2021: A Celebration of our
On April 15, 2021, Villa Charities proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, we are hosted a series of virtual initiatives and programming throughout the year that honoured the past, recognized the history and contribution that the Italian Canadian community has made to Canada, and looked 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 more than 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 year-long celebration by enjoying all the special content we have created in honour of this historic occasion. We thank everyone who helped us celebrate our 50th anniversary by enjoying all the special content we created in honour of this historic occasion.
Viva Villa Charities, for another 50 years!
A Message from the Prime Minister of Canada
In recognition of Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, sent a congratulatory message and video.
Watch the Congratulatory Video
A Message from Marco Mendicino, MP
In recognition of Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, Hon. Marco Mendicino, MP, Eglinton-Lawrence / Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship sent a congratulatory message.
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, 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
In celebration of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary, TLN Media Group produced a series of commemorative interstitials featuring interviews with members of the Villa Charities family, including founders, board members and stakeholders.
Watch TLN Media Group’s 50th Anniversary Highlight Videos
City of Toronto Honours VCI’s 50th Anniversary
In honour of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary, the City of Toronto issued a congratulatory scroll in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the community and accomplishments over the past 50 years.
