Celebrate with our community on Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00pm as we send off Special Olympics Team Canada to Turin, Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in March 2025! Co-Hosted by TSN’s Marissa Roberto and Luca Celebre, join us and cheer on these inspiring athletes before they depart to represent our country on the world stage. This event is free to attend but advance registration is required.

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Join us on Thursday, February 13 at 6:00pm for the opening night of “ORIGIN - Paintings of scale and ambition,” an exhibition of large-scale work by Kyle Bennett, Cheryl HJ Lee, Jan Wheeler, and Majid Zeraati. These artworks remind us that great paintings are not just seen; they are experienced. Exhibition continues through March 27, 2025, at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery.

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Join us for an evening of music and community at our free social dancing nights. Whether you bring a partner, friends, or come solo, you’ll enjoy a lively atmosphere featuring music by popular Italian DJs and musicians. Our next event is on Wednesday, February 19, at 6:30pm - don’t miss your chance to dance the night away! 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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Villa Charities is proud to sponsor Toronto's ultimate Italian dance party: SERATA SANREMO - a celebration of Italy's iconic Festival di Sanremo on February 22, 9:00pm at Revival Club. Bringing a taste of Italy's iconic song festival to Toronto, the event includes Aperitivo Hour, Sanremo sweets, interactive experiences, and sounds by

DJ Pulsar.

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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 February 28 at 8:30pm for a night of nostalgia, energy, and timeless music. Don’t miss your chance—get your tickets now.

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Celebrate the Venetian tradition of Carnevale with us on Friday, March 7, from 6:00 to 8:00pm! 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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Drummer, composer, and producer Daniel Barnes returns to the Columbus Centre for a special one-night-only performance with the Daniel Barnes Quartet on Thursday, March 27, at 7:30pm. Featuring JUNO Award-winning bandleaders and recording artists, this exceptional ensemble includes saxophonist Richard Underhill, pianist Robi Botos, and bassist Paul Novotny, each bringing their signature style 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.

Book Your Meeting

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.

Laura Li Preti

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

As a second generation Italian Canadian, Laura has always had great appreciation for Italian heritage, culture and language. After graduating from Glendon College in Political Studies, she moved to Italy to complete a specialization in International Law at the University in Calabria and defend her thesis on freedom of religion and consciousness in Constitutional and International Law. In 2012, she completed her J.D and LL.L from the University of Ottawa. Laura became an attorney and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2013. 

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Don’t miss out on your chance to register FREE for the 18^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Veneto Centre! Our Early Bird offer ends on February 23, so sign up now and we’ll waive your registration fee (a $100 savings)! Plus, if you make a $25 self-donation at the time of registration you will receive 25% off a six-month General Membership at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club!

*Conditions apply. See website for full details. 

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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 the All-In-One Camp Experience to specialty camps like tennis, cooking, and sports, we have something for everyone in an inclusive and inspiring environment. The Early Bird deadline is almost here—register by February 14 to save 10% on each camper registration! Use Promo Code EARLYBIRD at checkout to take advantage of these savings before time runs out.

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Time is running out! There’s just one day left to take advantage of our #NewYearNoExcuses offer. Join the Columbus Centre Athletic Club by 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 a variety of group fitness classes, all under one roof!

*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

Learn More and Sign Up Today!

Take charge of your health during Heart Month in February with personal training at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! For a limited time, save $200* on a six-session Personal Training Package when you sign up before February 28. 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!

Looking for a dynamic, low-impact workout? Try our Deep End Aquafit classes for a full-body challenge that builds strength and endurance with the support of water. Classes are held in deep water eliminating any impact on your joints, while using the buoyant belts or pool noodles for added support. Deep End Aquafit is taught by a certified instructor in our indoor pool, and 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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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! A massage therapy gift certificate is a thoughtful way to show you care.

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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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Villa Charities extends our best wishes to Anthony (Tony) Goodwin, who retired on February 9, 2025, after more than 20 years of service as the Superintendent at Casa Abruzzo. Tony started his career with us in April 2004 and was well-liked by co-workers and residents throughout his long tenure at Casa Abruzzo. We thank Tony for his outstanding contributions to the organization and wish him a happy retirement.