|
Villa Charities Receives
Great Place to Work® Certification™
| |
|
Villa Charities is proud to announce that we have been certified as a Great Place to Work® after a thorough, independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work Institute® Canada. This certification is based on direct feedback from employees, provided as part of an extensive and anonymous survey about their workplace experience.
“The Great Place to Work® Certification™ is a significant accomplishment, and I am thrilled that Villa Charities has been recognized for fostering a culture of trust and excellence,” says Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “I am extremely proud of all our amazing employees who work hard every day to deliver our mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. This certification just validates Villa Charities’ ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace for our staff.”
Nancy Fonseca, Senior Vice President of Great Place to Work® Canada, says that a great workplace is about the level of trust that employees experience in their leaders, the level of pride they have in their jobs, and the extent to which they enjoy their colleagues. "Our data shows that great workplaces benefit from stronger financial performance, reduced turnover, and better customer satisfaction than their peers. What's more, work environments with trust at the foundation are ripe for innovation, agility, resilience and efficiency," Fonseca said.
Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes Canada’s Best Workplaces in a series of national lists including those published by The Globe & Mail (Canada) and Fortune magazine (USA). Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures.
| |
Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
|
This #TributeThursday, we’re shining the spotlight on Giuseppe (Joe) Bortolussi, who made the journey at the age of 18 to Canada from Friuli-Venezia Giulia. His story of hard work and perseverance is just one of the amazing donor histories that are part of our Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project.
Read his story below:
| |
|
“Giuseppe Alessandro Bortolussi was born in 1908 in Zoppola, Province of Pordenone. At age 18 he immigrated to Canada, having been sponsored by "The Italian Colony Farm" and worked as a farm labourer in Manitoba. He later worked as a coal miner in Fernie, B.C., and a lumberjack in Manitoba before coming to Toronto where he learned the trade of tile setting. Within a short period of time, with dedication and hard work, he was able to send money to his parents in Zoppola. This generosity continued even during the Depression years when work was scarce. With this money, his parents improved their farm and home. In 1939 he started his own tile company. He met Bernice Cuneo from Hamilton, and they were married in 1941. They lived in a two-room flat until he built a small bungalow. They had two children, JoAnne and Robert. Joe sponsored his brother Ivano, who came in 1948 and lived with the family. Joe soon bought a larger home which became the destination for many friends and relatives who arrived in Toronto from Zoppola. He also taught these new arrivals the tile trade while they worked for him. This helped them to establish a new life in Toronto. The early years were a struggle to find work and earn a living. His diligence and hard work enabled him to establish and build his own tile company and provide a home for his young family. After many years, in 1955, he was finally able to return to Zoppola and show his family his birthplace.
If you’d like to celebrate and honour your own family’s immigrant experience, please consider donating to the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. You’ll receive a customized name plaque on our Tribute installation and the chance to share your story with future generations.
| | |
|
The Best of Italian Cinema with Cinema all’Aperto | |
Join Villa Charities, TLN Television and Caffe Cinquecento for FREE outdoor summer movie nights every Thursday until August 31 in the Columbus Centre courtyard and Caffe Cinquecento’s patio. Enjoy hit movies from Italy with a spectacular lineup of English-subtitled films from some of the most acclaimed names in Italian cinema. Tonight at 7:00pm, enjoy “Un’avventura” / “Forever You”, as Matteo embarks on a quest to win Francesca’s heart upon her return from a life-changing vacation in this 1970’s musical featuring nostalgic Italian seventies songs.
Learn More
| | |
|
Join Us on Sunday, August 20 for our Ferragosto and Sagra della Porchetta Event! | |
Celebrate the peak of summer as we commemorate Ferragosto, the annual Italian summer holiday! Join the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) in partnership with Villa Charities and CIBPA Toronto on Sunday, August 20 for an afternoon of FREE activities for the entire family, including children’s activities, porchetta and other delicious Italian foods, gelato cart, and more.
Learn More
| | |
|
You’re Invited! Join Us for our Outdoor Social Dancing Nights | |
Dance the night away every Wednesday until August 30 at Ballo Liscio. These popular outdoor social dancing nights in the Columbus Centre Courtyard feature live musical performances.
Presented by the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) in partnership with Villa Charities and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program.
Learn More
| | |
|
Celebrate Italian Heritage at Mississauga Italfest |
Villa Charities is a proud Heritage Centre Sponsor of 2023 Mississauga Italfest, taking place on August 11 and 12, 2023, at Mississauga Celebration Square. Named a ‘Top 100 Festival in Ontario’, Mississauga Italfest is Mississauga’s first and premier Italian festival. Enjoy two days of live events, food, activities and entertainment from international talent and local emerging artists. Drop by our Tribute Project booth at the Heritage Centre when you’re at the event!
Learn More
| | |
|
Book Your Virtual 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 Virtual Friday Chat is scheduled for August 11. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
| | |
|
Meet our Columbus Centre School of Music Instructors! | |
The Columbus Centre School of Music is renowned for its highly qualified and specialized instructors, who provide enjoyable, educational and engaging musical instruction to students of all ages and skill levels.
Meet Janelle Yausif – Piano, Voice
Janelle Yausif has a passion for helping and encouraging students to find their own voice and explore the world of music! She is a classically trained soprano opera singer and pianist. Having studied both piano and voice from the age of 6, Janelle is now fluent in the styles of both pop and classical. Janelle’s singing career has led her to perform around the world, with multiple sold-out concerts and tours.
Learn more about all our instructors, and sign up for our Priority List to get first access to our Early Bird Registration for the 2023/2024 season.
Register Now
| | |
|
Don't Miss Your Chance to Dance with Us This Season! | |
DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is now open for our 2023/2024 dance season. Please visit danzartstoronto.com to view our full Recreational schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com If you have any questions or are interested in joining one of our competitive companies. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season!
Learn More
| | |
|
Last Chance to Register for Summer Camp at Columbus Centre | |
Our Columbus Centre Summer Camp programs will spark your child’s curiosity and encourage them to explore themes including sports, cooking, dance and more. Half day, full day and extended care options are available. With seven different camps to choose from, your child will be engaged and active this summer. There are still spots open for camps throughout August.
Learn More
| | |
|
FREE Mind & Body Awareness Classes for Seniors | |
Attention seniors! Are you hoping to improve your overall health and wellbeing? Our new program at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club is open to Members and Non-Members and offers a variety of classes designed specifically for seniors. From mobility training and mindful meditation to arthritic aqua training and water dance, there’s something for everyone. View the full schedule and how to register online today. This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Learn More
| | |
|
Discover the Excitement of Pickleball | |
Try your hand at Pickleball this summer with our beginner Pickleball clinic. Designed to introduce players to the rules of pickleball including scoring, strokes and proper grip, this program will provide the knowledge and skills to start playing one of the fastest growing sports in North America. One-hour clinics run every Wednesday to September 6, open to Members and Non-Members.
Learn More
| | |
|
Stay Fit Through Our Group Fitness Programs! | |
Registration continues for our Summer 2023 Premium Group Fitness Programs, for Members and Non-Members. Explore our selection of programs including Kickboxing, Pilates and Yoga. Register via email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 231.
Learn More
| | |
|
Take Your Fitness Training to the Next Level | |
Transform your fitness and health with the support and guidance of our professional Personal Trainers. Personal Training provides an easy way for clients to stay on track and stay healthy. Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers One-on-One, Semi-Private and Small Group Personal Training, where members can benefit from the energy and camaraderie of group fitness with the individualization and the attention of a personal trainer, at a fraction of the cost.
Learn More
| | |
|
Archbishop of Toronto Visits Villa Colombo Toronto | His Grace, the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto visited Villa Colombo Toronto on Wednesday, July 26 and held a special private Mass and celebration of the Eucharist for the residents, staff, volunteers and Board members. Joined by Father Gerardo Laguartilla, Father Lui Santi and Sister Reeda Correya for the service, Archbishop Leo blessed everyone in attendance and his message highlighted the home’s commitment to the residents’ spiritual wellbeing and the wonderful support that the staff provides. | |
Message from our Valued Arts Partner | | |
|
Coro San Marco Looking for New Choir Members | |
Are you passionate about music, love to sing and crave a sense of belonging within a group of talented vocalists? Then look no further! Coro San Marco is seeking new voices to join us on an enchanting musical journey. No matter your age or background, we believe that music unites us all. Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or just starting your musical journey, we eagerly invite you to join us. For more information about our choir, visit our website.
If you are interested, please contact:
Daniel Colla
Email: colladaniel@hotmail.com
Phone: 647-289-1954
| |
|
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.
| |
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
| | | | |
