VILLA CHARITIES ITALIAN CANADIAN
Immigrant Tribute Project
Villa Charities Foundation wants you to reconnect with your heritage – in Italy!
We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Italy travel contest in support of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project, which honours Italian Canadian immigrants and their families. Anyone who purchases a Villa Charities Immigrant Tribute plaque during the promotional period of Thursday, May 15 to Monday, June 30, 2025, will be entered into a contest for a chance to win two (2) round-trip economy flights to Italy, valued at approximately $3,500.*
Increase your chances of winning with each additional plaque purchased during the promotional period counted as an additional bonus entry! For each plaque purchase, a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount. Current donors who have already purchased a Tribute plaque will be automatically entered.
Be sure to tell your family and friends about this limited time offer to embark on an unforgettable journey to Italy.
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.
The Immigrant Tribute installation and sculpture is a destination for people of Italian heritage to gather, commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on their immigrant heritage and collective achievements. The wall features individual plaques with the names of family members and the year they immigrated from Italy to Canada.
Download our Sales Sheet for the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute.
Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute
Installation Now Open
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 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 celebrated 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, 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.
Blessing of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation
His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto led a public ceremony yesterday where he blessed the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation.
With over 600 people in attendance, the highly anticipated appearance by Canada’s newest Cardinal marked Italian Heritage Month and celebrated the remarkable history and journey of the Italian Canadians who have played such a pivotal role in this city and country.
The event took place in front of the Tribute installation at Toronto’s Columbus Centre. The gathering brought together community members, Tribute Project donors and dignitaries in celebration, highlighting the profound importance of the occasion.
Cardinal Leo delivered his special address and conducted the historic blessing of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation. Following the blessing, a special plaque to commemorate the occasion was unveiled by Marco DeVuono and Cardinal Leo.