The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues at Villa Charities! Enjoy a free evening of music, dancing, and community, featuring popular Italian DJs and musicians. Come with a partner, friends, or on your own—everyone is welcome. Our next event is Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with the ICBSAC and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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On Wednesday, April 16, join us for a special wine tasting event! Sample the new vintage made from last fall’s traditional wine pressing demonstration, coinciding with our popular Ballo Liscio evening. Celebrate Easter with a glass of wine, live music from Armonia Music, and complimentary cake, courtesy of Villa Charities.

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Transport yourself to the rolling hills of Tuscany at our Taste of Italy dinner series! Enjoy a four-course meal that brings to life the region’s rustic, farm-inspired cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple yet rich flavours, this special evening captures the warmth and tradition of Tuscan cooking. Friday, April 25 at 6:00pm. Menu curated by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano and presented in partnership with Boccaccio Ristorante Italiano. Check out the dinner menu and reserve your seats today.

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Visit the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery and explore “ORIGIN – Paintings of scale and ambition”, featuring large-scale works by Kyle Bennett, Cheryl HJ Lee, Jan Wheeler, and Majid Zeraati. On display through Monday, April 28, 2025, each of these impressive works of art reminds us that great paintings are not just seen — they are experienced.

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Join Chef Luciano Schipano for our immersive Taste of Italy pasta-making classes. Explore the region of Veneto as you learn to make gnocchi di ricotta by hand. The session includes a tasting of Gnocchi al Burro e Salvia, featuring a simple butter and sage sauce that enhances its rich yet delicate flavour. Participants will take home fresh gnocchi and a printed sauce recipe. This session takes place on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with Chef Luciano Schipano.

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Musicologist Roberta De Piccoli’s documentary delves into the intricate musical identity of Toronto's large Italian Canadian community, examining the impact of migration, colonialism, and diaspora awareness. Through interviews with individuals from various migration waves, the film explores how music has functioned both as a tool for integrating into Canadian society and as a means of preserving connections to Italy. Join us on Thursday, May 1 for this free film screening and Q&A. Presented in partnership with the Frank Iacobucci Centre for Italian Canadian Studies, University of Toronto.

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It’s not too late to register for our Italian Immersion Toddler Program at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy! Designed for children aged 1 to 3, this fun-filled program introduces Italian language and culture through play, songs, and engaging activities — led by a genuine Italian instructor with years of experience. Classes run Wednesdays and/or Fridays,

9:00 – 10:00am, at the Columbus Centre.

A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Visit ldva.on.ca or email: admissions@ldva.on.ca to sign up!

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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, April 4. 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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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.

Dr. Gina Valle

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

Gina’s parents were born in a small town in Calabria, southern Italy. Before they were 25 years of age, Domenico & Giuseppa moved to Canada and built a new life here. Gina understood the responsibility that came with that decision. Gina Valle completed her PhD in Education & Multicultural Studies from OISE/UofT and went on to found Diversity Matters where she works closely with communities, corporations, schools & governments to make Canada a more equitable society.

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Purchase a Villa Charities Immigrant Tribute plaque before April 15, 2025, and you will be automatically entered into a contest for a chance to win a 3-day prize package for the Formula 1^® 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, valued at approximately $3,500. This VIP package includes two 3-day passes located in Grandstand 15. You’ll also receive a gift card with $2,000 in spending money, so you can enjoy your memorable Montreal weekend in style.

Each additional plaque purchased during the promotional period counts as a bonus entry, and current Tribute donors will be automatically entered. For more information, please see the Contest Rules and Regulations. 

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Villa Charities’ 18^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC on Sunday, May 25^th is quickly approaching with just one week left to save 50% off registration. And if saving on the registration fee is not enough, if you register by March 31^st, you will be entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card to Eataly*.

Don’t miss your final opportunity 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 rules and regulations.

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Register now for the 2025 spring term at the Columbus Centre School of Music. Classes begin Monday, March 31 and run for 12 weeks. Choose from private lessons in vocals, guitar, piano, violin, flute, clarinet, drums, and more - taught by passionate instructors who tailor their approach to each student’s goals and experience.

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Registration is now open for spring swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Programs are available for all ages and skill levels through The Lifesaving Society Program. Visit the Membership Office to register. Classes begin the week of March 31, 2025.

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Outdoor tennis and pickleball season begins Monday, April 1 at the Columbus Centre. An Outdoor Court Membership is required to book, and with the courts always in high demand, now’s the time to plan your season. Registration is now open for both Members and Non-Members.

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Starting Tuesday, April 8, the Columbus Centre Athletic Club is introducing Children’s Non-Contact Boxing program as part of our Premium Fitness Programs. Through a combination of shadowboxing, footwork drills, and interactive exercises, children ages 8 – 12 will learn the fundamentals of boxing without any physical contact. Led by national champion Viktoria Penney, classes focus on fitness, discipline, coordination, and confidence in a safe, supportive setting.

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Only a few spots remain for our Less Defined Landscape art workshop led by award-winning artist Sam Paonessa. Starting Wednesday, April 9, this 8-week class blends landscape and abstract painting techniques, encouraging students to explore creative approaches to interpreting and simplifying photo references.

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The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a selection of low-impact Aquafit classes designed to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness. Classes include Deep End Aquafit and Arthritic Aqua Training. Online registration is now open for Members and Non-Members or visit the Membership Office. Classes begin the week of April 14, 2025.

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Get moving this season with our spring Premium Fitness Programs at the Columbus Centre. Registration is now open for classes including Pickleball, Squash, TRX^®, Non-Contact Boxing, Judo, Pilates, Women’s Self-Defence, and more — each led by certified instructors for a safe and rewarding workout. Programs are open to both Members and Non-Members.

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Planning a special occasion? Make it memorable with a private pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Whether it's for a birthday, a social event, or just because, our pool rentals guarantee a fantastic time with friends and family. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and complete details.

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Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents a Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Thursday, April 3 at 6:00pm at Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets are only $60 and include a pasta and salad dinner, coffee, tea, and treats as well as three bingo games and dabber! Funds raised are for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. For tickets, please contact the VCTA Office at 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260 or e-transfer vcla@villacolombo.on.ca (use SPRING2025 as Password).

Join us for our Open House at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts and Sciences on April 8^th from 10:00am to 2:00pm! This is a great opportunity to explore our vibrant learning environment and discover what makes our school unique. Meet with a member of our administrative team to learn more about our Preschools, Lower Elementary Montessori, and Upper Elementary programs while touring our beautiful campus. Whether you're considering enrollment or just curious about our approach to education.

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Alessandro Martire, the world-renowned Italian pianist and composer, brings his groundbreaking performance to the Aga Khan Museum on May 4^th. Representing Italian excellence in modern classical music, Alessandro’s artistry has captivated audiences worldwide. A fusion of cinematic piano, a powerful string quartet, and stunning visuals—SOUNDSCAPES is more than music; it’s an immersive journey beyond sound. One night only. Don’t miss this extraordinary experience.

Villa Charities community members can save 10% on tickets with code VILLA10.

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