2024
Villa Charities Honours The Italian Canadian Immigrant Story
November 14, 2024
TORONTO, November 14, 2024 – After much anticipation, yesterday marked the official unveiling of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation, a stunning multi-faceted commemoration and public space that honours the Italian Canadian immigrant story.
With over 500 people in attendance, the unveiling event was officially underway at 10:00 am to celebrate the public opening of the first phase of the installation at the Columbus Centre. Hosted by Mary Pompili, Villa Charities’ Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the event featured Tribute Project donors, Villa Charities executives and Board members, elected officials, representatives from Italian organizations, and members of the Italian Canadian community.
Speakers included Joseph Arcuri, Chair of the Villa Charities Board of Directors; Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc.; Hon. Marco Mendicino, MP for Eglinton-Lawrence; Anna Roberts, MP for King-Vaughan; Sheref Sabawy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism; Kim Storey, Brown + Storey Architects; and Aldo Cundari, sculpture artist and Villa Charities Foundation Board Director. Edward and Christina Sorbara, Tribute Project donors, concluded the public remarks with a heartwarming account of their family’s ties to Villa Charities and their participation in the project.
After listening to the uplifting speeches, attendees made their way outside to witness the ceremonial ribbon cutting in the brisk autumn air.
“Italian Canadians have played such a pivotal role in developing the vibrant cultural traditions that exist in our community today,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. “Through the Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, Villa Charities seeks to honour their legacy and inspire future generations. I am extremely proud to see that the vision for this important initiative has become a reality.”
Designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., the Immigrant Tribute installation is located on the Villa Charities site at Lawrence Avenue West and Dufferin Street in Toronto, on the north-facing wall of the Columbus Centre. It showcases engraved name plaques dedicated to Canadians of Italian heritage and the year they immigrated to Canada, with a ‘fluttering’ effect that gives a sense of movement to the wall.
“The installation was designed as a vibrant gathering place and a destination to celebrate Italian Canadian immigrants and their contributions,” said Kim Storey from Brown + Storey Architects Inc. “It is fitting that this permanent landmark is on the Villa Charities campus, the hub for the Italian Canadian community in Toronto and the GTA.”
Accompanied by a landscaped area, the installation offers visitors a unique space to commemorate and reflect on their collective history.
Anchored against the backdrop of the installation and its hundreds of customized name plaques stands the striking bronze statue titled Hope, a representation of a 1950-period immigrant family with all their worldly possessions and future aspirations in tow. Imagined and created by marketing executive and artist Aldo Cundari, the full-scale statue is an important element of the Tribute installation.
“The installation and statue explore the struggles and successes of the Italian Canadian immigrant story,” said Aldo Cundari, sculpture artist and Villa Charities Foundation Board Director, “I have intended for the viewer to get the sense of their brimming excitement for their country and new home, in stark contrast to the traditional immigrant sculpture depicting a depressed and frightened family.”
Just after 11:00 am, the sculpture and installation were officially inaugurated for the cameras and the hundreds of attendees.
Yesterday’s event launched the first phase of the installation, with plaque sales ongoing and new names to be added to the installation on a quarterly basis. Personalized single or double name plaques featuring the name of the family member and the year they immigrated to Canada are available for a $1,000 donation. For each plaque purchase, a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount.
Canadians nationwide not only have the opportunity to purchase plaques that will appear on the installation at the Columbus Centre, but also have their stories told on the Villa Charities Immigrant Tribute website. This allows donors to share family photographs and histories with the public, preserving their legacies and acting as a useful resource for future generations. In addition, as part of the physical installation, current donors can scan a QR code on the information panel to find on which section of the panel their family’s plaque is located.
The funds raised from the Tribute Project through Villa Charities Foundation will support senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs.
For more information on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, including how to purchase a name plaque, visit villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work® and named on the 2024 Best Workplaces™ for Giving Back list, which recognize the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive and positive workplace with a strong community focus. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Sierra LeBlanc
MAVERICK Public Relations
647-405-2196
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
Villa Charities Announces Recipients of 2024 Scholarship Program
September 18, 2024
Scholarship winners honour Italian culture and heritage
TORONTO – September 18, 2024 – Toronto’s registered charity and non-profit organization Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its fifth annual national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The 2024 Villa Charities Scholarship Program launched in May and was open to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the fifth year of the scholarship program and to see the overwhelming response the program has received,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Each of the 2024 scholarship recipients have demonstrated an impressive commitment to their academic studies and also submitted heartwarming essays that clearly expressed the importance of how they support Villa Charities’ mission. I am proud that we can support these exceptional students in their future academic endeavours.”
The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 23 scholarships valued at
$42,000. Eight scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining fifteen scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Five students received The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship, and ten students were recipients of the Villa Charities & Eataly Italian Culinary Program Scholarship. Since launching the scholarship program in 2020, $252,000 in scholarships has been awarded to students.
Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.
Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients
Four awards of $1,000 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:
- Chiara Emanuela Di Fonzo, University of Western Ontario
- Julian Mauro Gentile, University of Toronto
- Juliana Claire Ricciuti, Queen’s University
- Angelica Vecchiato, University of Toronto
Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients
Four awards of $2,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:
- Giancarlo Francesco Beltrame, York University
- Tiziana Bontempo, Queen’s University
- Guido D’Elia, York University
- Joseph Rovetti, University of Western Ontario
These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2024/2025 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.
Excerpts from two of the scholarship recipients are included below.
As my next step, I will complete a European internship this summer, including what will be my first visit to Italy since childhood. I am also eager to present at the International Conference on Cognitive Science in Venice. In these and other ways, I aspire to make a positive impact with my work and enrich the lives of Italians, honouring the ancestors who paved a path for my success.
– Joseph Rovetti, Graduate Scholarship Recipient.
From my days at the Columbus Centre and at my nonna’s house to my time at the University of Toronto, integrating my Italian heritage into everyday life has become a mission for me. I hope, with the help of Villa Charities, to continue to diffuse the pride of my Italian heritage in my community. Not only do I intend to preserve my Italian heritage, but I intend to use it for the enrichment of others now – and for generations to come.
– Angelica Vecchiato, Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient.
The selection and adjudication process were conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic year.
For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please
visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Lena Ciccotelli, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / lciccotelli@villacharities.com.
There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board.
Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work® and named on the 2024 Best Workplaces™ for Giving Back list, which recognize the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive and positive workplace with a strong community focus. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Sierra LeBlanc
MAVERICK Public Relations
647-405-2196
sierra@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
Villa Charities Begins Construction on Italian Canadian
Immigrant Tribute Installation
June 13, 2024
Public event marks next phase for eagerly anticipated monument to the Italian Canadian immigration story
Villa Charities breaks ground for major installation that pays tribute to the Italian immigrant story to Canada.
From (L to R) Hon. Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, International Chef and Executive Producer, David Rocco, Joseph Arcuri, Board Chair of Villa Charities Inc., Consul General of Italy in Toronto, Luca Zelioli, Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., Rose Foti, Tribute Project donor, Julian Baldassarra, Tribute Project donor, Maria Orsini, Past Chair, Columbus Centre of Toronto, Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
TORONTO – June 13, 2024 – Shovels hit the ground yesterday morning at a public event for the eagerly anticipated Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project installation, which is set to honour the Italian Canadian immigration story.
The ceremonial Groundbreaking Event was officially underway at 10am to mark the start of construction on the installation at the Columbus Centre. Hosted by International Chef and Executive Producer, David Rocco, the event featured dignitaries, politicians, current Tribute Project donors, representatives from other Italian organizations, and members of the Italian Canadian community who all took in the milestone amid a backdrop of enthusiastic celebration of Italian Heritage Month. Speakers included the Consul General of Italy in Toronto, Luca Zelioli, Hon. Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, who all expressed their support of the project to the crowd of over 350 people.
“Italian Canadians have played such a pivotal role in developing the vibrant cultural traditions that exist in our community today,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities. “Through the Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, Villa Charities seeks to celebrate them, recognize their contributions, and encourage others to do the same.”
Designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., the Immigrant Tribute installation will be located on the Villa Charities site at Lawrence Avenue West and Dufferin Street in Toronto, on the north-facing wall of the Columbus Centre. It will showcase name plaques dedicated to thousands of Canadians of Italian heritage and the year that they immigrated to Canada. The installation will be accompanied by a landscaped seating area and a bronze cast sculpture crafted by artist and marketing executive, Aldo Cundari.
The installation will offer individuals of Italian heritage a space to gather, commemorate, and reflect on their immigrant heritage and collective achievements.
Attendees were moved by guest speakers and Tribute Project donors Julian Baldassarra and Rose Foti, who have purchased customized name plaques that honour their loved ones’ immigration journeys and family legacies. All attending Tribute Project donors were wearing a special donor button to identify themselves as proud supporters during the Groundbreaking Event and provided inspiring examples of how fellow Italian Canadians have persevered and positively impacted their communities.
“Being able to tell my parent’s story and reflect on my family’s legacy in the city is truly special,” said Rose Foti, donor and supporter of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute. “Without Villa Charities, our stories would be lost on future generations.”
While the construction of the physical installation is underway, personalized single or double name plaques are still available for a $1,000 donation and will feature the name of the family member and the year they immigrated to Canada. For each plaque purchase, a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount.
Canadians nationwide will not only have the opportunity to purchase plaques that will appear on the installation at the Columbus Centre, but also have their stories told on the Villa Charities Immigrant Tribute website. This allows donors to share family photographs and histories with the public, acting as a useful resource for generations to come.
The unveiling of the completed installation is currently planned for later this year. The funds raised from the Tribute Project through Villa Charities Foundation will support senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs.
For more information on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, including how to purchase a name plaque, visit villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board.
Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Emma Gostovic
MAVERICK Public Relations
289-921-0141
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
Villa Charities Announces Eataly Scholarship Partnership
March 4, 2024
- Govind Aggarwal
- Bhavuk Chugh
- Isabella Rosa Comello
- Ankit Dhingra
- Andy Joseph Gonsalves
- Shivam Goyal
- Connor Richard McNichol
- Vandit Chirag Vaishnav
- Tanmay Chandrakant Vaity
- Connor William Underwood
The Italian Community Celebrates Senator Toni Varone on his Appointment to the Senate of Canada
January 31, 2024
TORONTO – (January 31, 2024) – It was announced today that the GTA’s Italian Canadian community will be coming together for a special celebration to honour Toronto businessman and philanthropist Toni Varone. The memorable evening will commemorate the recent appointment by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, of Mr. Varone to the Senate of Canada as an independent senator for Ontario.
The event on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre is
co-hosted by Toronto’s leading Italian organizations, the Canadian Italian Business Professional Association of Toronto (CIBPA Toronto), the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada) and Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) and will see members of the Italian Canadian community gather to celebrate this impressive achievement by one of their own.
Toni Varone is a pillar of the community who has dedicated his life to civic engagement with a focus on constructing safe and affordable housing. As a proud Italian Canadian, Mr. Varone has been a long-time board member of Villa Charities Foundation and is a former Chairman of the Board of Villa Charities Inc. and the Columbus Centre of Toronto. His commitments to promoting the social and cultural fabric of the Toronto’s vibrant Italian Canadian community have earned him numerous awards and honours, including the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association Achievement Award, the Italian Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award, the Heart and Hand Award from Villa Charities, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
This cocktail reception with light refreshments, and a live and silent auction will highlight Mr. Varone’s many achievements. Proceeds from the auction and event will go to the CIBPA Scholarship Fund, the ICCO Canada Scholarship Fund and the Villa Charities Scholarship Program. Tickets for the event are free of charge and are available now at Eventbrite.ca. Donations to the three hosting charitable organizations will also be accepted.
When: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre, 3710 Chesswood Drive,
North York, ON M3J 2W4
Tickets for the event are now available. To register and for full event details, please visit the event website at Eventbrite.ca or call 647-819-9320.
About CIBPA Toronto
The Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Toronto (CIBPA) is a
non-profit member organization founded in 1952. Since then, we have earned a reputation with Greater Toronto Area communities and government for representing the interests and views of Canadians of Italian heritage. Our mandate is to promote and cultivate the business, professional, cultural and social interests of our members, and to serve as their local voice, as well as representing the Italian-Canadian community at large. We build and foster forums for the exchange of business and civic ideas and to encourage the growth of close-knit communities. Our organization provides much more than the simple practice of networking or exchanging business cards. We create events and opportunities to build sustainable professional relationships. Since 1949 all of the CIBPA chapters combined have distributed several million dollars in bursaries and scholarships to deserving students of Italian heritage at the college, university and post-graduate level. Many of these high-achieving students, in turn, join our ranks and revitalize the Association. We embrace the future and give back to our community by investing in future generations as it is the core of our mission. Our new initiative with Italia360 Incubator program helps students, recent graduates and newcomers by bringing their business ideas to life. We continue to support our communities through the philanthropy and community leadership of our Ladies Auxiliary. For more information, visit toronto.cibpa.com.
About ICCO Canada
The Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada) is an independent, non-profit business organization whose aim is to enhance and promote investments, trade, and cultural alliances among visionaries, entrepreneurs, and global organizations in Canada and Italy. Since its inception in 1961, ICCO Canada has been a facilitator of business, a seeker of investment and a builder of commercial relationships. Among its many tasks, ICCO Canada works as a consultant for several local and regional governmental agencies in Canada and Italy, as well as in commercial mediation. In addition to Toronto, ICCO Canada has Italian offices in Milan and Udine. For more information visit italchambers.ca.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.
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For more information please contact:
Ilaria Venoso
Communication & Events
Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada)
647-819-9320
Villa Charities Announces the Winners of Inaugural Young Artist Grant program
January 9, 2024
Italian Canadians from across Canada awarded grants in music, literature and film
Toronto, ON – January 9, 2024 – Toronto’s registered charity and non-profit organization Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of their inaugural Young Artist Grant, a national grant program established to support young Italian Canadian artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of fictional literature, music and film. The Young Artist Grant was launched in September 2023 with the aim of providing financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian Canadians are engaged with Villa Charities, and the Italian Canadian community at large.
“Each of the three inaugural Young Artist Grant recipients submitted proposals that demonstrated outstanding originality, excellence and a passion for their chosen creative genre,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “I am thrilled that Villa Charities can support these exceptional young Italian Canadian artists as they pursue a career in the arts while proudly representing their Italian heritage.”
The Young Artist Grant awards three grants of $5,000 each to three (3) talented young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and of Italian heritage. This new biennial fund is an integral component of the organization’s Italian Canadian Youth Initiative (ICYI), a suite of programs and activities strategically created with the long-term objective of engaging and supporting the youth in the community, established in 2021 as part of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Villa Charities announced the three grant recipients along with an Honourable Mention today.
Category: Fictional Literature
Winner: Claire Tatangelo, Halifax, NS
Creative Project: “Roller Barbie and Her Magic 8” (Graphic Novel)
A coming-of-age story about an Italian Canadian woman who leaves her family and moves to a new city alone. She learns to love herself through roller blading and reconnects with lessons she learned playing Italian cards from her nonna as she figures out the direction of her life. Set in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this graphic novel is based on real natural disasters that took place in the post-pandemic years and follows the characters as they learn to accept and cope with the aftermath. The imagery on Italian cards is revisited and redesigned throughout the story.
On Winning the 2023 Young Artist Grant: “I am very grateful to be able to carry out my idea for a graphic novel – this will allow me to explore my creative vision in-depth for the story I imagine. As an artist of Italian descent, I chose to create a story from my own experiences that are specific to my family and our culture. I am very excited to have the support of Villa Charities and the Italian Canadian community, and I am looking forward to embarking on the journey of creating a graphic novel!”
Category: Music
Winner: Daniele Monticelli, Woodbridge, ON
Creative Project: “Now Part II” (Album)
This project explores life situations, interpersonal relationships, and the universal quest for identity. The song “Same Song” emphasizes the interconnectedness of music and culture, showcasing a fusion of traditional Italian instruments like tamburello and zampogna with a Scottish-inspired violin line. This blend symbolizes the unity among diverse backgrounds, reflecting a shared love for musical expression.
On Winning the 2023 Young Artist Grant: “Securing the Young Artist Grant as a young Italian Canadian artist is not only a validation of my artistic voice but also a heartfelt recognition of the harmonious blend of my Italian heritage and Canadian identity. This empowering opportunity propels me into a richer exploration of my art, fostering a narrative that gracefully weaves together diverse cultural influences.”
Category: Film
Winner: Ruggero Romano, Vancouver, BC
Creative Project: “Vinum” (Short Film)
The project is dedicated to the preservation of the age-old tradition of grape harvesting in Venice, Italy, through the production of a high-quality cinematic short film. This venerable practice in Venice is at risk of fading into obscurity as the city’s population dwindles due to the overwhelming impacts of mass tourism. Our cinematic endeavor will capture and present every facet of the grape harvesting process in collaboration with the local most renowned grape harvesting organization, Laguna nel Bicchiere. With an immersive and authentic approach, the film will explore the entire journey, crafting a narrative that unfolds with a curated synergy between images and soundscape. Through a cinematic lens, we will highlight the enduring traditions that form the heart and soul of Italian and Venetian winemaking culture.
On Winning the 2023 Young Artist Grant: “Winning the Young Artist Grant by Villa Charities marks a meaningful moment in my artistic journey, symbolizing both recognition and encouragement for my dedication to the arts. As a young Italo-Canadian artist and filmmaker, this grant not only acknowledges my cultural heritage and its influence on my work but also provides invaluable support in my creative endeavors. The financial assistance and exposure that come with this award will greatly enhance my ability to explore, experiment, and expand my artistic skills and vision.”
Category: Film
Honourable Mention: Madeleine Fiore, Woodbridge, ON
Creative Project: “Road Trippin’” (Short Film)
“Road Trippin’” is a short film written, directed and produced by Madeline Rose Fiore. After graduating college, two girls go on a road trip with their brother’s 1979 camper van. Through this journey, they uncover their love for one another that they’ve been hiding from, which runs parallel to their brother’s secret relationship.”
The selection and adjudication process were conducted by a Selection Committee for each grant category. The grants will support specific original creative projects that were submitted as works in progress for the application process, and funds were disbursed to the three winners in December 2023.
For more information about the 2023 Young Artist Grant winners and the program, please visit villacharities.com/grant or contact execs@villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the
Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Dunscombe
MAVERICK
647-972-2373
Kathleen Sloan
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
ksloan@villacharities.com
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
2023
Villa Charities Announces Recipients of 2023 Scholarship Program
September 20, 2023
Scholarship winners honour Italian culture and heritage
TORONTO – September 20, 2023 – Toronto’s registered charity and non-profit organization Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its fourth annual national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The 2023 Villa Charities Scholarship Program launched in May and was open to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
“I am thrilled that this year’s scholarship program has received our highest response yet,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Each of the 2023 scholarship recipients submitted heartwarming and impressive essays that clearly expressed the importance of their culture and how they support Villa Charities’ mission. I am proud that we can support these exceptional students in their future academic endeavours.”
The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the sixteen scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining eight scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Four students will receive The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship and four students will be the recipient of the Villa harities Culinary Scholarship, supported in part by The Food Dudes. Since launching the scholarship program in 2020, $240,000 in scholarships has been awarded to students.
Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.
Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients (TLN Media Group Sponsorships)
“We are proud to announce TLN Media Group’s sponsorship of the Villa Charities Undergraduate Scholarship Program,” said Aldo Di Felice, President, TLN Media Group. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to celebrating and promoting multiculturalism. We believe in empowering the next generation of leaders who embrace and further these principles. By supporting this scholarship program, we aim to contribute to a brighter future where diverse voices and cultural heritage are celebrated.”
Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:
Alessia Nicole DiMarzo, University of Calgary
Luca DiPietro, University of Toronto
Jake Paul Karpouzis, University of Toronto
Benjamin Domenic Milone, McMaster University
Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients (Including the KPMG MSLP Scholarship)
Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:
Joseph Francesco Bellissimo, Queen’s University
Robert Nicolas Giardino, Yorkville University
Maria Jose Munera, University of Western Ontario
Gabrielle Vesia Trépanier, University of Toronto
These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2023/2024 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.
Excerpts from two of the scholarship recipients are included below.
“As a dedicated language instructor, enthusiastic volunteer, event organizer, and passionate advocate for Italian studies, I continue to have the honour of leaving meaningful imprints. By igniting a love for the Italian language, fostering connections, and showcasing the richness of Italian literature and heritage, I have actively recruited dozens of individuals to get more involved in the Italian community.”
– Alessia Nicole DiMarzo, Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient
“Following in the footsteps of my uncle who was Canada’s first Italian-Canadian Emergency Physician, I have had the incredible opportunity to work in the Emergency room of St. Joseph’s hospital, where we serve hundreds of thousands of patients a year. Being a part of the medical team at a Catholic Hospital in downtown Toronto means the world to me as I get to positively represent Catholic and Italian Values, while pursuing my passion for medicine and helping those that are ill and suffering. Through Villa Charities’ generous support of my medical education, I look forward to continuing the longstanding tradition of Italians in Canada being stewards of their communities and providing service to those in most need.”
– Joseph Francesco Bellissimo, Graduate Scholarship Recipient
The selection and adjudication process were conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic year.
For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Lena Ciccotelli, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / lciccotelli@villacharities.com.
There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
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For further information, please contact:
Megan Dunscombe
MAVERICK
647-972-2373
megan@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
Villa Charities Announces Young Artist Grant Program
September 5, 2023
New national fund awards $15,000 to young Italian Canadians in music, literature and film
Toronto, ON – September 5, 2023 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the launch of their Young Artist Grant, a national grant program established to support young Italian Canadian artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music and film.
The aim of the Young Artist Grant is to provide financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian Canadians are engaged with Villa Charities, and the Italian Canadian community at large.
“Villa Charities is extremely proud to launch this new grant program,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “The Young Artist Grant reinforces our strategic priority to advance cultural programs and demonstrates our commitment to helping Italian Canadian youth succeed as they aspire to a career in the arts.”
This new biennial fund is an integral component of the organization’s Italian Canadian Youth Initiative (ICYI), a suite of programs and activities strategically created with the long-term objective of engaging and supporting the youth in our community, established in 2021 as part of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary celebrations.
In 2023 Villa Charities will award a total of $15,000, to be disbursed to three (3) talented young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and of Italian heritage.
Grant applications open on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12 noon EDT, with a deadline of Friday, September 29, 2023, at 5:00pm EDT. The selection and evaluation process will be conducted by a Selection Committee for each grant category. Grants will be awarded by Villa Charities at the end of 2023.
For more information and complete submission guidelines, please visit villacharities.com/grant or contact execs@villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathleen Sloan
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
ksloan@villacharities.com
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
2022
Project honours vital contributions Italian Canadians have made to Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric.
TORONTO – October 11, 2022 – Today, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) announced that name plaques are available for sale as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project. Canadians now have the ability to purchase a plaque to commemorate their loved ones and honour Italians who journeyed to Canada to begin a new life.
Announced in summer 2022, the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project will commemorate the legacy of Italian immigrants and provide a destination for honouring and remembering personal histories. The installation will feature name plaques dedicated to individuals of Italian heritage, and a bronze casted art piece, designed by artist and marketing industry executive Aldo Cundari.
Immigrant Tribute installation
Designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., the commemoration wall will be located on the Villa Charities campus at Lawrence and Dufferin in Toronto. The installation will exist on the north-facing wall of the Columbus Centre – showcasing the name plaques with a ‘fluttering’ effect that will give a sense of movement to the wall. Personalized single or double name plaques are available for a $1,000.00 donation and will feature the name of the family member and the year they immigrated to Canada. A tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount. Only a limited quantity is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the name plaques to be installed on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute in alphabetical order when construction begins.
Immigrant Tribute website
Purchasing a plaque also means donors can share their family’s immigration journey online by submitting a brief family history and up to four images, to appear on the Immigrant Map at villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com. The repository of immigrant stories will create an engaging and creative digital space for the public to explore and learn about the shared experiences of the Italian Canadian community.
“This installation, along with the immigrant tribute website, is our way to honour and preserve the ongoing historical contributions made by the Italian Canadian community, and to create a destination for celebrating Italian heritage,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Given the enthusiastic response we’ve heard from our community since we announced this project, we are excited that people across the country can now order their own commemorative plaques.”
The funds raised from the tribute project through Villa Charities Foundation will support senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs.
For more information on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, including how to purchase a name plaque, visit villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
Villa Charities announces scholarship winners, honouring Italian culture and heritage
TORONTO – September 15, 2022 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its third annual national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The third year of the Villa Charities Scholarship Program was launched in February 2022 and is available to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
“I am thrilled that the third year of our scholarship program has been our most successful year yet,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Each of the 2022 scholarship recipients exemplifies the importance of their heritage and how it aligns with Villa Charities’ mission. I am proud that we can support these exceptional students in their future academic endeavours.”
The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the sixteen scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining eight scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Four students will receive The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship and four students will be the recipient of the Villa Charities Culinary Scholarship, supported in part by The Food Dudes.
Since launching the scholarship program in 2020, more than $160,000 in scholarships has been awarded to students. Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.
Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients (including The Janet Angela Rinaldi Tribute Scholarships, The KPMG MSLP Scholarship, and The Nortown Air Scholarship) Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:
- Karli Chalmers, University of Guelph, Bachelor of Science
- Joseph Cressatti, McGill University, Bachelor of Commerce
- Jenna Gulizia, York University, Schulich School of Business, International Bachelor of Business Administration
- Carla Santini, University of Toronto, Honours Bachelor of Science
Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:
- Renata Ceccacci, McMaster University, Doctor of Medicine
- Marisa Cressatti, Queen’s University, Doctor of Medicine
- Madison Dabbs-Petty, University of Alberta, Master of Education in Counselling Psychology
- Adrian DeBiasio, University of Guelph, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2022/2023 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.
“I try to honour my Italian heritage through learning about my family’s traditions, keeping them alive, and sharing them with others. Whether it be visiting Pier 21 to learn more about my family’s journey, gathering yearly to make sausage and salamis, or even just attending Sunday Mass in Italian, the importance of maintaining our roots has been impressed upon me.” – Joseph Cressatti, Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient
“Recently, I used my Italian with two patients while on my Internal Medicine rotation. Due to pandemic restrictions, these patients were not allowed to have a family member with them. They were alone and anxious. The language barrier added to their heightened anxiety. I was able to ease that anxiety somewhat by conversing with them in Italian. Simply by asking about their roots, I could see the pride of our mutual heritage come through.” – Renata Ceccacci, Graduate Scholarship Recipient.
The selection and adjudication process was conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2022/2023 academic year. For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Cristina Costa, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / ccosta@villacharities.com.
There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
TORONTO – July 6, 2022 – Today, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proud to announce the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, to honour Italian Canadian immigrants and their families. For more than 50 years, Villa Charities has been a leading provider of Italian culture and heritage, and with this new fundraising initiative the charitable organization will establish a nationally recognized destination and tribute for Italian heritage.
The Immigrant Tribute commemoration will be located on the Villa Charities campus at Lawrence and Dufferin streets in Toronto, as an installation on the north-facing wall of the Columbus Centre. The tribute wall, designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., will showcase name plaques honouring individuals of Italian heritage who journeyed to Canada to begin a new life.
“Villa Charities is extremely proud and excited to launch this important initiative,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “The Immigrant Tribute project will honour the important contributions that Italian Canadians have made to the social, cultural and economic
fabric of Canada and will help educate younger generations on their cultural heritage and the immigrant experience.”
The Immigrant Tribute installation will be a destination for people of Italian heritage to gather, commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on their immigrant heritage and collective achievements. When completed, the wall will feature upwards of 5,000 individual plaques with the names of family members and the year they immigrated from Italy to Canada.
Villa Charities led the initial Immigrant Tribute wall, sculpture and website design in collaboration with students and faculty of George Brown College Arts, Design & Information Technology departments.
Beginning later this year, the name plaques will be available for the community to purchase. The funds raised from the tribute project through Villa Charities Foundation will go towards support for senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs.
A dedicated Immigrant Tribute website will support the physical installation and function as the online fundraising portal. Anyone who purchases a name plaque will also have the opportunity to upload photos and a brief family history to the site, creating a repository of immigrant stories. This will be an engaging and creative resource for Villa Charities patrons and donors to share and learn more about the immigration history and experiences of the Italian Canadians in their community.
The public on-sale date for the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project will be announced at a later date, with construction of the installation currently planned to begin in spring 2023.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Morgan Lewis
MAVERICK
416-618-0443
morgan@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
2021
Villa Charities announces scholarship winners, honouring Italian culture and heritage
TORONTO – September 14, 2021 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its second annual national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The second year of the Villa Charities Scholarship Program was launched in February 2021 and is available to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
“I am thrilled that the second year of our scholarship program has been so successful,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Each of the 2021 scholarship recipients exemplifies the importance of their heritage and how it aligns with Villa Charities’ mission. I am proud that we can support these exceptional students in their future academic endeavours.”
The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 20 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the twenty scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining twelve scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Four students will receive The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship and eight students will be the recipient of the Villa Charities Culinary Scholarship, supported in part by The Food Dudes.
Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.
Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients (Including The Janet Angela Rinaldi Tribute Scholarships)
Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:
- Giulia Riondino, McGill University, Psychology
- Victoria Cardillo, University of Guelph, Biomedical Sciences
The Janet Angela Rinaldi Tribute Scholarship Recipients include:
- Teresa Lindman, Wilfred Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Minors in Italian, French)
- Christian D’Ambrosi, University of Toronto, International Relations and History (Majors) and Italian (Minor)
Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients
Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:
- Daniela Testani, University of Toronto, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Katelyn Procopio, University of Toronto, Faculty of Information
- Sara Corvinelli, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences
- Alessandra Ceccacci, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine
These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2021/2022 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.
“My journey in discovering my Italian heritage has been a wonderful one. By learning the language in school, creating a documentary around Italian Canadian culture, being active in IUSCA, and being a teacher and mentor to the younger generations, I have actively served the Italian Canadian community, and by aspiring to work in the community as a lawyer, I plan to continue to do so in the future.”
– Christian D’Ambrosi, Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient
“The Italian Canadian heritage is rooted in love, and the sacrifice that families endured in their journey for a new life. As a second-generation immigrant, although I will never have to endure such a sacrifice, I am proud and hope to honour my heritage in my relationships, career, and future endeavours. The ItaloCanadese community is founded upon hard working immigrants and is in need of young advocates to continue showcasing Italian culture within the community.”
– Daniela Testani, Graduate Scholarship Recipient
The selection and adjudication process were conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2021/2022 academic year.
For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Natasha Fieldman, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / nfieldman@villacharities.com.
There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
TORONTO (September 9, 2021) – Villa Charities Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Marco DeVuono to the position of President and CEO, effective immediately. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. Mr. DeVuono joined Villa Charities as Chief Financial Officer in March 2017 and has been instrumental in the company’s success and growth during his tenure.
“Marco has truly demonstrated his passion and dedication to Villa Charities and has been a valued member of the Executive team,” says Joseph Arcuri, Board Chair, Villa Charities Inc. “His depth and breadth of experience with our complex organization makes him uniquely qualified for this role, and we are confident he is the right person to lead the organization as we realize our vision of inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.”
Mr. DeVuono is an accomplished leader with more than twenty years of senior-level finance and management experience with non-profit, private and TSE listed companies in the distribution, healthcare, academic, financial, and IT services. As CFO for Villa Charities, he was responsible for significant achievements including repurposing underutilized space in the Columbus Centre, restructuring operations during the COVID-19 period and building high-performing finance and property management teams.
Prior to joining Villa Charities Inc., Mr. DeVuono was the Chief Financial Officer for Drive Products Inc., a distribution/manufacturing company with branches across Canada, where he orchestrated a restructuring of the organization’s operations. He also held CFO and senior leadership positions with The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences, a non-profit, post-secondary institution for health sciences education, HomeQ Corporation (CHIP Reverse Mortgage) and the Datahorse Group of Companies.
Highly driven and with a reputation for integrity, efficiency and effectiveness, Marco excels at developing successful policies and solutions to deliver against strategic goals and has worked hard to cultivate collaborative relationships within the community.
“I am honoured to accept this new leadership position and to further advance Villa Charities’ strategic priorities, with a focus on the pillars of community, fundraising and stewardship,” says Marco DeVuono. “I also look forward to working alongside our great Board, Executive team and staff, and connecting with all our stakeholders including our patrons, partners and the broader community, as we revitalize the organization following the COVID-19 pandemic challenges.”
Marco DeVuono holds CPA and CA designations as well as an Honours Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
TORONTO (June 15, 2021) – Senior health care executive John Hendriks has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. (Villa Colombo Toronto or VCT) at their Annual General Meeting. Opened in 1976, Villa Colombo Toronto, part of the Villa Charities Inc. group of organizations, prides itself on offering high-quality long-term care and community services to seniors in a culturally sensitive environment.
“I am honoured to have been elected Board Chair of Villa Colombo Toronto,” said Mr. Hendriks. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this unique facility with such a long history of excellence and look forward to guiding Villa Colombo in their mission to serve the Italian community, residents and elderly clients by providing the care they need to enjoy life to the fullest with dignity and independence.”
John Hendriks is President of INFORMTEC, a boutique Health Care Clinical Informatics consulting firm. Previously, John was a Partner with DINMAR Consulting and was responsible for developing the Health Care Information Technology practice in the Toronto area and managed Clinical Information System sales internationally. John has more than 25 years of experience as a senior health care executive in the public and private sectors. His background includes Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada’s leading teaching and research facilities, where he served as Sr. Vice President Medical Programs and Chief Information Officer. John’s experience includes directing the development and implementation of Hospital clinical and financial reporting systems for the Province of Alberta Ministry of Hospitals and Medical Care and developed the data and technical architecture and systems strategy for the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.
John is dedicated to improving healthcare for seniors and the community at large. In addition to his involvement at Villa Colombo Toronto, he is active in Health Informatics in Canada and is a Past President of Canada’s Health Informatics Association (COACH). John has served on a number of Boards and Committees that focused on developing the scope and standards for national health information applications.
Mr. Hendriks is a graduate of Dalhousie University (B. Commerce), has a Certificate in Health Administration from University of Saskatchewan and is a Certified member of the Canadian College of Health Care Executives.
John Hendriks became a VCT Board member in June 2019 and is also Chair of the Strategic Planning Task Force and the Quality & Risk committee. He succeeds Joseph J. Fusco, who joined the Villa Colombo Toronto Board of Directors in 2007 and served as Chair since 2019.
“On behalf of all members of the Villa Colombo Toronto community, I want to thank Joseph for the extraordinary dedication and outstanding leadership he has provided to our organization,” Mr. Hendriks remarked.
Also elected to the Villa Colombo Toronto Board of Directors for 2021-2022 are:
1st Vice-Chair: Loriana Iadipaolo
2nd Vice-Chair: Ben Vozzolo
Treasurer: Rosanna Arduini
Secretary: Frank Anderson
Directors:
Dino Bozzo
Carol Bragagnolo
Angela Gauthier
Anthony Moscar
Marie Parker
Antonio Turco
Ex-Officio: Joseph Arcuri
Past Chair: Joseph J. Fusco
About Villa Colombo Toronto
Opened in 1976, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. (Villa Colombo Toronto) is an accredited, designated ethno-specific facility that serves the Italian community, residents and elderly clients by providing the care they need to enjoy life to the fullest with dignity and independence in a safe, secure and home-like environment. Villa Colombo offers long-term care and community services to seniors in a culturally sensitive environment. After two additions, today 391 residents call Villa Colombo home and over 700 clients living in the community are provided services such as Adult Day Programs, Meals on Wheels, Supportive Housing and more, which is vital to helping older members live rewarding and active lives. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-995-8496
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
Villa Charities proudly celebrates Italian Heritage Month with a month-long festival dedicated to Italian culture and heritage.
TORONTO – May 27, 2021 – While unable to welcome the community to the campus, Villa Charities will celebrate this cherished annual occasion with a series of engaging digital events and programming throughout the month of June.
The roster will once again showcase the artistry and talents of Italian-Canadian performers and Villa Charities’ diverse community with a lineup that includes panel discussions, music concerts, heritage experiences, live culinary workshops, dance performances and more. Villa Charities also hopes to promote multigenerational experiences and encourages families to participate in these events together, to foster a communal sense of pride and belonging.
“Throughout June we will commemorate Italian culture and heritage with a month full of exciting programs and events,” says Giulio Recchioni, Executive Director of Cultural Programming, Villa Charities. “As we continue to mark our 50th anniversary, we honour the contributions of Italian-Canadians to our diverse cultural mosaic and proudly celebrate virtually with our community.”
Below is the full list of virtual programs taking place to celebrate Italian Heritage Month:
An Immigrant Story June 1 – 30, 2021 In celebration of Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, the website immigrantstory.ca, created and developed by Sholom Wargon, features an inaugural collection of more than 40 inspirational stories of individuals who immigrated to Canada from Italy and other countries. With eloquent narratives and compelling visuals, this interactive experience broadly reflects the ethnocultural origins of the Villa Charities and Columbus Centre communities. An on-site exhibition of these immigrant journeys is planned for the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery as soon as health and safety conditions permit. Presented by Sholom Wargon Design and Pizza Nova.
Pirandello and “Six Characters in Search of an Author” – 100 Years After Tuesday, June 1 at 7:00pm
Join internationally acclaimed and two-time Dora Award-nominee, Daniele Bartolini, Artist in Residence for Villa Charities and Associate Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre, and one of Toronto’s most renowned slam poets, Luke Reece, for a live discussion about Pirandello and his metatheatrical masterpiece “Six Characters in Search of an Author”, and their production of the play for Soulpepper’s series Around The World In 80 Plays. Montreal-based playwright and performer, Michaela Di Cesare, author of “In Search of Mrs. Pirandello”, will also join the conversation.
Price: FREE
Festa della Repubblica | Italian National Day Wednesday, June 2 at 12:00pm
This is a virtual ceremonial celebration of the anniversary of the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, with greetings from Canadian elected officials, representatives of the Italian and Canadian governments, and community leaders. Featuring a poetry reading by Gianna Patriarca and a concert by Rossano Sportiello and Pasquale Grasso.
Price: FREE
Serata Musicale: A Spotlight on Young Italian-Canadian Talent
June 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 12:00pm
Enjoy this video series featuring four concerts by young professional musicians in the Italian-Canadian community. The series will highlight exciting singers and musicians from Ontario and BC, performing a variety of genres including classical music, pop, jazz, country and Italian folk.
Performance Schedule:
June 3: A concert by the Quintessence Ensemble, which features a trio of sibling string musicians: Miriam Cacciacarro (Violin), Hannah Cacciacarro (Cello) and Abigail Cacciacarro (Violin). Don’t miss this musical event with a repertoire of popular and immortal Italian songs spanning from classical to operatic.
June 10: Toronto-born artist and multiple Canadian folk music award nominee Andrea Ramolo, and singer and songwriter from Vancouver, Lisa Petrucci.
June 17: Antonio Larosa (modern country rock musician), Stephen Scaccia (contemporary pop artist), and Toronto-based jazz guitarist Andrew Marzotto.
June 24: Featuring three soloists from the Coro San Marco Choir: Sonia Stillo, Michael Nasato and Iwona Jazczur, all accompanied by pianist Adolfo DeSantis, and followed by a performance by Italian-Canadian Luca Ramelli on piano.
Price: FREE
My Secret Venice with Sebastiano Bazzichetto June 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 12:00pm
We are proud to present a second season of exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ episodes with Dr. Sebastiano Bazzichetto. This new four-part video series will take viewers on a cultural and visual journey to explore hidden gems in the Venetian countryside and pay homage to Dante, the father of Italian language. Don’t miss these stunning virtual tours of some of the grandest, palatial villas in the Veneto region.
Price: FREE
Cucina con noi! June 8, 16, 22 and 29
“Cucina con noi!” is a series of four live interactive culinary workshops featuring local Italian chefs demonstrating how to prepare traditional Italian meals. Presented in partnership with Eataly and Cucinato.
Workshop Schedule:
June 8 at 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Cucinato Pranzo della Domenica: A Typical Southern Italian Sunday Meal with Neapolitan Chef Bruno Di Sarno
June 16 at 7:30 – 8:00pm – Eataly Pasta alla Carbonara
June 22 at 6:00 – 8:00pm – Cucinato Theme TBC
June 29 at 5:00 – 5:30pm – Eataly Risotto al Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
Price: FREE
Cory Weeds Quartet Plays Italian Standards
Friday, June 18 at 6:30pm
Alto saxophonist Cory Weeds assembles an all-star Vancouver band to celebrate Italian Heritage Month across Canada. Joined by guitarist John Lee, organist Chris Gestrin and drummer Jesse Cahill, Weeds will play music from his chart topping “O Sole Mio, Songs from the Motherland” release. Hitting #2 on the JazzWeek Charts and charting for over 16 weeks, “O Sole Mio” is a delight! Video will be shared on June 18, 6:30pm (ET) for ticket holders. This virtual concert is presented by Villa Charities (Toronto) and Il Centro (Vancouver).
Price: $10.00 for Concert only. Concert and Dinner packages will also be available.
Italian Heritage: Perspectives from Black Italians Monday, June 21 at 7:00pm
Join us for a discussion between Silvana Rose Miller (Canadian activist and producer) and Fred Kuwornu (Italian activist, filmmaker, and educator) for a discussion of Black Italian identities, experiences, and heritage both in Canada and in Italy. This event will be presented in partnership with Italian Canadians for Black Lives (ICFBL).
Price: FREE
Here & Now: Readings and Discussion Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 5:00pm
Villa Charities, in collaboration with the Association of Italian Canadian Writers (AICW), Accenti Magazine, Longbridge Books, and English Language Arts Network (ELAN), is pleased to invite you to a conversation with the editor and contributors of “Here & Now: An Anthology of Queer Italian-Canadian Writing.” Italian-Canadian and LGBTQ2S writers will host this literary panel discussion on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which are commemorated annually each June during Pride Month.
Price: FREE
An Evening of Dance Wednesday, June 30 at 7:30pm
Villa Charities presents this special performance, featuring dancers from DanzArts Toronto, Columbus Centre’s very own prestigious dance school, and artists in residence ACE Dance Theatre.
Price: FREE
For complete information and to register for Villa Charities’ Italian Heritage Month events, visit villacharities.com/ihm.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
TORONTO, May 27, 2021 – We are pleased that the Government of Canada delivered a formal apology today in the House of Commons for the internment of Italian Canadians during the Second World War. The Prime Minister’s statement finally acknowledges the unjust policy and actions that resulted in the internment of hundreds of people of Italian heritage during WWII. In addition, tens of thousands of Italian Canadians were declared “enemy aliens,” causing immense pain and hardship for the many families affected.
Our Acting President and CEO Marco DeVuono expresses his gratitude on behalf of Villa Charities: “We appreciate the Canadian government’s reconciliation efforts and hope that today’s announcement will help with the healing process and provide a sense of closure for all families who were impacted and stigmatized.”
For the past five decades, Villa Charities has played an important role in supporting the Italian community and advancing the appreciation and promotion of Italian culture and heritage. This official apology has been delivered this year, during our 50th anniversary commemorations, which truly reinforces the significance of the social, cultural and economic contributions made by Italian Canadians to this country. We will continue to proudly celebrate and honour Italian culture and heritage.
About Villa Charities Inc. Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For more information please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK Public Relations
416-995-8496
TORONTO (May 25, 2021) – Senior financial executive Joseph Arcuri has been elected Chair of the Board of Governors of Villa Charities Inc. at its Board meeting on May 20, 2021. Villa Charities is a registered charity that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. The organization has served the Greater Toronto Area’s Italian community for 50 years by providing cultural and educational programs and supporting culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors.
Arcuri, who was elected along with other Board members at the meeting, has been a volunteer at the organization for over five years. He has served on the Villa Charities Board of Governors since March 2016 and was Vice-Chair beginning in May 2019.
“I am honoured to have been elected Chair of Villa Charities, and for the opportunity to continue serving our extended communities,” Mr. Arcuri said. “Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, this is an exciting time to be part of the Villa Charities organization, as we continue to support the needs of a broader multigenerational base. I also look forward to reconnecting with our seniors and program participants as we emerge from the COVID-19 public health challenges.”
Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with 2
PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.
Mr. Arcuri succeeds Santo Veltri, who served as Board Chair of Villa Charities for three consecutive terms beginning in 2018. “I would like to thank Santo for the extraordinary dedication and leadership he has provided to our organization, and I hope to continue to build on the foundation Santo created,” Mr. Arcuri remarked. “I look forward to working with Santo in our new roles going forward.”
Also elected to the Villa Charities Board of Governors for 2021-2022 are:
Vice-Chair: Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci
Treasurer: Sandro D’Ercole
Secretary: Tonio (Tony) Costa
Directors: Nebo Orazietti Dr. Gina Valle Ex Officio: Columbus Centre of Toronto: Maria Orsini, Marianne Corigliano Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.: TBC Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre: Quinto Annibale, Catherine (Rina) Tiberini
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
TORONTO – April 12, 2021 – This week, the Italian-Canadian community across the GTA celebrates the 50th year of their beloved cultural hub – Villa Charities Inc. (VCI).
Since 1971, VCI has been instrumental in connecting lives through intergenerational experiences and services that honour and celebrate all things Italian. The organization began as the Italian Canadian Benevolent Corporation (ICBC) with a mission to raise funds for and develop, administer and coordinate projects in the health, social, cultural and educational fields, which would establish the concept of ‘community’ for Italian-Canadians and their families.
After fifty years, Villa Charities continues to provide cultural and educational programs for all ages while supporting culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors across the GTA. In so doing, Villa Charities recognizes the significance of and honours the many Italian immigrants who helped build the city of Toronto and surrounding metropolitan areas.
“As we reflect over the past 50 years, we acknowledge the remarkable vision and passion of our Founders, and remain extremely thankful for the legacy that they created, which offers us unlimited opportunities to serve our community,” said Santo Veltri, Board Chair, Villa Charities Inc. “While Villa Charities began from the desire to provide residential care for the elderly Italians in our community, the organization has since transformed and grown, adapting to the needs of the changing community around us, while still remaining true to the core values instilled by the Founders.”
On April 15, 2021, VCI invites the city to join us in the celebration as we commemorate this milestone achievement through virtual initiatives and programming that honour the past, celebrate the present, and look towards future growth and opportunities.
“The last 12 months have brought many challenges in our lives. While programming and celebrations will be largely virtual, we are committed to engaging our GTA community through festivities that commemorate 50 years of Villa Charities,” said Dr. Gina Valle, Chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee. “Our strong and vibrant Italian and Italian-Canadian communities are proud to celebrate the achievements of the organization they helped build so many years ago. It is heartwarming to see the strides that VCI has made. We hope everyone will join us in the celebration.”
Following virtual anniversary celebrations, Villa Charities plans to continue supporting the Italian-Canadian community as it evolves, through its mission and vision:
MISSION – Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
VISION – Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.
Villa Charities is marking this memorable occasion through a number of initiatives:
- Logo and Brand Campaign | A commemorative 50th anniversary logo and creative ad campaign kicked off the anniversary year in January and will run to the end of the year, to promote and celebrate this milestone.
- Commemorative Videos | TLN Media Group has produced a series of commemorative interstitials featuring interviews with members of the Villa Charities family, including Founders, Board members and stakeholders. These videos will be shared through Villa Charities’ platforms and will air on TLN and Mediaset Italia TV channels throughout April to tell the Villa Charities story.
- CN Tower Themed Night Lighting | On April 15, 2021, the CN Tower will be lit in the Italian flag colours (green, white and red) in celebration of Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, signifying the organization’s importance as a pillar for the GTA’s Italian-Canadian community. The themed lighting for Villa Charities will occur on the half hour of each hour, following a standard eight-minute light show, from sunset to midnight. A photo sharing contest will run on VCI’s social media, for a chance to win a $100 Eataly gift card. The lighting can also be viewed on the CN Tower’s EarthCam feed.
- TORONTO Sign Commemorative Lighting | The TORONTO sign at Nathan Phillips Square will be lit in the Italian flag colours on April 15, 2021. A social media contest allows users to post a photo of the sign on that day for a chance to win a $100 Eataly gift card. Current COVID-19 protocols should be followed for anyone who wishes to participate.
- Celebratory Message Campaign | As part of the anniversary celebrations, key community leaders, luminaries and renowned Italian personalities were invited to record a brief congratulatory message acknowledging the organization’s milestone. The videos are being shared on social media and will be included in a compilation video.
- Social Media Campaigns | Social media channels will offer fun and interactive content including throwback campaigns, Top 50 playlists, monthly giveaways and more.
- Redesigned Website | A redesigned website for Villa Charities will provide an enhanced user experience and deliver experiential resources for patrons interested in cultural programs and experiences.
In addition, cultural programming will be curated across various mediums and will encourage safe and responsible participation during this time of COVID. Further details will be announced at a later date.
As it embarks on its journey to its Centennial, the Villa Charities campus will continue to serve as a destination not only for the multigenerational Italian-Canadian community, but also for the vibrant, broader multicultural community seeking to explore and experience Italian culture and heritage. At the same time, VCI will continue to expand its partnerships and affiliations with Italian and non-Italian organizations that are aligned with their mission, vision and values.
“Our story represents half a century of Italian-Canadian generations coming together to honour culture and celebrate heritage,” concludes Marco DeVuono, Acting President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “We are confident that with the continued involvement and support of our community,
Villa Charities will thrive for another 50 years. It is our enduring wish that we will inspire many generations to explore the Italian in all of us.”
Villa Charities invites the community to join the 50th anniversary celebrations by sharing how the organization has impacted their lives using #VCI50. Supporters are encouraged to follow Villa Charities on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Instagram: @Villa_Charities / Twitter: @Villa_Charities / Facebook: @VillaCharities
LinkedIn: @VillaCharitiesInc.
For additional images and captions, click here.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc., Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
TORONTO, January 7, 2020 – Giulio Recchioni has been appointed to the position of Executive Director of Cultural Programming for Villa Charities Inc. Giulio brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Villa Charities with a history of success in the culture and arts sectors.
“Giulio’s extensive experience and innovative thinking will truly complement the Villa Charities family – he has a broad vision, a profound understanding and a passion for leading and developing our cultural vision,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. “He has spent his whole career in the cultural and arts sector and will bring a fresh, creative presence to the table.”
In his role, Giulio will be tasked with continuing to elevate the cultural programming for Villa Charities. He will carry forward the organization’s mission to enrich lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage to capitalize on the legacy that Villa Charities has created. This will entail the development and implementation of intergenerational cultural and heritage strategies that will raise awareness of the organization as a vibrant cultural hub for all to access. With his background and leadership, Giulio will be adding to Villa Charities’ already extensive cultural programs.
Giulio earned an MA in Foreign Literature and Languages in his hometown of Abruzzo, Italy. He is deeply rooted in Italian culture and heritage, with an aptitude for expanding cultural spaces. Described as a creative thinker by his peers, Giulio uses his experience and knowledge to readily build new collaborations that cultivate and strengthen ties within the community. He has the ability to deliver engaging and meaningful cultural programs that strongly reflect Italian culture.
“I am honoured to join Villa Charities,” said Giulio Recchioni. “I look forward to building on Villa Charities’ strong reputation and past successes by growing, promoting and creating new avenues of cultural programming to achieve their vision of inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.”
Prior to joining Villa Charities Inc., Giulio was Cultural Director of the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver, BC where he brought tremendous success and growth. He is an avid supporter of performance and visual arts, cinema, and live jazz.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charites Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-995-8496
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
2020
TORONTO, October 30, 2020 – Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) today announced its partnership with the Toronto-based food services company, The Food Dudes. Effective immediately, The Food Dudes will become the exclusive provider of all retail and catering food operations on the Villa Charities campus. This partnership provides an opportunity to enhance and expand food services through the development of exciting and creative new food offerings with an Italian focus.
For almost 50 years, Villa Charities has been a destination for the Italian Canadian community in the GTA. Working with The Food Dudes allows Villa Charities to continue strengthening its partnerships with companies who are aligned with VCI’s mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage, and who are industry experts with a passion and reputation to elevate the Villa Charities campus experience.
A new location for Pantry, The Food Dudes’ popular quick-service food venue, will open in the Columbus Centre, replacing Caffè Cinquecento. Renovations to the space are currently underway with the opening date to be announced at a later date. Restaurant operations at Ristorante Boccaccio will be closed effective immediately however the space will continue to be used for Villa Charities and Columbus Event Centre clients, and then be further transitioned into a new event venue. The Food Dudes will also take over the food services for all Columbus Event Centre events going forward.
Over the past decade, several strategies have been developed and implemented to address increased local competition and declining sales for Villa Charities’ food operations, which have been further impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Following a comprehensive analysis by an independent food services consultant and public RFP process, The Food Dudes were selected.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with a company who are leaders in Toronto’s food and hospitality industry. We are confident this union will offer a greater variety to our community and patrons as well as raise the quality of service and products,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc.
This alliance also accommodates the evolving tastes of the intergenerational community at large and considers the changing trends in retail food operations. The Food Dudes’ operations at Villa Charities will generate greater business revenue by encouraging patrons to experience more casual dining options (such as grab & go, delivery) and revitalize the Villa Charities campus as a culinary destination for people from across the GTA.
Since starting in the food industry over a decade ago, The Food Dudes have had enormous success in both the retail and catering business and have a proven track record of continuous growth. In recent years, The Food Dudes have gained a wealth of experience taking over restaurant spaces and food service operations within existing institutions, including cultural centres. In 2018, The Food Dudes assumed the Gardiner Museum’s catering program while completely redesigning and relaunching their restaurant space – now known as CLAY and receiving buzz as one of Yorkville’s hottest lunch destinations.
The Food Dudes’ partnership with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is currently in the construction stage, with restaurant renovations underway. In addition to their fine dining restaurants Rasa and Sara, they are also catering providers for Toronto landmarks like Evergreen Brickworks, The Globe & Mail Event Venue and Steam Whistle Brewing, with the newly opened Steam Whistle Biergarten enjoying immediate acclaim.
“We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to partner with Villa Charities as the Food and Beverage provider at the Columbus Centre,” said Lindsay Klein, Chief Executive Officer, The Food Dudes. “The culture we seek to uphold is inspirational and we know long time patrons and newcomers alike will find comfort in the high standards of our food services.”
Villa Charities is collaborating with The Food Dudes to develop a seamless transition plan for the operations of all food services.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About The Food Dudes
Since joining forces over a decade ago, The Food Dudes have grown their once small, home-based operation into Toronto’s most revered, innovative and adaptive catering and food service company. Executive Chef Adrian Niman founded The Food Dudes in 2007 and partnered with Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Klein in 2011. The pair built a world-class team of passionate professionals, and quickly distinguished themselves as industry leaders. The Food Dudes consistently raise the bar by anticipating and fulfilling the dynamic needs of the modern metropolitan client – a desire for fresh and local ingredients, sophisticated original fare, flexible budgeting plans – all while providing a memorable culinary experience. From catered affairs of all styles and sizes to food trucks, restaurants, fundraisers and signature food-driven event experiences, The Food Dudes are Toronto’s most trusted hospitality specialists and premier providers of all things edible. Visit thefooddudes.com for more details.
About Pantry
Pantry started as a local take-out counter, providing fresh and healthy meals to The Food Dudes’ staff and the local Leslieville community. When people began coming back every day for more of the daily dishes coming out of Pantry’s kitchen, the storefront’s signature Hot & Cold Windows were introduced, and its Custom Combo Boxes soon took off.
“The ability to mix and match menu items for a different meal each day of the week resonated with our guests,” says Executive Chef Derek Wasser of Pantry’s rapid rise. In 2016, Pantry expanded to a sit-down restaurant in Rosedale and Catering for Events. The Commerce Court location opened in 2019, followed by the Meals for Home Delivery program in 2020. In all its endeavours, Pantry maintains the highest standards of freshness and quality. With new retail spaces in the works, an inspired catering operation going strong, and more innovative ways to provide a casual and comforting dining experience, Pantry is an essential part of Toronto’s culinary character.
For further information, please contact:
For Villa Charities:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
For The Food Dudes:
Lindsay Klein
Chief Executive Officer
The Food Dudes/Pantry
647-340-3833 Ext. 201
VAUGHAN (October 22, 2020) – Accomplished lawyer and inspirational leader Quinto Annibale has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre (Villa Colombo Vaughan), at their 2019 Annual General Meeting. Opened in 2004, Villa Colombo Vaughan, part of the Villa Charities Inc. group of organizations, prides itself on offering culturally sensitive long-term care and services to maximize meaningful living, dignity and independence for the 160 residents who call the accredited facility home.
“Villa Colombo Vaughan is a remarkable organization that I have been honoured to be a part of over many years in different roles,” said Mr. Annibale. “We have a wonderful culture and an amazing group of staff that are committed to our residents. It is a tremendous privilege for me to be elected as the Chair and I am committed to building upon the positive legacy established by the outgoing Chair, Rina Tiberini and my fellow board members.”
Quinto Annibale practices municipal, land use planning and development law. He has over 30 years of experience as an advocate, appearing before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the OMB) in hundreds of cases. He has practiced his entire career as a lawyer at Loopstra Nixon.
Mr. Annibale is passionate about improving healthcare for seniors and the community at large. In addition to his involvement at Villa Colombo Vaughan, Quinto has held many other volunteer positions both at community and provincial levels. He has always remained true to serving those in need and recognizes the many strengths of Villa Colombo Vaughan. He will continue to nurture their vibrant community that honours Italian culture and heritage.
Mr. Annibale succeeds Rina Tiberini, who served as Board Chair since 2011.
“On behalf of all members of the Villa Colombo Vaughan community, I want to thank Rina for the long and extraordinary dedication and leadership she has provided to our organization,” Mr. Annibale said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Rina in our new roles through the coming years.”
Quinto Annibale has been a part of the Villa Colombo Vaughan community for the last 14 years, serving the board with distinction. Through his tenure, he has held the position of Board Secretary and for the past four years the position of Vice-Chair.
Also elected to the Villa Colombo Vaughan Board of Directors for 2020-2021 are:
1st Vice-Chair: Rina Tiberini
2nd Vice-Chair: Edward Mancinelli
Secretary: Pina Falbo
Treasurer: Stephen Shulman
Directors:
Anthony Baldassarra
Dr. Kristin Terenzi
Piera Segreto
Enzo Di Iorio
Anthony Messina
Joline Moore
Ex-Officio: Santo Veltri
Past Chair: Rina Tiberini
About Villa Colombo Vaughan
Opened in 2004, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre (Villa Colombo Vaughan) is an accredited facility that provides culturally sensitive long-term care and services to maximize meaningful living, dignity and independence for each of its 160 residents. Villa Colombo Vaughan continually creates and fosters dedicated partnerships with numerous organizations within the community to enhance its high-quality care to seniors in the community. Situated on a beautiful 16-acre northern campus in quiet Kleinburg, Ontario, the home is comprised of six separate casas located with our state-of-the-art facility, each housing up to 30 residents in a social and welcoming atmosphere. Villa Colombo Vaughan has been successfully awarded the highest level of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) since 2009 and is professionally managed by UniversalCare Canada Inc. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-995-8496
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
TORONTO, September 29, 2020 – In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Columbus Centre, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) presents two special art exhibitions in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. These exhibitions will highlight the history of the Columbus Centre as well as showcase artists who represent the present day and future of the visual arts community. Both exhibitions will be on display from October 1 to November 21, 2020.
“40 Under Forty” is an exhibition of 40 artists under the age of forty, all of whom were born after the Italian community centre was established. It will give the audience a look at what young artists are doing during a world-wide pandemic, while society simultaneously experiences rapid and vital cultural and political growth.
“As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Columbus Centre, we celebrate with this exhibition the spirit of inclusion, hope for the future, and love for the arts that lies at the foundation of this organization,” says Emanuele Lepri, Executive Director of Cultural Programming, Villa Charities Inc. “We are delighted to feature this small army of wonderful young artists in our Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. The “40 Under Forty” exhibition rises high above this year’s global fears capturing the vibrancy, diversity and quality of Ontario’s visual arts scene.”
To complement the “40 Under Forty” exhibition, accomplished multimedia artist and VCI Artist in Residence Franco Berti has created a special anniversary collage, commissioned by the organization. The collage was produced to serve as a memorable and welcoming symbol for the Columbus Centre community at large; celebrating the past while engaging with the present time. Berti uses collage, photography, performance, installation, and public and social works to transcend the notion of identity, nationality and cultural identification.
The Columbus Centre, part of the Villa Charities organization, has served as a vibrant community centre since its official opening on October 10, 1980, where people can enjoy the richness of Italian culture within a Canadian setting. Today, the Columbus Centre remains a major hub for the GTA’s Italian-Canadian community and a popular meeting place frequented by more than 150,000 visitors every year. Patrons of all ages visit the Columbus Centre for dance, visual arts, music, Italian language and children’s camps; view art exhibitions at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; attend cultural events and programming; use child care services; and participate in a wide range of athletic, aquatic and wellness programs at its expansive athletic club.
Throughout its history, the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery has exhibited a broad range of art and artists and continues its commitment with “40 Under Forty” as well as Berti’s collage.
“From faces to figures, still life to action painting, landscape to seascape, the themes and disciplines are as diverse as the artists themselves,” says Curator, Flavio Belli. “These 40 artists have been selected from a much larger group of artists whose work I have reviewed. I hope it is a comprehensive survey that suggests the breadth of contemporary art and that it introduces talented visual artists who are making a statement in the current art scene to new audiences.”
The 40 artists are:
Ibrahim Abusitta, Cruz T. Anderson, Houssam Alloum, Christian Applegate, Franco Berti, Lucas Biagini, Kieran Brent, Gizem Candan, Jasmine Canaviri, Chen Cao, Daniel Cardoso, Peter Chan, Danielle Clarke, Salvatore G. F. Crimi, Katherine Curci, Courtney Downman, Lana Filippone, Hannan Fayad, Alice Gong, Kim Hayung, Karyn Ho, Miles Ingrassia, Omeed Jasar, Jaymie Lathem, Kima Lenaghan, Jean-Luc Lindsay, Megan MacDonald, Gabbi Maria, Colt Nicastro, Tristram Pinney, Hana Hozhabr Pour, Devon Pryce, Michael Rachlis, Steven Restagno, Anthony Ricciardi, Miriam Rosenthal, Angela Snieder, Eleni Tsatsanis, Isabella Varrasso, Shaheer Zazai
Columbus Centre patrons and the community at large are invited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the community centre by experiencing these memorable exhibitions.
To ensure physical distancing and in compliance with capacity limits for indoor events, the official opening night reception will be hosted as four separate events; ten artists will be in attendance for each opening.
Thursday, October 1, 5:30 – 7:00pm & 7:30 – 9:00pm
Friday, October 2, 5:30 – 7:00pm & 7:30 – 9:00pm
RSVP is required in advance to reserve your spot. To RSVP, visit villacharities.com/CC40
For more information, email cultural@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 248
“40 Under Forty”
October 1 – November 21, 2020
Location: Upper and Lower Gallery
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre
40th Anniversary Collage
October 1 – November 21, 2020
Location: Lobby, Columbus Centre
Gallery Hours: If you wish to visit the exhibitions, please contact the Arts & Culture Coordinator directly at 416-789-7011 ext. 248 or cultural@villacharities.com for gallery hours. Entry is free. COVID-19 protocols are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors. Masks or face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public spaces under City of Toronto by-law no. 541-2020.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Columbus Centre
Since its opening in 1980, the Columbus Centre has served as a vibrant community centre where people can enjoy the richness of an Italian culture within a Canadian setting. Today, the Columbus Centre remains a major hub for the GTA’s Italian-Canadian community and a popular meeting place frequented by more than 150,000 visitors every year. Patrons of all ages visit the Columbus Centre daily for dance, visual arts, music, and culinary programs; view art exhibitions at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; attend cultural events and programming; and participate in a wide range of athletic, aquatics and wellness programs at our expansive athletic club. For more information visit villacharities.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications, Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
Villa Charities introduces scholarship program to honour Italian culture and heritage
TORONTO – September 22, 2020 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its inaugural national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The Villa Charities Scholarship Program was launched in April and is available to students of all backgrounds and faiths, who will help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
“Each of the inaugural award recipients submitted impactful and heartwarming essays that clearly articulated the importance of their Italian culture and heritage and how it aligns with Villa Charities’ mission,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “These students are to be commended for their hard work and academic achievements. I wish them all the best in their upcoming school year.”
The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the sixteen scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining eight scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts.
Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.
Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients
Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:
- Daniela Fisico, Western University, Bachelor of Arts: Media, Information and Technoculture
- William Goddard, University of Toronto, Bachelor of Arts, Major: Ethics, Society and Law
- Luca Ramelli, Queen’s University, Bachelor Science, Major: Environmental Science
- Melissa Gatti, University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Arts and Business, Major: History Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients
Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:
- Demille Odoardi, Queen’s University, MSc Program in Anatomical Sciences
- Alessandra Cicci, University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Master of Global Affairs and Master of Public Policy
- Celina De Biasio, University of Ottawa School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Cessidia De Biasio, Queen’s University, Smith School of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2020/2021 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.
“Being Italian has enriched my life in so many ways. I am deeply proud of my Italian heritage as it has taught me many valuable things throughout my life. As such, I work to give back to the Italian community in any way that I can.” – Luca Ramelli
“From taking Italian art history classes at the Columbus Centre, to traveling to Abruzzo with Centro Scuola, my parents emphasized the value of learning about our heritage. My family’s love for Italy was also paired with their love for their new home, Canada.” – Alessandra Cicci
The selection and adjudication process was conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2020/2021 academic year.
For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Cristina Costa, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / ccosta@villacharities.com. There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
jessicap@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
Villa Charities introduces scholarship program to honour Italian culture and heritage
TORONTO – April 28, 2020 – Villa Charities is proud to announce its Artist in Residence and Artistic Director of DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT) Daniele Bartolini has been invited to the upcoming Venice Biennale 48th International Theatre Festival. La Biennale di Venezia was founded in 1895 and is now one of the most prestigious and renowned cultural organizations in the world. La Biennale, which stands at the forefront of research and promotion of new contemporary art trends, organizes exhibitions and research in all its departments: Arts (1895), Architecture (1980), Cinema (1932), Dance (1999), Music (1930), and Theatre (1934).
“This is an extraordinary validation of Bartolini’s hard work, ingenuity and artistic talent. As Villa Charities’ Artist in Residence since 2017, Bartolini and his DLT theatre group have developed a number of successful productions of immersive and innovative theatre, taking inspiration from our community and our very own Italian-Canadian stories,” says Emanuele Lepri, Executive Director of Cultural Programming, Villa Charities Inc. “We are proud to see that through a long-term cultural commitment we are now contributing to showcase Italian-Canadian talent in this prestigious international festival.”
Bartolini will present his new interactive performance designed for one audience member at a time, titled The Right Way. The performance focuses on the theme of censorship, specifically on self-censorship, which emerged from the experience of Bartolini’s immigration. The performance will premiere on September 15, 2020, with performances running until September 21, 2020.
“This year’s International Theatre Festival has invited a number of Italian artists to address a single theme with their work – censorship,” says Bartolini. “I decided to tackle this important theme with my personal life experience, which allows the audience to have a direct and not filtered experience with the material of the performance. It will create an alter ego character of an immigrant director who they embody during the show, each of them with their own sensibility.”
The audience members will take on the role of the protagonist, in this case a director who is given the opportunity to visit the brain and understand the perspective of someone who faces two very different landscapes: Italy and Europe, the one where he’s coming from, and Canada and North America, the one where he lives and operates. The performance expresses this internal conflict of displacement and the audience falls down the rabbit hole of artistic fantasy and uncertainty emerging from the immigration experience while navigating this new environment.
The performance includes a virtual reality short movie, developed with locative immersive media projects company Toasterlab.
The cast of the performance includes Canadian physical theatre legends, Michele Smith and Dean Gilmour, who have collected a combined 37 Dora Mavor Moore Awards nominations; Italian- Canadian actor Maddalena Vallecchi Williams, who starred in the Villa Charities production The Nonna Monologues; Jamaican native writer and actor Joyce Powell; queer emerging actor and performance artist Sophie Brender; and long-time Bartolini collaborator immersive actor and interlocutor, Rory de Brouwer, who has starred in DLT productions such as The Stranger and The Stranger 2.0: Above and Below.
The show has an original soundscape and set by DLT co-founder Matteo Ciardi. The Right Way is a co-production of DopoLavoro Teatrale with Italian theatre company Stazione Utopia and with the support of Villa Charities Inc.
For more information about the project visit this page:
www.labiennale.org/en/theatre/2020/theatre-performances/daniele-bartolini-right-way
The VR component includes a virtual installation by artist Franco Berti.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Daniele Bartolini
Daniele Bartolini is a director, writer, curator and theatre deviser who immigrated to Canada from Italy in 2015. He is the artistic director of Toronto-based company DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT) and also works as a solo artist. His practice focuses on what he calls audience-specific theatre. He often designs experiences where the audience is led in the exploration of the urban landscape, encountering performers emerging from the crowded streets. Daniele is the creator of the internationally acclaimed urban immersive show The Stranger. His work has been presented in Canada, India, England, Germany and Italy. Daniele’s show The Stranger 2.0: Above and Below has been nominated for two Dora Mavor Moore Awards as Outstanding Production and Outstanding Direction. He is a recipient of the RBC Newcomer Prize and was a finalist of the Telus Newcomer Artist Award. Daniele’s new one-on-one performance The Right Way, will premiere at the Venice Biennale on occasion of its 48th International Theatre Festival in September 2020. He conceived a collection of urgent artistic responses to the pandemic through a variety of art forms titled We Were, We Are, We Will Be, a co-presentation of SummerWorks and Canadian Stage. The project is co-curated with Toronto-based producer and poet Luke Reece with whom he found a new curatorial entity, in response to the current times, called Mixtape Curations.
About DopoLavoro Teatrale
DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT) is an international award-winning company founded in 2006 in Florence, Italy by Artistic Director Daniele Bartolini. DLT is dedicated to audience specific theatre, a form of interactive theatre developed by the company. DLT has been presented in Canada, England, Germany, Italy and India. DLT highlights include: The Stranger 2.0: Above and Below (presented with Istituto Italiano di Cultura and Community Sponsor Villa Charities Inc.), If on a Christmas Night… (Villa Charities Inc., Toronto), Leonardo’s Last Supper (Villa Charities Inc., Toronto), Haunted Weather for a Stranger – First Experiment (Barfuss Theater Berlin; Germany), An Italian Christmas Carol (Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto, Canada) The Invisible City (SummerWorks Toronto, Canada), Off Limits Zone (Luminato Festival, Toronto, Canada) Unfinished (Khoj New Dehli, India) Past highlights: The Stranger (presented in Toronto, Canada at SummerWorks Festival, Mumbai at Thespo Festival, Sansepolcro, Italy at Kilowatt Festival, Vancouver, Canada at rEvolver Festival), That Ugly Mess (In the Soil Festival St. Catharines, Canada) Midway Along The Journey of Our Life (Summerworks Toronto, Canada), EveryTimeIStretchMyArm (Natura Dei Teatri, Parma, Italy), and K.i.t.e. (International Festival Fabric Europa, Florence, Italy). Daniele Bartolini is a recipient of the RBC Newcomer Art Access Prize and finalist of the Telus Newcomer Artist Award. The Stranger received a nomination for the Critic’s Award “Premio Rete Critica” from the Italian theatre magazine PaneAcquaCulture for the edition at the Kilowatt Festival. DLT is the current resident company at Villa Charities Inc. DLT was nominated for Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble at the 2019 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. The production of The Stranger 2.0 was nominated as Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Production at the 2020 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. DLT is presenting a new one-on-one creation at the Venice Biennale International Theatre Festival titled The Right Way. dltexperience.com
About Michele Smith
Michele received her Master’s Degree in French Literature from the University of Aix-en-Provence in 1975 and studied at L’Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris, France from 1976-78. Over the last 40 years, as co-artistic director, she has created, directed, produced and performed in 44 productions in Toronto and has toured 11 countries around the world. Michele won 7 Dora Mavor Moore awards for her work on Chekov’s Shorts and Chekov’s Long. She is proud of her 10 years of teaching acting at Humber College.
About Dean Gilmour
Dean graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours BFA degree in Dramatic Arts in 1976 and immediately traveled to Paris, France to attend the School of Jacques Lecoq. He has created, directed, and performed in 42 Theatre Smith-Gilmour productions and has performed his work in Toronto, across Canada and in 11 countries around the world. Dean has received 2 Dora Awards for Best Director, 2 for Best Actor, 2 for Best Production, and 1 for Best New Play for his work as actor, writer, and director in Chekov’s Shorts and Chekovs Longs…In the Ravine.
About Maddalena Vallecchi Williams
Maddalena is a bilingual Italian-Canadian actor and producer, born in Toronto and raised in Rome, Italy. She is a graduate of the Acting Program at The National Theatre School of Canada (NTS). Maddalena wrote, starred and produced the teaser for her web series, La Professoressa – currently in development – which was selected for the Shorts Program of the 2019 Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) in Toronto. Maddalena works with filmmaker Bruce McDonald and his production company, developing feature films and TV series. Selected Theatre credits: The Nonna Monologues (DopoLavoro Teatrale/Villa Charities) Cassius in CAESAR (Wolf Manor Theatre Collective) Lanolin in The Listening Room (NTS), Gertrude in Hamlet (NTS), Sasha in Orlando (NTS). Selected TV/ Film credits: Sailor (Silent Tower), For Honor (Ubisoft), Sweet Affliction (Jess Lee), Ashram ’69 (Triple 7 Productions), Cinderella (RAI – Italian Television).
Daniele Bartolini, VCI’s long-time Artist in Residence to premiere new interactive performance “The Right Way”
TORONTO – August 18, 2020 – Villa Charities is excited to announce it is launching a new national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The Villa Charities Scholarship Program will be available to students of all backgrounds and faiths, who believe in and will help further Villa Charities’ mission to enrich lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
The new Villa Charities Scholarship Program will award a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. There are four scholarship programs, with two programs offered through Villa Charities Foundation and two programs offered through George Brown College in Toronto.
- Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship
Four awards of $2,500 will be presented to eligible full-time Undergraduate students. - Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship
Four awards of $5,000 will be presented to eligible full-time Graduate students.
These scholarships will be awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, are Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2020/2021 academic year. Eligible students will be required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as submit a written essay describing how they help further Villa Charities’ mission.
“This scholarship program comes at a critical time for post-secondary students as they are feeling the economic impact of COVID-19,” says Anthony DiCaita, President & CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Now more than ever, Villa Charities is committed to supporting students in our community, and we hope this financial assistance will be an important first step in ensuring their bright future.”
Applications for the Villa Charities Scholarship Program may be submitted to Villa Charities Foundation beginning April 28, 2020, with a deadline of June 30, 2020. The selection and adjudication process will be conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships will be awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in September 2020, to go towards tuition for the 2020/2021 academic year.
For more information and to download the application package, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Cristina Costa, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / ccosta@villacharities.com. There are also opportunities to sponsor or fund a scholarship.
Villa Charities will also work directly with George Brown College to offer two dedicated scholarship programs to full-time students who are enrolled in the following programs:
- The third year of the Architectural Technology Program at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, School of Architectural Studies Four awards of $2,500 each.
- The Italian Program (Postgraduate) at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Chef School. Four awards of $5,000 each.
George Brown students can start applying after September 2020 for the 2020/2021 academic year. Students can apply through the George Brown College’s Awards Office and complete their application on the Stu-View portal.
“I am thrilled that Villa Charities is launching this new initiative to support the youth in our community,” continues DiCaita. “We believe that education is a fundamental pillar of success and long-term prosperity, and therefore any person, regardless of background, is encouraged to apply.”
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
jessicap@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
TORONTO – April 27, 2020 – For almost 50 years, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) has been a destination and cultural leader for the Italian-Canadian community in the GTA, with support for senior care the pillar on which it was founded. During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, its top priorities are to keep employees safe, ensure service to patrons, residents and partners, and to do its part in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
COVID-19 Safety Measures at the Independent Seniors’ Apartments
It is a top priority to keep the senior residents safe, and strict protocols have been implemented for residents and visitors to the apartment buildings.
- Villa Charities has created a dedicated “Seniors Support Team” focused on supporting residents during this unprecedented time. This team of four staff members call all residents regularly to ask about their health status and are also assisting residents who don’t have family members to help with essential needs, such as providing groceries and medications.
- 800 complimentary face masks have been generously donated by Glen Park Pharmacy and DeMarco Pharmacy for residents, which have been delivered along with gloves provided by Villa Charities.
- Villa Charities will be providing access to a new Info Channel for all residents through their TVs.
Food Partnerships
- Over the Easter weekend, Eataly Toronto generously donated traditional Italian cakes, which were distributed to the residents of Villa Charities seniors’ apartments.
- Villa Charities is also working with several food partners and restaurants to provide free pre-packaged meals and grocery staples to its residents.
- o In partnership with Toronto-based food services company The Food Dudes, VCI will be providing pre-packaged meals.
- o In partnership with Pizza Nova, Villa Charities is delivering Focaccia Toscana and other products to apartment residents on a regular basis.
- o In partnership with Longo’s, Villa Charities has secured a basketful of grocery staples for each resident to enjoy.
Programs for Seniors
Villa Charities is supporting its apartment residents through outdoor fitness classes as well. Fitness instructors from the Columbus Centre Athletic Club are conducting weekly outdoor ZUMBA® classes while residents from Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo can participate in their own home from a balcony or window. VCI is also providing cultural entertainment by arranging for Italian musicians and singers to perform concerts outside of the apartments. Since the residents are unable to attend mass, prayer services will also be held outdoors. The schedule of events is included below or on the Villa Charities website here.
Cultural Performances – Serenata Al Fresco
Bruno Nesci Concert
Friday, May 1, 2020
- Casa Abruzzo
North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 11:40am
Claudio Santaluce Concert
Friday, May 8, 2020
- Caboto Terrace
North Side: 10:00am / South Side: 10:40am - Casa Del Zotto
North Side: 11:20am / South Side: 12:00pm
ZUMBA® Classes
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 & Tuesday, May 5, 2020
- Caboto Terrace
North Side: 10:00am / South Side: 10:30am - Casa Del Zotto
North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 11:30am - Casa Abruzzo
North Side: 12:30pm / South Side: 1:00pm
Prayer and Hymn Service
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
- Caboto Terrace
North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 3:00pm
Thursday, April 30, 2020 - Casa Del Zotto
North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 3:00pm
Friday, May 1, 2020 - Casa Abruzzo
North Side: 2:00pm / South Side: 3:00pm
Fundraising Campaign
Villa Charities has launched a fundraising campaign to support its essential COVID-19 safety measures for the residents at the independent seniors’ apartments. Donations can be made through Villa Charities Foundation at villacharities.com/give.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
jessicap@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
March 10, 2020 – Villa Charities Inc. is proud to announce its partnership with Eataly, the largest Italian retail and dining experience in the world, as one of its official charities of choice. This partnership provides the two prominent Italian organizations with an opportunity to collaborate on initiatives bringing unique cultural programming and events curated by Villa Charities to Eataly’s customer base and the GTA at large. Eataly will also support fundraising initiatives on-site and off-site to help raise money for Villa Charities.
For almost 50 years, Villa Charities has been a destination and cultural leader for the ItalianCanadian community in the GTA. Partnering with Eataly allows Villa Charities to continue strengthening its partnerships with companies who are aligned with VCI’s mission and who are industry leaders with an enthusiasm to further drive awareness and engagement with the Villa Charities organization.
“We are thrilled about the opportunity to partner with Eataly, a global leader and international food brand,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc., “Villa Charities looks forward to collaborating and developing interesting programs that will inspire the Italian-Canadian community. We are grateful for Eataly’s support and commitment.”
The first Canadian location opened in November 2019, in Yorkville’s Manulife Centre. Eataly is a bustling Italian marketplace with 50,000 square feet with four restaurants, seven unique food counters, a brewery and a cooking school dedicated to delivering the same high-quality food and drink offered steps away in the full market.
“Villa Charities has been a great friend of Eataly in Toronto from day one. At the core of our relationship is a mutual passion for sharing Italian culture with the broader community, whether it be through food, programming or storytelling,” said Nico Dagnino, Store Director at Eataly Toronto. “Selecting them as a charity of choice was a natural fit for us, and we’re looking forward to the ongoing collaborations that come with our partnership.”
Toronto marks the 40th location of Eataly around the globe, with other locations including Paris, Riyadh, Tokyo, and San Paolo.
To launch this partnership, Eataly will present talks with Toronto-based visual artists Peter Triantos and Anthony Ricciardi in March and April, as part of their new “Cultura” speaker series at their recently opened restaurant, Trattoria Milano.
A larger exhibition showcasing the works of these artists is on display until April 5th, presented by Villa Charities at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery in the Columbus Centre.
Proceeds raised from fundraising initiatives organized by Eataly, including a program during Italian Heritage Month, will be donated to help support Villa Charities in its mission to celebrate and promote Italian heritage, culture and support for senior care.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
jessicap@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com
TORONTO (January 28, 2020) – Villa Charities is pleased to present concurrent exhibitions of two dynamic Toronto-based artists: Anthony Ricciardi and Peter Triantos, with an opening reception on Thursday, February 6 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The exhibitions will run at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery in both the Upper and Lower galleries as well as the lobby, through Sunday, April 5, 2020. The art gallery is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is wheelchair accessible. Entry is free.
“Villa Charities is honoured to have the opportunity to engage its community and patrons in such an exquisite visual journey,” says Emanuele Lepri, Executive Director, Cultural Programming, Villa Charities Inc. “Ricciardi’s and Triantos’ work is quixotic, impertinent and beautiful; these pieces showcase the extraordinary power of art as the quintessential means of communication.”
Ricciardi’s exhibition, “We Adore You” showcases his latest series of paintings, which include 30 specially created canvases, two signature sculptures and a hand-painted mural.
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to display my work at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,” said Ricciardi. “This collection is driven by enthusiasm, depth of feeling and storytelling to produce art without limits.”
“Dreaming in Colour” by internationally recognized Canadian contemporary artist Peter Triantos brings together 30 abstract pieces. The exhibition features paintings from multiple series including his iconic ‘Jelly Bean’ series, and sought after ‘Napa Valley’ and ‘SP²’ series.
“No two people perceive abstract art in the same way; it’s what their intuition projects on it,” says Peter Triantos. “This is the reason art moves people in such fascinating ways. Like love, it can happen at first sight or develop over time.”
Opening reception: Thursday, February 6 from 6:00PM – 9:00PM
Exhibition dates: Thursday, February 6 – Sunday, April 5, 2020
Location: Upper Gallery, Lower Gallery and Lobby
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Ave. West, Toronto, ON
Available for interviews at the Opening Night Reception: Anthony Ricciardi, Peter Triantos, and Emanuele Lepri
For more information on the “We Adore You” and “Dreaming in Colour” exhibitions, please visit villacharities.com.
About Anthony Ricciardi
Anthony is a renowned multi-disciplinary artist from Toronto who showcases his canvases, murals and installations internationally. He introduces his diverse audiences to distinctive, vivid and colourful one-of-a-kind masterpieces organized and presented in unique arrangements.
After leaving the comforts and clout of a successful career in the corporate-finance world to pursue his true passion and lifelong dream, the self-taught creator has mastered a talent for inventive colour-mixing and layered creations to elicit enthusiastic reactions and powerful positive emotions.
His large-scale private commission murals and individual artworks have been shown worldwide including Toronto, Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, Brazil, Miami, London and Manchester. His artwork forms part of many important private, corporate and public collections.
About Peter Triantos
Peter is an abstract painter and printmaker who never stops evolving his unique vision. He brings dynamic energy to his process and to expressing his core beliefs: that his art can and should be joyful; that it be passionate and intrinsically beautiful; that he express reflections of life and nature; that he creates thank-you notes to humanity.
Besides Peter’s own galleries in downtown Toronto, his artwork is represented by Art Rental at the Art Gallery of Ontario, HG Contemporary Gallery in Chelsea, NYC and Gallery Biba in Palm Beach, Florida. Peter has participated in exhibitions in Auckland, Seoul, Hong Kong, Basel, New York, Saratoga Springs NY, Miami and Napa Valley, California among many others.
About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.
About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Patriquin
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 Ext. 230
jessicap@wearemaverick.com
Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com