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Villa Charities Recognized at Queen’s Park | |
On Tuesday, November 18, Villa Charities leadership and staff were honoured to meet the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, during a visit to Queen’s Park.
Joseph Arcuri, Chair of the Villa Charities Board of Directors; Marco DeVuono, President and CEO; and Mary Pompili, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, along with members of our team, were invited by Michelle Cooper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance and MPP for Eglinton–Lawrence, to sit in the gallery during the House Session.
During the session, MPP Cooper spoke about Villa Charities, the Columbus Centre, and our role as a pillar of the Italian Canadian community for more than 50 years.
“This centre isn’t just a building; it’s the living soul of Toronto’s Italian Canadian community. From festivals and concerts to fitness and education, it embodies the values of hard work, family, and community that helped build our province.”
We were also joined by the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines and MPP for King–Vaughan, for photos. A heartfelt thank you to Premier Ford and MPP Cooper for graciously hosting us at Queen’s Park and recognizing the impact of our work in the community.
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2025 Villa Charities Heart & Hand Awards
Friday, November 7, 2025
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On Friday, November 7, 2025, Villa Charities Foundation proudly hosted the 2025 Heart & Hand Awards, the signature event for recognizing volunteers across the Villa Charities family.
Over 320 guests gathered at Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre to honour Villa Charities’ remarkable volunteers, while enjoying live entertainment by musical trio Jazz and Cocktails, exceptional dining, and a silent auction.
Distinguished guests included Luca Zelioli, Consul General of Italy in Toronto; Michelle Cooper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance and MPP for Eglinton–Lawrence; Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, who presented an official congratulatory certificate to Villa Charities on behalf of the City; and His Worship Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan. In his absence, remarks from Vince Gasparro, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Combatting Crime) and MP for Eglinton–Lawrence were delivered by event host Grace Lombardi from CHIN Radio.
Throughout the evening, eight volunteer recipients for the Villa Charities group of companies were presented with the 2025 Heart & Hand Award. The Anthony Fusco Sr. Outstanding Volunteer Award was also presented to Edward Sorbara for his remarkable dedication, advocacy, and philanthropic support of Villa Charities and its affiliates.
The event raised more than $275,000, which will help support Villa Charities’ programs and services, including senior care, cultural programming, youth services, and education and scholarships.
Villa Charities extends its sincere appreciation to the Villa Charities and Affiliate Boards; leadership and staff; and sponsors. Grazie mille!
| | | | Explore “Captured Moments” Before It Closes | |
Don’t miss your chance to experience “Captured Moments" by fibre artist and dancer Loretta Faveri. This immersive, multi-sensory exhibition at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery explores history, memory, and resilience through stitched paper portraits inspired by Faveri’s grandparents. Through a bold fusion of visual art and music, her work unveils a lesser-known chapter in the history of the Italian Canadian community in Canada. This exhibition runs until November 25.
Register Now
| | | | Relive the Timeless Hits of "The Voice" | |
Step into the golden age of jazz and swing with John Alcorn and The Daniel Barnes Trio for “The Voice: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” on Thursday, November 27 at 7:30pm. These performers will revisit beloved classics like “My Way,” “Come Fly with Me,” and “Fly Me to the Moon” in a moving tribute to Sinatra’s timeless voice and style. Join us to enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating one of the most iconic Italo-American artists of the twentieth century.
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| | | | Calling All Christmas Bakers! | |
Take part in our Traditional Italian Dessert Contest on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Columbus Centre. As part of our Ballo Liscio night with music by DJ Gianni Mignardi, guests are invited to share classic desserts like Panforte, Struffoli, Scalilli, and Turdilli for a chance to win a prize—then enjoy a slice of Panettone*, courtesy of Villa Charities.
*First-come, first-served, while supplies last.
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| | | | Find the Perfect Gift at Our Festive Christmas Market | |
The Villa Charities Christmas Market returns to the Columbus Centre this year for two days of holiday cheer! Join us on Friday, December 5 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to explore 30+ vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and baked goods. Kids can enjoy holiday-themed face painting, card-making crafts, and photos with Santa. On Friday night, don’t miss our Christmas tree lighting at 7:30pm, carolers, and a festive outdoor display celebrating the season.
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| | | | Win a Signed Copy of “Lidia’s The Art of Pasta” | |
Enter for your chance to win one of five signed copies of “Lidia’s The Art of Pasta,” the new cookbook by best-selling author and Emmy Award-winning television host Lidia Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. This definitive resource is a guide to pasta in all its forms—stuffed, baked, and sauced, in soups and pasta salads—with directions for making fresh pasta doughs at home. The contest closes Friday, December 12, 2025.
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| | | | Ring in the Season at “The Bells for Peace” | |
Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with Coro San Marco at “The Bells for Peace.” Led by Daniele Colla, the acclaimed choir will perform a Christmas repertoire of classical, traditional, and popular songs. Join us on Sunday, December 14 at 4:00pm for an uplifting musical afternoon inspired by the themes of bells and peace.
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| | | | Wednesday Nights are for Ballo Liscio | |
The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues every Wednesday at the Columbus Centre! Join us for an evening of lively social dancing from 6:30 to 8:30pm until December 17. Everyone is welcome to join the fun, no matter your experience level.
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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 meeting will be held on December 5. 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
| | Villa Charities Foundation | | | | Double Your Impact This Holiday Season | |
This holiday season, honour Italian heritage and culture by giving a charitable gift that will make a lasting impact. Whether you’re generously providing a personal gift yourself or giving this gift in honour or memory of a loved one, donate today and get your tax receipt for 2025. Even better, your donation will also be matched up to $10,000 by a generous anonymous donor!
Donate Now & Double Your Impact
| | | | Last Chance to Try a Free Pilates Demo Class | |
There’s still time to try a free demo class at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! These low-impact workouts help improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Join us for one of our beginner Foundations Pilates demos on Thursday, November 20 at 4:30pm or 6:00pm, or the Pilates demo on Friday, November 21 at 6:00pm. Open to anyone who hasn’t attended a demo this session. Registration required — limited spots available.
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| | | | Develop Your Musical Talent This Season | |
Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or building on your skills, the Columbus Centre School of Music offers private lessons for every level. Our experienced instructors teach a wide range of instruments and styles, including new opportunities to explore Italian folk traditions through Intro to Italian Folk Music and Tamburello. Lessons are available both in-person and online. Register now for winter term classes beginning January 5, 2026.
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| | | | Take Your Dance Training Further | |
DanzArts Toronto offers professional-level training for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for the 2025/2026 Dance Season! Check out our Recreational Schedule or contact us for more information. Don’t miss your chance to dance with us this season!
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| | | | Give the Gift of Relaxation | |
Take time to unwind this holiday season with wellness services at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Choose from Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, or Modern Cupping, each designed to relieve stress and support recovery. Treat yourself or someone special to the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate.
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| | Leonardo Da Vinci Academy | | | | Book Your Tour of Leonardo Da Vinci Academy | |
Book a tour today! Meet with a member of our administrative team to learn more about our Casa Montessori and Italian Immersion Preschools, our Lower Elementary Montessori and our Upper Elementary programs while touring our newly renovated campus and sports court. We look forward to meeting you!
Book a Tour
| | Message from a Valued Arts Partner | | | | Traditional Christmas Music of Southern Italy | |
The Vesuvius Ensemble and the Toronto Chamber Choir present this delightful program celebrating the ancient tradition of the zampognari, the shepherd bagpipers of Southern Italy, who played the music traditionally believed to have sounded at the very moment of Christ’s birth. The Vesuvius Ensemble, North America’s foremost music ensemble dedicated to the traditional music of Southern Italy, is led by tenor Francesco Pellegrino. A very special guest for this project is Tommaso Sollazzo, who will be traveling here from Southern Italy to play a traditional set of zampogne (Italian bagpipes). The choir will sing gorgeous music by Neapolitan composers Cristoforo Caresana and Francesco Durante, both inspired by the zampogna tradition. The two groups will join forces in arrangements of Italian folk music including the joyful Neapolitan carol Quanno nascette ninno. An ensemble of Baroque specialists will also be on hand including violin virtuosi Geneviève Gilardeau and Cristina Prats Costa, cello master Felix Deak, and keyboardist Christopher Bagan. Saturday, December 6, 7:30pm at Calvin Presbyterian Church (St.Clair/Yonge). Tickets: $40 /$30 / $5.
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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.
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901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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