearly 30 years advancing economic development activities with the City of Toronto. In the first half of her career, she worked in the areas of tourism and event attraction, most notably on the bids to host 2008 Toronto Olympics and the 2015 World’s Fair. A skilled project manager, she was also responsible for delivering high-profile events including the XVI AIDS Conference in 2006, official visits by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 2010 RBC Canadian Open. More recently, she has had carriage of the innovation portfolio focused on supporting Toronto’s small business and start-up communities both from a policy and programming lens. Nina is passionate about her Italian culture and heritage and has forged strong ties to the Italian community in Toronto.

Villa Charities Foundation

FREE Registration for the Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser

There’s never been a better time to participate in Giro with this year’s event at Veneto Centre sure to be a fun and memorable experience. Ride with us and demonstrate your commitment to supporting programs and services that celebrate and honour Italian culture and heritage. The Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser is one of Villa Charities Foundation’s (VCF) most important fundraising events, and we need your support to make this 18th annual edition edition on Sunday, May 25, the best event yet! 


Don’t miss out on FREE Registration if you sign up before February 23, 2025! That’s right, NO registration fee (a savings of $100!). Plus, receive 25% off a six-month General Membership at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club if you register before February 23rd and make a $25 self-donation at the time of registration!

*Conditions apply. See website for full details. 


Register Now

Villa Charities Foundation Secures Approval for c-Gaming

Villa Charities Foundation was successful in the c-Gaming eligibility review process and obtained approval from the Municipality of Toronto to participate in Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Charitable Games. Obtaining this licence allows VCF to receive revenue from approved gaming halls in Toronto. As part of this approval, the Foundation will receive funds from Dolphin Gaming located in Scarborough. Learn more at the link below and visit Dolphin Gaming for the bingo sessions on February 5 and 18 at 9:15pm to support Villa Charities Foundation!

 

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Columbus Centre

Summer Camp Early Bird Registration Opens Feb. 3

The Columbus Centre is the place to be for summer camp! Our camps offer interactive learning, exciting activities, and the chance for your child to make life-long memories. From general All-In-One Camp Experience to specialty camps like tennis, cooking, and sports, we have something for everyone in an inclusive and inspiring environment. Mark your calendars for Early Bird registration, which begins Monday, February 3 at 10:00am. You’ll save 10% on each camper registration when you use Promo Code EARLYBIRD at checkout.

 

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50% Off for New Members: Extended for 2 Weeks Only!

You’re in luck! Due to popular demand, we’re extending our #NewYearNoExcuses offer into February! Now, if you join the Columbus Centre Athletic Club before Friday, February 14, you’ll get zero enrollment fees, 50% off your first 2 months, and a special offer on select personal training*. Get access to our 11,000 sq.ft. main gym, state-of-the-art equipment, squash and racquetball courts, new dedicated spin studio, large indoor pool, indoor running track, and tons of group fitness classes, all under one roof!

*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

 

Learn More and Sign Up Today!

Register Now for Aquafit Classes

The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers energizing aquafit classes for anyone looking to stay active and have fun in the water. Whether you’re strengthening muscles, boosting flexibility, or just looking for an exciting way to exercise, our Arthritic Aqua Training and Deep End classes offer something for everyone. All sessions are guided by certified instructors who ensure a safe, engaging, and effective workout in our indoor pool. Open to both Members and Non-Members. For details, visit

our website, email us at fitness@villacharities.com or call

416-789-7011 ext. 215.


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Book A Massage Therapy Session Today!

Treat yourself to a session with our Registered Massage Therapists and enjoy the many health and wellness benefits of this therapeutic treatment. We offer Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy and Modern Cupping. Book your session today or surprise someone special with a thoughtful gift certificate, perfect for Valentine’s Day!


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Host Your Next Party at our Indoor Pool

Take your celebration to the next level with a private pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Whether it's for a birthday party or a social event, our pool rentals will guarantee a fantastic time with friends and family. 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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Stay Active this Winter with Premium Programs!

Explore a new specialty fitness program this year to reach your 2025 goals with one of our Premium Fitness Programs. Classes include TRX®, Judo, Mindful Meditation, Non-Contact Boxing, 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, in-person at the Membership Office or online.

 

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Master Your Landscape Painting Skills

Integrating both landscape and abstract, the Less Defined Landscape workshop will inspire students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes, while encouraging creativity and imagination. This 4-week painting workshop runs from February 5 to 26 and is suitable for intermediate to advanced students with prior experience.

 

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Committed to Excellence in Dance Education

DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2024/2025 Dance Season. See our 2024/2025 Recreational Schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com for more information. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season!

 

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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.



Villa Charities Inc. | 416-789-7011 | info@villacharities.com | www.villacharities.com

901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001

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