The best of Italian culture, heritage, and cuisine will take centre stage this June for Italian Heritage Month at the Columbus Centre. Throughout the month, Villa Charities will present a full lineup of events, including live music, comedy, author talks, art exhibitions, and a special celebration of our Immigrant Tribute installation.

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The National Federation of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA), and Villa Charities Inc. in partnership with the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, proudly announces the Grand Opening of the "Internment of Italian Canadians" Exhibit on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. This landmark exhibit commemorates the over 600 Italian Canadians who were unjustly interned during the Second World War and the more than 31,000 declared “enemy aliens.” This event will bring together government officials, community leaders, historians, and descendants of internees for an afternoon of remembrance and recognition. 

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Exploring the evolving relationship between Italy and Canada, “Italia & Canada: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” features works by eight Italian Canadian artists. Spanning generations and creative approaches, the exhibition reflects on themes of identity, immigration, climate change, and urban transformation. The opening night reception takes place Thursday, June 5 at 7:00pm. Exhibition runs until June 27.

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Enjoy a passionate evening of opera and Italian song on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30pm with “Il Canto Italiano”, performed by soprano Sara Papini, tenor Romulo Delgado, and pianist Sabatino Vacca. The program features opera arias, Neapolitan classics, and popular songs that reflect the beauty and tradition of Italy’s musical heritage.

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Get ready for a circus extravaganza led by your drag ‘hostess with the mostess’, Dame Shirley Happening. On Friday, June 13 at 8:00pm, Shirley will guide you through the three-ring circus of life with a high-energy mix of song, dance, dazzling costumes, comedy, and audience antics. Get ready for an unforgettable night of cabaret—Shirley style! Featuring a special guest appearance by Tony Astri.

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Under the direction of Artistic Director Daniele Colle, Coro San Marco returns on Sunday, June 15 at 6:00pm with a captivating new program celebrating iconic music from the movies. “Serenata Cinematica!” features timeless film themes by Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, John Williams, and more—brought to life by the choir and soloists with cinematic visuals projected throughout the performance. The choir will be accompanied by pianist Adolfo De Santis.

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Celebrate the rich musical traditions of Italy with a concert by the award-winning Columbus Concert Band on Tuesday, June 24 at 7:30pm. Under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro, the band will perform a vibrant program featuring works by Puccini, timeless hits by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, jazz favourites, and beloved regional songs. Presented in partnership with Columbus Concert Band.

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Join us for a special screening of “The Casorsos: La Prima Famiglia”, a feature-length documentary chronicling the legacy of Giovanni and Rosa Casorso—the first Italian family to settle in Kelowna, British Columbia, 140 years ago. Their story is one of resilience, community, and the spirit of arrangiarsi, capturing the broader Italian immigrant experience in British Columbia. The screening takes place on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club.

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Give back to your community and gain unique and enriching experience by volunteering to support our cultural events. Villa Charities needs volunteers to assist with our on-site cultural presentations for the community. Plus, you’ll get to experience a broad range of Italian-inspired events and programs, for free! If you’re interested in finding out more or would like to apply, please email us at volunteering@villacharities.com.

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June is Seniors Month in Ontario, when we celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions seniors make to our communities and the lives they have impacted – across generations. Villa Charities is committed to serving and engaging the seniors in our community with a variety of programs and services, including our apartments for independent seniors and culturally sensitive, high-quality long-term care at Villa Colombo Toronto and Villa Colombo Vaughan.

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, June 6. 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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It’s hard to believe that the Villa Charities 18^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC is just days away! There is still time to register for the event on Sunday, May 25 at the Veneto Centre and fundraise for this community ride that celebrates the exhilarating finale of the Giro d’Italia! Please join us and help us achieve our goal of raising $142,500!

You don’t have to be an athlete to participate so we hope you will gear up and join us for Giro! We look forward to seeing you there! If you are unable to participate, please consider making a donation to the event.

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We’re excited to announce Stephen Hawryluk as the winner of our Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project Formula 1^® Canadian Grand Prix promotion. On Tuesday, May 6, Stephen received his prize package, which included two 3-day Grandstand 15 passes to the race in Montreal, along with a $2,000 gift card. The prize was presented by Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities.

You can honour your own family’s immigrant story in a meaningful way with a name plaque on the Tribute installation at the Columbus Centre.

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The 2025 Villa Charities Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! Over $252,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving students across Canada since the program was launched in 2020. This opportunity is open to students of any cultural background who share Villa Charities' mission of enriching lives by honouring Italian culture and heritage. Five scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to Undergraduate level students, and five scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded to Graduate level students. The application deadline is June 30, 2025.

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Villa Charities Foundation is proud to be

the beneficiary of the 7^th Annual Maranello

BMW Golf Open, happening Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at King Valley Golf Club. Enjoy a full day of golf, gourmet food, a motivational talk from an NHL legend, and exciting extras like a silent auction and exclusive prize draws. Golf-only and lunch-only options are available. All attendees will be entered for a chance to win a luxury golf weekend for you and three guests at Rocky Crest Resort in Muskoka. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this memorable day and exclusive prize draw - book your spot today.

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Students ages 18 to 25 can take advantage of this limited-time summer offer at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Enjoy access to our 11,000 sq. ft. facility, including a fully equipped gym, group fitness classes, indoor pool, running track, and tennis, squash, and pickleball courts. Sign up by Saturday, May 31 and pay no enrollment fee—a savings of up to $80.

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This firefighter-inspired HIIT workout is our new Small Group Personal Training clinic at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Try full-body movements like sled pushes, battle ropes, and med ball slams—designed to build strength, stamina, and resilience. Free demo classes are available on May 26, 28, and 29 for Members. Each class is limited to four participants.

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Support your recovery and well-being with our new cold plunge experience, now available at the Columbus Centre Men’s Health Club. Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and enhance both physical and mental recovery. Access is included with Men’s Health Club memberships. General Members (male, 18+) may use the cold plunges for an additional fee.

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Designed for competitive-level dancers, the 2025 DanzArts Summer Series offers intensive training to refine technique, build strength, and push performance to the next level. Gain the edge you need for your upcoming season with expert instruction in a focused, high-level environment. Registration is now open. For details, contact dance@danzartstoronto.com. 

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Save 15% off registration for Ultimate Sports Camp or Minecraft Redstone Development Camp—two specialty programs at the Columbus Centre. Led by experienced instructors, both camps offer fun, hands-on experiences whether your child is interested in sports or technology-based programs. For complete details, visit our website today.

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The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers lessons in both tennis and pickleball for players of all levels. In addition to group instruction, we now offer private Pickleball lessons with certified instructors—perfect for those looking for more focused, individualized coaching. Private tennis lessons are also available.

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Celebrate birthdays, family milestones, or summer get-togethers with a private pool rental at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Our spacious indoor pool offers a fun and unique setting for all ages, with certified staff on-site to ensure your event runs smoothly and safely. For booking details and pricing, contact gungar@villacharities.com.

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Achieve your goals with one-on-one guidance from certified Personal Trainers at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Each session includes tailored exercise screening, goal setting, and health education to keep you motivated and on track. Whether you're just starting out or working toward a goal, our trainers are here to help.

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