TIMELINE

The Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation was officially opened on November 13, 2024, to a crowd of more than 500 attendees. The event featured politicians, Board members, members of the Italian community and Tribute Project donors and their families, who came out to celebrate the launch of the historic heritage project honouring Italian Canadian immigrants.

In September 2023, Villa Charities launched the inaugural Young Artist Grant, a national grant program to support young Italian Canadian artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music and film. 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. 

In July 2022, Villa Charities launched the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, to honour Italian Canadian immigrants and their families. The Immigrant Tribute installation will be a destination for people of Italian heritage to gather, commemorate, celebrate and reflect on their collective achievements. When completed, the wall will feature thousands of individual plaques  with the names of family members and the year they immigrated from Italy to Canada. 

On April 15, 2021, Villa Charities proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary. For the past five decades, VCI has played an important role in supporting the Italian community and advancing the appreciation and promotion of Italian culture. Today, Villa Charities also attracts an increasingly diverse non-Italian community who enjoy Italian culture through numerous programs and experiences at VCI.

The Columbus Centre’s milestone 40th anniversary (October 10, 2020) was commemorated by two special art exhibitions hosted in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. “40 under Forty” featured artwork by 40 artists under the age of forty, and a special anniversary collage was created by multimedia artist and VCI Artist in Residence Franco Berti.

Villa Charities Foundation hosted an exclusive charitable event with special guest, Formula 1™ driver Antonio Giovinazzi, on June 4, 2019, at the Columbus Centre. This event kicked off Villa Charities’ Italian Heritage Month programming.

In 2018, the City of Toronto designated the rotunda and lobby of the Columbus Centre as a heritage site, in part for its role in fostering Canadian multiculturalism.

Guests were invited to step back into the jazz era and relive the glamour and mystique of the legendary jazz lounges at the 2017 Venetian Ball. Villa Charities’ signature annual fundraising event was held on March 30, 2017, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The 40th Annual Villa Charities Golf Classic, presented by Lady York Foods, was held on June 21, 2016 at Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg, Ontario.

On April 28, 2016, Villa Charities along with the Committee for the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Project inaugurated the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Wall, commemorating a thousand Italian workers who were killed working in Ontario. The following year, another thousand were added when the project broadened its scope to all of Canada.

Villa Charities Foundation and the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation co-hosted a tribute event on April 15, 2015, at the Liberty Grand, honouring two “Pioneers in Excellence,” Dr. Fred Gentili, a Canadian pioneer in skull base surgery, and the late Fred De Gasperis and the De Gasperis family, who built ConDrain Construction Ltd. (Left to right) Antonio De Gasperis, Jim V. De Gasperis, Dr. Fred Gentili, Angelo De Gasperis

Members of the Villa Mediterraneo Association donated $200,000 to Villa Charities Foundation toward the purchase of 63 new state-of-the-art beds at Villa Colombo.  The new beds were installed on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th floors of Villa Colombo’s Fidani wing (Pictured left to right) Dr. Morana and Edward Sorbara.

In June 1944, following a deadly battle between Canadian and German Armoured units in the town of Torrice, members of a Canadian Transport Unit found a wounded little Italian boy. After providing care for him, the Canadian soldiers determined that this little boy was now an orphan and homeless. Three Canadian soldiers – Lloyd ‘Red’ Oliver, Paul Hagen and Mert Massey took little Gino under their wings and became his mentors and tutors.

Included in the BizBash Top 100 Toronto events for 2013, this star-studded edition of the Venetian Ball was hosted by TV personality Dina Pugliese and featured legendary singer-songwriter Canadian Paul Anka as the performer. (October 2013).

At the 6^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraising Event, Lead Sponsor Lady York Foods’ team members gathered for a photo.

Villa Charities marked its 40^th anniversary with a cocktail reception and official ceremony on April 17, 2011. The milestone was also commemorated by a special Fellini retrospective exhibition in partnership with TIFF in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery and the production of a special 40^th anniversary magazine.

2010 Venetian Ball Co-Chairs Steven Muzzo and James Di Luca pose with legendary singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer Stevie Wonder, who headlined at the gala fundraising event.

The new Italian Ambassador to Canada visits the Columbus Centre. (L to R) Nick Torchetti, Pal Di Iulio, Ambassador Andrea Meloni, G. Barini, Nick Sgro.

A luncheon was held to raise funds for the Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund. (Left to right) Senator Consiglio Di Nino, Sergio Marchionne, Pal Di Iulio.

Guests of the lavish annual fundraising event posed for a photo to celebrate the occasion.

VITA Board receives a cheque from the Province of Ontario.

Villa Charities Foundation launches its first Giro Cycling Fundraising Event in support of Villa Charities’ programs and services. (Left to right) K. Sorbara, G. Sobara, E. Sobara, C. Di Nino

Politicians and past Board Presidents cut the cake to celebrate Columbus Centre’s 25th anniversary. (Left to right) M. Giomini, M. Colle, J. Volpe, J. Bartleman, P. Di Iulio, N. Torchetti, T. Fusco, R. Martella, T. Varone, R. Pillon, P. Pellegrini, J. Chiappetta, H. Moscoe

Opening of Casa Abruzzo, the 175-unit apartment building for independent seniors and Centro Abruzzo.

Official Villa Colombo Vaughan opening: (left to right front row) D. Chiesa, L. Jackson, G. Sorbara, R. Bratty, A. DeGasperis, S. Ciccolini, Maria di Salvo (the first Villa Colombo Vaughan resident), G. Smitherman, M. Bevilaqua, D. Alfieri

Villa Colombo Vaughan rooftop ceremony (beginning second from left): T. Varone, M. Ferri, E. Rinomato, J. De Gasperis, P. Di Iulio, S. Ciccolini, M. Baldassarra

(Left to right) Edoardo Ponti, Sophia Loren, Elvio Del Zotto and The Honourable Hilary Weston, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at the “Viva Italia" event in support of Villa Charities.

From the new site acquired for Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre (or VCV) were (left to right) Rudolph Bratty, John Di Poce and Domenic Alfieri.

Acclaimed actress Sophia Loren visited Villa Colombo Toronto with members and friends of Villa Charities. (Left to right) R. Grittani, T. Varone, A. Cundari, N. Profetto, Mrs. Caruso, M. Caruso, Sophia Loren, E. Di Pasquale, J. Di Poce, J. Lippa, R. Bratty,
E. Cuttini.

Villa Colombo Services for Seniors was awarded 125 new long-term care beds.

(Left to right front row) M. Dalla Nora, VITA Members, M. Caruso, M. Di Biase, G. Mammoliti, VITA member

Art, fashion shows, carnival rides, a market, and lots of other entertainment were all part of the Caboto Celebrations at Lawrence and Dufferin, marking the spirit of discovery by explorer Giovanni Caboto. With the logo were (L to R) Vince Papa as Giovanni Caboto, ICBC executive director Pal Di Iulio, Caboto Celebrations chair Tony Fusco and well-known singers from Italy performing in concert: Carla Boni, Gino Latilla, Wilma De Angelis and Nino Rossi. (June 1990)

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Villa Charities, Heart in Hand Awards were presented to (left to right) Elvio Del Zotto, Colly Cavalluzzo, Father Luigi Malorzo, Helen Lettieri, John Gennaro and Galli Tiberini. Mssrs. Del Zotto and Gennaro received special lifetime achievement awards for their volunteer work with Villa Charities (1996).

Villa Charities Inc., the new corporate name of the Italian Canadian Benevolent Corporation (ICBC), was officially launched at a ‘Meet the Neighbours Brunch’ on October 4, 1995, at Columbus Centre. Representing each of the boards were Presidents (left to right) Toni Varone for Villa Charities, Renzo Pillon for Columbus Centre, Enrico De Pasquale for Villa Colombo, John Gennaro for VITA Community Living Services, and event chair Nick Simone. (October 1995)

Businessman Joseph Burman (right) honoured long-standing volunteers Marco Muzzo (left) and Fred De Gasperis (second from right) through a generous donation to Villa Charities in their names. Foundation President Rudolph Bratty and Villa Charities President Toni Varone unveil a plaque honouring the two men at a luncheon held at Villa Colombo. (May 1995)

The first Villa d’Arte at Villa Colombo was a piazza with music, food, new fashions, auctions and fun. Co-chairs Roberto Martella (top L) and Catherine Barbaro (6^th from right in front row) posed with volunteers who helped at the event. (1994)

At a joint conference at Queen’s Park expressing concerns about retaining cultural sensitivity and volunteer-based groups in changes to the long-term care system were: (L-R) Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Vice-President of public and community affairs Moshe Greengarten, Villa Colombo Board President John Capo, and chairman of the board of the Yee Hong Wellness Foundation Dr. Joseph Wong. (1993)

Honouring many years of volunteer leadership with the ICBC, the Rudolph P. Bratty Athletic Wing was dedicated to recognize his contributions. At his personal request, the unveiling took place informally. In attendance were (left to right) Columbus Centre administrator Ugo Di Federico, ICBC Board member Silvio De Gasperis, ICBC Chair Senator Consiglio Di Nino, Foundation Board members Joseph D. Carrier, Orey Fidani, Rudolph Bratty, Joseph Chiappetta and Fred De Gasperis, ICBC President Toni Varone, Villa Colombo President John Capo, ICBC auditor Tony Canale and ICBC Executive Director Pal Di Iulio. (1992)

A community reception was held at Villa Colombo to honour the appointment of the first Italian Canadian to the Supreme Court of Canada. Celebrating were (left to right) ICBC President Senator Consiglio Di Nino, the Honourable Mr. Justice Frank Iacobucci, National Congress of Italian Canadians president Annamarie Castrilli, and Villa Colombo Governor Elvio Del Zotto. (April 1991)

 A reception celebrated the appointment of ICBC President Consiglio Di Nino to the Senate of Canada, as well as the tenth anniversary of Columbus Centre. In front of a large cake were: (left to right) ICBC President Toni Varone, ICBC Executive Director Pal Di Iulio, VCLA Honourary Chair Mary Bartolini, Senator Consiglio Di Nino, ICBC Vice-President Mary Lou Ianni, granddaugter Kristin Di Nino, Italian Canadian Charitable Foundation President Anthony J. Fusco and Minister of Finance Michael Wilson. (October 1990)

At the official opening of Casa Del Zotto, (left to right) ICBC Chair Consiglio Di Nino posed with brothers Elvio, Angelo, and Leo Del Zotto. The newest apartment building on the Villa Charities campus would house over 200 independent seniors. (June 1990)

Art auctioneers Perry Dolente (left) and Dino Longo posed at Un Asta un Maschera (A Masked Auction) at the Carrier Art Gallery. (November 1989)

VITA Community Living Services was created in 1985 to serve developmentally challenged adults in group-home settings. It was soon evident that more was needed. Joseph Cordiano MPP (centre) visited the new VITA day programs with board President John Gennaro (left) and administrator Manuela Dalla Nora (right). (1990)

Ontario Premier David Peterson (left) congratulated past ICBC President Anthony J. Fusco (centre), his mother Enza Fusco, and his brother Joseph Fusco (right) at the official opening of the new Joseph Fusco Memorial Wing at Villa Colombo. The ICBC were recognizing the Fusco brothers who named the wing in honour of their father. (May 1987)

Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Gregory Sorbara and Federal Minister of Communications Flora MacDonald unveiled a dedication plaque at the official opening of the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery with Joe Carrier (right). (May 1987)

Italian President Francesco Cossiga (left to right) officiated at the unveiling of a cornerstone for the new Joseph Fusco Memorial Wing at Villa Colombo with Ontario Premier David Peterson, Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Susanna Agnelli, and ICBC President Consiglio Di Nino. (June 1986)

At the sod-turning ceremony for the new wing at Villa Colombo were (left to right) VCT Board President Frank Ciccolini, building committee chair Harold Fidani, Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services John Sweeney turning the first shovel of earth with ICBC President Consiglio Di Nino, North York Mayor Mel Lastman, Ontario Cabinet Ministers Gregory Sorbara and Monte Kwinter, and ICBC Chair Joseph Chiappetta.

Officiating at the opening ceremonies of the 259-apartment seniors’ building Caboto Terrace were (left to right) ICBC President Joseph Chiappetta, ICBC Vice-President Rudolph Bratty, Roland De Corneille MP, building committee co-chair Angelo Del Zotto, Solicitor General Robert Kaplan and Senator Peter Bosa. (December 1983)

Thousands came to see world-renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti (centre) at Columbus Centre for a reception in his honour. Welcoming him were (left to right) ICBC President Joseph Chiappetta, ICBC Chair Joseph D. Carrier, women’s committee and gala event chair Georgina Madott and ICBC fundraising committee chair Rudolph Bratty. (January 1982)

La Festa dell’uva (Grape Festival) at Columbus Centre celebrated the autumn harvest and encouraged fun-filled participation from politicians such as North York Mayor Mel Lastman being fed grapes by City of York Mayor Gayle Christie. (1981)

Anthony J. Fusco (left) gave a tour of Villa Colombo to Italian Prime Minister Amintore Fanfani (centre) and Italian Ambassador Paolo Fulci (right) while Carabinieri formed an honour guard. (Autumn 1981)

The active Youth Advisory Committee of the ICBC prepared a report on priorities for the new Italian Canadian cultural centre. Some of the members pictured include Maria Augimeri, Alex Brigante, Domenic Brigante, Linda Carbone, John Cirillo, Lindo Cirillo, Richard Coleman, Mike Correale, Anna Cosentino, Carla De Gasperis, Perry Dolente, Tony Fera Jr., Annamarie Fusco, Don Gesuldi, Joe Mastrangelo, Mary Anne Matranga, Linda Orsino, Terry Saunderson, Nick Torchetti, Phil Ursino, and Gerry Zentil. (Circa 1978)

Officiating the opening ceremonies of Columbus Centre were: (left to right) North York Mayor Mel Lastman, Senator Peter Bosa, ICBC President Anthony J. Fusco, Ontario Premier William G. Davis, acting ICBC President Joseph Chiappetta, Italian Ambassador Paolo Fulci, and ICBC Board Chair Joseph D. Carrier. The children’s choir (above) sang the national anthems on this very proud occasion. (October 1980)

Anthony J. Fusco (left) joined actress Sophia Loren on her visit to Villa Colombo Toronto, where she autographed her newly released biography for residents and fans.

Thanking telethon viewers for their generosity were (left to right) Anthony J. Fusco, special guest hosts Rosanno Brazzi and Gina Lollobrigida, and Paul Ariemma.
(May 1978)

At the ICBC annual general meeting, the architectural model of the campus, including the proposed Columbus Centre, was presented to members by (left to right) ICBC Vice-President Joseph Chiappetta, President Anthony J. Fusco, Executive Director Paul Ariemma, Governor Elio Rosati, Chair Joseph D. Carrier, and Celeste Iacobelli. (1978)

Some of the founding members of the Villa Colombo Ladies’ Auxiliary (VCLA) posed for a photograph: (left to right) Angela Mealia, Josie Carrier, Elsie Lato, Mary Fidani, Marie McCormick, Mary Bartolini, Jenny Alexander, Tony Ciccarelli, Lucy Fidani, Elda Marcocchio, Esther Shiner, and May Nunzi. (April 1976)

ICBC Board member Frank Ciccolini proudly sang the National Anthem at the official opening of Villa Colombo Toronto. Guests and board members seen in the photo were: (left to right first row) ICBC Governor Laureano Leone, North York Controller Jim Trimbee, North York Mayor Mel Lastman,  ICBC President Anthony J. Fusco, building committee chair Joe Marrese, Ontario Premier William G. Davis, opening event chair and ICBC Governor George Damiani, ICBC Board Chair Joseph D. Carrier, Canada Housing Minister Barney Danson, Italian Consul General Rosario Nicosia, Nick Leluk MPP, Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services James Taylor, ICBC Vice-President Consiglio Di Nino, (left to right second row) North York Alderman Esther Shiner, and ICBC Governors Dario D’Angela, Johnny Lombardi, Marie McCormick and Elvio Del Zotto. (April 1976)

In 1976, the Mother’s Day Telethon efforts were redirected to raise funds for victims of a major earthquake in Friuli, Italy. Appealing for funds were (left to right) Primo Di Luca, President of the Famee Furlane, ICBC Executive Director and telethon producer Paul Ariemma, and Marco Muzzo, Co-Chair of fundraising for the disaster. More than $700,000 was raised. (May 1976)

 ICBC Board Chair Joseph D. Carrier, President Anthony J. Fusco, and Villa Colombo construction superintendent Jim Cirillo proudly raised the Canadian and Italian flags for the roof topping ceremony marking completion of the Villa Colombo external structure. (April 1975)

The generosity and commitment of the community were clearly demonstrated by the most successful fundraising event ever held by Italian Canadians in the Toronto area up to that time. In the photo, master of ceremonies Jerry Lewis encouraged donations while (left to right) Josie Carrier, special guest American Ambassador to Italy John Volpe, Joseph D. Carrier and honourary patron His Grace Philip F. Pocock, Archbishop of Toronto, listen to the comedian’s remarks. (June 1974)

Proudly presenting the model of Villa Colombo at the official unveiling were (left to right) Joseph D. Carrier, Alfredo De Gasperis, Rudolph P. Bratty, Anthony J. Fusco. (Toronto Star- May 1974)

Members of the 756 Ossington Seniors Club visited the newly purchased Playfair Avenue site of Villa Colombo Toronto with ICBC President Anthony J. Fusco (third from right), ICBC staff Palmacchio (Pal) Di Iulio (third from left) and Paul Ariemma (first on left). (July 1974)

Between 1971 and 1974, hundreds of meetings and events were held to support the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged (Villa Colombo Toronto) project. At the Italo-Canadian Recreation Club, (left to right) John Di Poce, Consiglio Di Nino, Marco Muzzo and Paul Ariemma reported on progress. (Circa 1972)

Copy of a poster from the original lottery campaign to raise money for a casa di riposo per gli anziani (a rest home for seniors). (April 1971)

At the ICBC Inaugural Ball, Cristina Cardona, winner of the ICBC’s Oldest Italian Contest at age 101, received flowers from Charlene Tamburro with her husband ICBC Board Vice-President Dr. Rocco Tamburro. Signora Cardone sits in a rocking chair presented to her with founding ICBC President Elio Madonia (standing). (October 1971)