06/07/2026
For this week’s , we’re honoured to share an excerpt from the heartwarming story of Tonino Di Paolo, as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project.
“Tony spent his childhood in the small town (of Decontra) playing soccer, sharing meals with his family, and tending to the land. At 17 years old, alone, he left home in pursuit of the Canadian dream. Ten years after arriving in Canada, Tony started his lifelong journey of entrepreneurship with the opening of his first machine shop, Vantage. A year later, June 11, 1983, Tony and Zayda were married and soon welcomed their children Adriano, Daniela, and Jennifer. … Like many of his fellow Italians, Canada provided Tony with unmatched opportunity, family and success, but Decontra has always been in his heart.”
Tonino’s journey is part of the ever-growing Tribute installation at the Columbus Centre, where each immigrant experience becomes part of our shared history. Families may share the cost of a personalized name plaque, receive separate charitable tax receipts, or choose to pay in installments.
Give the gift of a name plaque, just in time for Father’s Day.
Buy your plaque today: https://villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com/honour-your-family/
