Villa Charities has been named one of the 2026 Best Workplaces in Canada™ by Great Place to Work^®, an achievement that reflects the strength of our culture and the dedication of our entire team. To be eligible, organizations must be Great Place to Work-Certified^™ and have exceptionally high scores from employees on the Trust Index survey, highlighting the trust and collaboration that defines our organization. We were previously recognized in 2024 as one of the Best Workplaces for Giving Back. We are grateful to our exceptional leadership and staff, whose ongoing commitment helps make Villa Charities a great workplace and reflects the pride we take in serving our diverse community.

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Thank you to everyone who joined the Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee on Saturday, June 27 for the Next Gen Soccer Night. Fans gathered to watch Colombia take on Portugal in their crucial Group Stage matchup while enjoying great food, a live DJ, games, and an incredible atmosphere. Events like this support Villa Charities’ mission and help preserve the heritage that shapes our community. Browse our photo gallery to relive the highlights. We look forward to seeing you at a future Next Gen event!

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Got photos or videos from Columbus Centre Soccer Fest? We’d love to see them! Share your favourite moments and help us relive the excitement. Send your photos directly to our Marketing team by email at marketing@villacharities.com or tag us on social media (Facebook: @villacharities, Instagram: @villa_charities) so we can showcase our amazing community enjoying this historic event. Don’t forget to use our event hashtags to join the celebration and be featured in our channels. Let’s keep the spirit of Soccer Fest going!

Celebrate summer with us at the Speducci Summer Fest  on Sunday, July 26 from 11:30am to 1:30pm! Gather with friends, family, and neighbours for a lively afternoon featuring delicious speducci, fresh pasta, dancing, and live musical entertainment. This festive community event promises great food and warm summer vibes for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are just $10 so get yours today!

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This new exhibition celebrates the dialogue between Italy’s rich tradition of high craftsmanship and the poetic vision of Alighiero Boetti (1940 - 1994), one of the leading figures of Arte Povera and a key representative of Italian conceptual art. Featuring unique works by master artisans across disciplines, this exhibition running from August 6 to 19, 2026 celebrates timeless craftsmanship, enhanced by the spirit of innovation and creative boldness. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the essence of authentic ‘Made in Italy.’ Join us for the Opening Night reception on Thursday, August 6 at 7:00pm. Presented in partnership with Maestri Artifex Association, Ambasciata d’Italia a Ottawa and Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Toronto.

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It’s back and bigger than ever! Our annual Ferragosto event returns on Sunday, August 16 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Columbus Centre. Enjoy an afternoon filled with family-friendly fun featuring live musical entertainment, children’s activities, raffle prizes, authentic Italian foods including traditional porchetta, pasta and fresh pizza, and a licensed patio at Caffe Cinquecento. Plus, shop our Market Square featuring a variety of local vendors. And new this year, explore our Car Show with more than xx luxury vehicles on display including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Fiat.

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Leading up to our annual celebration of Italian dialects, L’eco dei Dialetti, Dr. Giulio Leghissa will take the audience on a fascinating journey through the linguistic landscape of medieval Italy, guided by one of its greatest figures: Dante Alighieri. Drawing on Dante’s influential treatise “De vulgari eloquentia”, this talk explores the rich variety of regional languages spoken across Italy in Dante’s time and his quest to identify a language worthy of great literature. Don’t miss this fascinating lecture on Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00pm.

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Advance your Italian language skills with our in-person courses for adults, presented in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. Choose from Beginner or Intermediate levels and learn in a supportive, small-group setting. Each course includes 12 weekly classes, guided by an experienced instructor and a carefully structured curriculum that builds your grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills step by step. Part of a three-course program running September 2026 – July 2027, this is your opportunity to develop real confidence in Italian. Spaces are limited – Learn more and register today!

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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, August 7.  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.

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Villa Charities Foundation is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to serve as Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Ambassadors. Help promote a meaningful initiative that honours the journeys and achievements of Italian immigrants who came to Canada in search of a better future. Volunteer ambassadors support community outreach and engagement efforts, attend events across the GTA, engage with members of the public, and promote awareness of the Tribute project. Flexible opportunities are available throughout the year, including evenings and weekends.

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Save during the DanzArts Toronto Early Bird Registration! DanzArts Toronto at the Columbus Centre offers professional-level dance training and recreational programs for students of all ages and skill levels. Register by Friday, July 10 and receive 5% OFF tuition for the 2026/2027 dance season. Don’t miss your chance to dance with us this season! Classes begin September 14, 2026.

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Summer Camps are in full swing at the Columbus Centre, but some spaces are still available in our general and specialty camps for ages 4 to 14. Our experienced and specialized staff provide an engaging camp experience where kids can learn, grow, and make lasting memories. Camps run until Friday, August 28, 2026. Register for a camp today and give your child an unforgettable summer!

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Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 season at the Columbus Centre School of Music. Students of all skill levels are invited to explore their musical passion through one-on-one lessons led by our experienced instructors. Choose from a wide range of instruments, including the tamburello—an Italian frame drum and ancient instrument still widely used throughout southern and parts of central Italy. Students can also take part in an introduction to Italian folk music, exploring the rich and authentic traditions of regions across Italy, with a special focus on the South.

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Make this summer your strongest yet at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club - your go-to destination for health, fitness, and motivation. Our Premium Fitness Classes are designed to energize your routine and deliver real results in a supportive, engaging environment. Led by certified instructors, each class focuses on proper technique to ensure a safe, effective, and enjoyable workout. Whether you're aiming for a full-body challenge or looking to explore something new, you’ll find the perfect fit with offerings like Judo, TRX^®, and Yoga. And the best part? No membership is required. You can register for Premium Fitness Classes and start moving - no long-term commitment needed.

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Aquafit classes are back this summer at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, and registration continues for both Members and Non-Members. Dive into our Deep End Aquafit and Arthritic Aqua Training classes, both designed to provide a low-impact workout that builds strength, improves flexibility, and boosts cardiovascular health. Secure your spot today by registering online or visiting our Membership Office in person.

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Group swimming lessons are now underway for the summer at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, but there’s still time to register! Led by experienced instructors, these lessons help children of all ages and skill levels build confidence and develop their swimming technique. Don’t miss your chance to learn or improve your swimming skills. Lessons are scheduled on Monday to Wednesday, between 5:00pm and 8:15pm. To register, please visit our Membership Office in person.

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Villa Colombo Vaughan – Summer Activity Highlights

Summer is off to a vibrant start at Villa Colombo Vaughan, marked by meaningful gatherings and community spirit. We closed June with two special events, including the June 18 presentation of the Maria Di Salvo Award, named after our very first resident, to honour staff who exemplify compassion, excellence, and commitment to resident care. This year, eight remarkable team members were nominated, each reflecting the values that define our home. On June 23, we also hosted our annual Emergency Responders BBQ, welcoming 34 first responders in appreciation of their ongoing support. July began with festive Canada Day celebrations, and we now look ahead to upcoming July events and outings.

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Toddler Program for children aged 18 to 36 months. Designed to support early developmental milestones, this nurturing Montessori environment encourages independence, confidence, and a love of learning. Guided by certified educators, toddlers will participate in hands-on activities that promote language, motor, and social skills. Our program is further enriched through Italian language, introducing children to Italian vocabulary and culture through songs, stories, and daily conversation. Limited spaces are available to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. Runs from September to June. Contact admissions@ldva.on.ca to learn more or schedule a tour.

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