Honouring Heritage: Villa Charities Unveils Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation
Toronto – Villa Charities has officially unveiled the Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation at the Columbus Centre, marking a significant moment in celebrating the contributions of Italian Canadians to Canada. The installation, located at Lawrence Avenue West and Dufferin Street, serves as a permanent testament to the legacy of Italian immigrants who shaped the cultural fabric of the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by over 500 people, began at 10:00 a.m. yesterday and featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Villa Charities executives, donors, architects, artists, and elected officials. Among the notable attendees were 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; and Anna Roberts, MP for King-Vaughan.
A Tribute to Legacy
The Immigrant Tribute installation, designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., is a multifaceted landmark engraved with plaques that display the names of Italian Canadian immigrants and the years they arrived in Canada. The ‘fluttering’ design of the wall conveys a sense of motion, symbolizing the journeys of those who made Canada their home. The installation is anchored by Hope, a bronze statue created by artist Aldo Cundari, representing a 1950s-era immigrant family with aspirations for a better future.
“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.”
A Gathering Place for Reflection
Accompanied by a landscaped area, the installation offers a unique space for visitors to reflect on the struggles and successes of Italian Canadian immigrants. Kim Storey of Brown + Storey Architects Inc. noted, “The installation was designed as a vibrant gathering place and a destination to celebrate Italian Canadian immigrants and their contributions. 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.”
Ongoing Legacy
The unveiling marked the completion of the installation’s first phase, with plaque sales ongoing. Canadians can purchase personalized plaques for $1,000, with the proceeds supporting Villa Charities Foundation’s initiatives, including senior care, youth services, education, and cultural programming. Each plaque purchase also includes the opportunity to share family stories and photographs on the Immigrant Tribute website, preserving their histories for future generations.
“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.”
Donors can easily locate their family plaques through a QR code at the site, ensuring their stories remain connected to the installation.
Looking Ahead
The Tribute Project offers a growing platform to honour Italian Canadian heritage while supporting essential community services. For more information or to purchase a plaque, visit villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com.
As Villa Charities continues to build on this vision, the Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation stands as a beacon of resilience and hope, celebrating a legacy that will inspire for generations to come.
