Shortly thereafter the Basilicata Social Club was changed to the present name of Basilicata Cultural Society of Canada. The genesis of the Basilicata Cultural Society of Canada began in the early 1980s with the creation of the Lucania Social Club. We owe a great deal of gratitude and thanks to the many generous and dedicated Lucani whose leadership and dedication started the Lucania Club in the ea
rly 1980’s. A number of executive members of the Basilicata Social Club along with other Lucani advanced the idea that the time was ripe to form a regional social-cultural organization, and the Basilicata Cultural Society of Canada was born. During our short period of existence we have made enormous progress in propagating our association and our socio-cultural goals. The establishment of our own centre in Woodbridge is a testimony of what we can accomplish when we unite toward a common goal. With the gracious support of individuals and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, we have raised funds and donated scholarships to students of Basilicata origin. We have sponsored various functions ranging from culinary events and art exhibits to theatrical productions. We can not stop here. Much more still needs to be accomplished. Like many of you, I am the beneficiary of my parents' sacrifices. Tens of thousands of people have immigrated to Canada from the Basilicata region. We have made enormous contributions to the social, economic and cultural well being of Canada. I truly believe it is incumbent upon us to not forget those sacrifices and to embrace those values that make us so great. I would like to take this opportunity to not only encourage you to become a member of the Basilicata Cultural Society of Canada, but to take an active role in influencing the direction of this organization in positively affecting the lives of others in our community.
