About Us
Villa Charities Proudly Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
On April 15, 2021, Villa Charities proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, we are hosting a series of virtual initiatives and programming throughout the year that will honour the past, recognize the history and contribution that the Italian Canadian community has made to Canada, and look forward to future growth and opportunities.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) was established in 1971 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.
Since then, the organization has transformed and grown to adapt to the needs of the changing community around us. As a registered charity, Villa Charities’ mission is to enrich 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. We fulfill this mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with our affiliates and independent organizations. The Villa Charities affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Toronto; Villa Colombo Vaughan and 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 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 many programs and experiences.
We invite you to join our celebration by enjoying all the special content we have created in honour of this historic occasion. Tell us how Villa Charities has impacted your life using #VCI50.
Viva Villa Charities, for another 50 years!
Check out all our initiatives for #VCI50
TORONTO Sign Commemorative Lighting
To commemorate Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, the TORONTO sign at Nathan Phillips Square will be lit up in the Italian flag colours on April 15! If you’re in the neighbourhood, take a photo of the iconic Toronto landmark lit in green, white and red for a chance to win a $100 Eataly Toronto gift card. Please be sure to participate safely and follow all the recommended COVID-19 protocols.
CN Tower Themed Night Lighting for Villa Charities
The CN Tower will be lit in the Italian flag colours of 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, tonight. View the lighting in person if you live in the neighbourhood or watch the CN Tower’s EarthCam feed here.
Historical Timeline
Over the last 50 years, there have been many memorable highlights throughout the Villa Charities’ journey. View our Historical Timeline to revisit special moments and key milestones, that led to where we are today.
View the Historical Timeline Here
50th Anniversary Celebratory Greetings Videos
As part of the anniversary celebrations, key community leaders, luminaries and renowned Italian personalities were invited to share congratulatory greetings acknowledging the organization’s milestone.
Watch 50th Anniversary Celebratory Greetings Videos
TLN Media Group Commemorates VCI’s 50th Anniversary
Watch TLN Media Group’s 50th Anniversary Highlight Videos
Check out our Instagram Filter and our VCI50 Branded Facebook Frame to Celebrate our 50th Anniversary
In honour of our 50th anniversary this year, we’re sharing lots of fun and interactive social media content for the Villa Charities community. Celebrate #VCI50 with our custom Instagram filter and Facebook frame! Join in the festivities with these interactive features and be sure to tag us on social media so we can see!
Our Mission:
Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
Our Vision:
Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.
Our Values:
Compassion, Integrity, Transparency, Collaboration, Excellence, Respect and Diversity
Villa Charities Campus Map
Click to enlarge.
New Protocols and Procedures Guide
Read our “New Protocols and Procedures” digital guide, for a summary of the new safety measures implemented for our on-site programs and services.
