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Villa Charities Scholarship Program Applications Open Wednesday, May 1! | |
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Villa Charities is excited to announce that the fifth year of the Villa Charities Scholarship Program will launch on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10am. Applications for the 2024 Scholarship Program can be submitted starting May 1st at villacharities.com/scholarships.
The Villa Charities Scholarship Program provides financial support to Undergraduate and Graduate level students who believe in and help further Villa Charities’ mission to enrich lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. Any person, regardless of heritage, who helps further this mission is encouraged to apply.
Four awards of $1,000 are available to Undergraduate students and four awards of $2,000 are available to Graduate level students.
Eligible students are required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write an essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission. Students must be registered full-time at an accredited Canadian college or university and be enrolled in the 2024/2025 academic year. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2024.
For a full list of criteria and more information on how to apply, click the button below!
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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Each week, we spotlight an incredible story from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project. This #TributeThursday we are featuring Ofelia Finos & Arturo Tolfo, who knew the importance of enjoying time with family.
“Arturo and Ofelia met at a friend’s house and were married in August 1953. They bought a house in Toronto where they had three girls. After several years they moved to North York. They worked hard to have a good life, felt it important to enjoy time with their family and always took a yearly vacation. Wasaga Beach, Haliburton Highlands and southern destinations were their favourite places to go.”
Read more of their story on our Immigrant Map.
The Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation will shine a light on this and other Italian Canadian immigrant experiences. Donate today to have your own story as part of this historic installation, coming to the Columbus Centre.
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Free Screening Tonight:
“La Nuda Eleganza”
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Join us tonight at 6:30pm to commemorate Festa della Liberazione (Italian Liberation Day), with a free screening of “La Nuda Eleganza”. The film is a heartfelt documentary based on the book by photographer and artist Romeo Civilli. Featuring a series of interviews in Italian and Neapolitan dialect, the 45-minute documentary is a collection to honour our elders, destined for future generations and for all Italian communities. Presented in partnership with Comites and the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto.
Learn More
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Italian Actress Monica Faggiani Performs For One Night Only | |
In this stand-up style performance, the protagonist, played by Italian actress and writer Monica Faggiani, tells her story and her challenges as a feminist and as a mother of her teenage son. Performed in Italian with English subtitles don’t miss this live show on April 27. Presented in partnership with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto and the IN SCENA! Theater Festival NY.
Register Now
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Join Us to Honour the Italian Fallen Workers on April 28 | |
Join us to honour the Italian Fallen Workers on Sunday, April 28 at 3:00pm at the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Wall. On the National Day of Mourning for injured and fallen workers we will remember the more than 1,600 Italian workers who have lost their lives to workplace tragedies in Canada. Villa Charities is proud to be the home of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Wall, which was unveiled in 2016 in partnership with the Committee for the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Project.
Learn More
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Sixth Annual Toronto Italian Book Festival at Columbus Centre | |
Villa Charities is proud to be the venue sponsor of the sixth annual “Librissimi - Toronto Italian Book Festival” on May 3, 4 and 5, 2024, organized by Comites Toronto. This year, the Festival will launch the Librissimi Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented to exceptional inaugural nominee writer, publisher and film-maker Antonio D’Alfonso. Toronto Italian Book Festival is a celebration of Italian Canadian writing and culture for all ages and in all its forms, languages and dialects.
Learn More
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Frank Moyo, Live in Toronto | |
Get serenaded by popular Canadian-Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Frank Moyo on May 17 as he performs selections from his latest releases “Toronto to Milano” and “Alla Nostra”! Joined by Nonna Rita, the two have made a name for themselves across social media, bringing Calabrese culture to life.
Buy Tickets
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Myriam Blardone’s Harp & Piano Recital | |
Myriam Blardone is an international award-winning multi-instrumentalist known for her skills on the piano, harp, and violin. Spanning across pop, hip-hop, and R&B, she’s also famous for her vocals in the 2022 Canadian and Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Churchill Downs” by Jack Harlow feat. Drake. Join us at the Columbus Centre on May 30. One night only, with discounts available for Students and Seniors.
Buy Tickets
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“Homecoming” Exhibition Ends Soon | |
A master of social practice and painting, photographer Franco Deleo skillfully references art historical portraits and classical poses in his latest exhibition. The Italian-Canadian photographer explores tensions of sexuality and tradition, interior and exterior, and vulnerability and strength in “Homecoming”, part of the Contact Photography Festival. The exhibition at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery closes May 12.
Learn More
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Join Us for our Annual General Meeting on May 23 | We invite all members of the community to join us on Thursday, May 23 at 6:00pm at the Columbus Centre for the Villa Charities Annual General Meeting. The meeting will include brief presentations to share highlights from the past year and Q&A sessions with Villa Charities Inc. and each of the Affiliate organizations. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to iusic@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 Ext. 240 by May 17. | | |
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Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco | |
Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, May 10. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Villa Charities Foundation | | |
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Announcing Our Lineup of Giro Incentives! | |
Join us on Sunday, May 26 for the Villa Charities 17th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make this year’s Giro the best one yet, and we’re excited to announce our fundraising incentives and offers, which include some cool Giro branded swag.
All registered 2024 Giro participants who exceed the fundraising minimum will receive five limited-edition incentives!*
*Exact items may vary slightly. Villa Charities Foundation reserves the right to substitute incentives of equal or lesser value.
Register Now
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Raffle Tickets for a Men’s KHS Eastwood Hybrid Bicycle on Sale Now! | |
Buy your Giro raffle tickets by Friday, May 24 for a chance to win a KHS Eastwood hybrid model Men's XXL Bicycle, courtesy of ZM Cycle & Fitness. Raffle ticket proceeds will support areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs through Villa Charities Foundation. Drop by the Columbus Centre Reception to buy yours today!
Learn More
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Free Bike Tune-Up for Giro Riders | |
Get your bike in perfect shape for spring with a FREE bicycle tune-up worth $69.99, courtesy of Potenza Cycle & Fitness! Your free tune-up will include a full multi-point safety check, bike and drive-train wipe down, brake adjustment, shifting adjustment, torque all bolts to specs and tire pressure check. Register for Giro before May 26 to receive your free tune-up.
Register Now
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Get in the Game: Join Our Pickleball Program | |
Experience the excitement of Pickleball with our 10-week beginner program, covering rules, scoring, strokes, and proper grip. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, everyone is welcome! Hurry, there are only 2 sessions remaining, from April 28 to July 7. Don't miss your chance to join this rapidly growing sport!
Learn More
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The Ultimate Sports Adventure for Your Kids | |
Get ready for an action-packed summer at the Ultimate Sports Camp! The program is designed to ignite your child's passion for sports while fostering skill development and teamwork. From dodge ball to soccer, basketball, and swimming, campers will have a blast exploring various activities under the guidance of expert coaches. Spaces fill up fast. Reserve your child's spot now for a summer they won't forget!
Learn More
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Make a Splash in Your Fitness Goals | |
From gentle low-impact aerobic exercises to mid-level cardio workouts, young and old can benefit from the Aquafitness classes available at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. With special classes for people with medical conditions and injuries, Aquafitness makes improving cardiovascular, muscular, and joints strength achievable for all. Cool off this summer with private and group classes.
Learn More
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Elevate Your Workout with Premium Fitness Programs | |
Explore new dimensions of fitness with our Premium Fitness Programs at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Elevate your workout routine with TRX® (Total Resistance Exercise).
A great addition to include in your exercise regimen, this 60-minute TRX® class allows you to test your limits using just your own body weight and gravity. Whether you're a Member or Non-Member, join us this summer to experience a higher level of fitness and wellness.
Learn More
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VCTA’s 33rd Annual Golf Tournament | |
The Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) is gearing up for its 33rd Annual Golf Tournament! This year’s fundraising event will be held at Carrying Place Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, June 5. Please join us for a fun-filled day featuring breakfast and lunch at The Manor Event Venue, a friendly game of golf, a delicious sit-down luncheon, raffle prizes, a silent auction, and trophies. Your participation, support, and generosity are crucial for the success of this event, which will benefit the seniors at Villa Colombo Toronto.
Learn More
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Messages From Valued Arts Partners | | |
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Leonardo Da Vinci Academy - Open House | |
Join us for our Open House on May 10th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 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. We look forward to meeting you!
Register Now
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Celebrate Mother's Day in style at Boccaccio Ristorante! | |
Treat Mom to a special lunch on May 12, featuring Chef Luciano Schipano's exquisite creations and live music by Alessandro Battaglia. Enjoy a sumptuous spread including Antipasto delights, Pasta Station favorites, and delectable main courses like Grilled Salmon and Chicken Piccata. Indulge in decadent desserts and upgrade to our unlimited open bar for just $25. Reserve your spot now and show Mom how much she means to you.
Book Here
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Caffe Cinquecento Offers a True Taste of Italian Tradition | |
Nestled in the heart of Villa Charities' vibrant community, Caffe Cinquecento offers a true taste of Italian hospitality and tradition. With its inviting atmosphere and authentic flavours, our café is a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. From freshly brewed espresso to delectable pastries and savory paninis, each handcrafted treat embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. Whether you're stopping by for a quick pick-me-up or settling in for a leisurely chat with friends, Caffe Cinquecento promises a memorable experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Italy.
Learn More
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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
Follow us on Social Media for News and Updates
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