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Welcome to the site of the Order of Sons of Italy - Garibaldi Lodge in Winnipeg, Canada. As we enjoy a joint chapter with the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA), this site represents both organizations. See "About Us" for more info.
Sons of Italy donates toys to Children's Hospital
A little over three months ago, while many rushed to purchase that final gift on the last shopping day before Christmas, 300 less fortunate were gathered at a pool hall on Sargent Avenue to enjoy a free and festive meal on Christmas Eve.
Yes, the 6th annual Sons of Italy Christmas Eve Feast was a huge success. With the help of our major sponsors, X-Cues Cafe and Billiards, Sorrento's restaurant on Ellice and West End BIZ, as well as dozens of donors and about 50 volunteers, the event put smiles on the faces of many families from the West End.
In fact, our donors were so generous, we again had surplus funds. The Christmas Eve Feast has supported the Children's Hospital in the past, purchasing a dishwasher for their play room (to wash toys between use), a MacBook laptop (for their music program), a flat screen TV for a waiting room, and last year, an iPad for use by children who cannot leave their room.
DROPPING OFF A TRUCK-LOAD OF TOYS AT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
L-R: Isla Crawford, Certified Child Life Specialist; Child Life Specialist & Therapeutic Clown "Onri"; Suzanne Harms, Administrative Assistant and Reneé Ethans, Manager Child Life Dept, Children's Hospital, Sal Infantino of X-Cues Cafe & Billiards, Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner Executive Director West End BIZ, Reno Augellone & John Giavedoni, Sons of Italy and Co-Chairs. Missing: Gerry Lomonaco, Sorrento's on Ellice.
This year we again approached Reneé Ethans, Manager, Child Life Dept. at the Children's Hospital to understand their needs. We received an 8 page list of toys that the children like, that are safe and work well in the hospital environment.
Never to shy away from a challenge, we took the list to Value Lots in the West End, it's manager Jamie Bacon, a big supporter of the Christmas Eve Feast. By giving us at or near cost pricing, we were able to purchase toys valued well over $1,000. We filled a pickup truck with the boxes, and ho-ho-ho, we delivered the toys in time for Easter.
Reneé Ethans was speechless when she saw all the boxes, saying that "this donation will have our kids smiling for months to come." Onri, a Therapeutic Clown was all smiles -- or was that his face paint?
Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner, Executive Director of the West End BIZ, said that it is wonderful how the community has joined with Sons of Italy to make this donation possible.
Co-chair Reno Augellone said that despite the work involved in putting on the feast, "it is all about the children." John Giavedoni added that it was wonderful to know that "the event does not end on Christmas Eve, it's impact carries on throughout the year."
A big thank you to all of the Sons of Italy members who made this possible through your donations of time and money!
Sons of Italy Donates $100,000
to Feed Children
Wow ... what a night! While we fed our own appetites on a fantastic dinner that just didn't stop, and quenched our thirst on fine wine, we filled our ears with the sultry sounds of Sinatra and exercised our legs with dancing to the music of Ron Paley's Big Band, 1,300 attendees at this year's Sons of Italy Gala were doing something else too. Yes, we were also helping the hungry infants of Winnipeg -- and in a big way!
L-R: Franco Petrelli (Gala Co-Chair), David Northcott (Winnipeg Harvest), Garth Buchko (Hunger for Hope), Rob Johnson (RBC), Kate Brenner (Winnipeg Harvest), Travis Giavedoni (SOI Treasurer), Justin Bova (SOI President), Tom De Nardi (Gala Co-Chair)
The 26th Annual Sons of Italy was one for the record books. The sold out audience and strong support from Royal Bank and other sponsors allowed us to give an unprecedented $100,000 to the Winnipeg Harvest Hunger for Hope program. This amount is expected to feed about 1,600 infants for 6 months.
David Northcott, Winnipeg Harvest Executive Director couldn't believe it when he saw the number written on the cheque! Garth Buchko, Chair of Hunger for Hope, was all smiles and  talked about the wonderful generosity shown by the Sons of Italy.
The giving didn't end there. We also donated $10,000 to the Dante Aligheiri Cultural Society, an organization that teaches Italian language to children (ages 4 - 18) and adults in Winnipeg. The cheque was graciously accepted by Joe Leuzzi, President of the Dante Aligheiri.
Speaking of teaching, Sons of Italy Garibaldi Lodge donated $10,000 to the University of Winnipeg Opportunity Fund. With a matching donation by SOI member and  University of Winnipeg alumni Joe Bova, the donation totaled $20,000. Bill Balan, VP & CAO of the University of Winnipeg accepted the larger-than-life cheque.
All of this generosity while our guests enjoyed a beautiful antipasto / salad plate followed by a conchiglie pasta dish. There was time to sit back and savour the Cinzano Rosso before the main course of tender roasted filet of beef tenderloin and a breast of chicken with gorgonzola potatos and vegetables. A light mocha cheesecake with Grand Marnier chocolate sauce completed this part of dinner.
 Dinner was accompanied by both red and white wines, and sparkling water.
Joe Aiello was honoured with the Professional of the Year Award, by the Canadian Italian Business Professional Association. National President, Bob Sacco was on hand to present Joe, a radio personality with 92 CITI FM, with his award.
 The Vince Bova award, presented annually to a Sons of Italy member who best exemplifies the generous and hard-working spirit of the late Vince Bova was given to Cosmo Racano. Josie Cumbo, President of the Order of Sons of Italy of Canada, gave Cosmo the well deserved award.
And no, we weren't done then either. We gave away five fantastic raffle draw prizes, ranging from a two week trip to Italy to an adventure-packed two day guided fishing trip in Manitoba.
Next, attention turned to our featured performer, Steve Lippia. The ballroom lights were dimmed and the three tier bandstand was lit with a soft blue hue. Once the spotlight hit Steve, you were transformed. Steve Lippia did  not sound like Frank Sinatra, he became Frank Sinatra!
A few songs into his performance, Steve Lippia, who lives in Las Vegas but performs across North America, called people up to the dance floor, and from that point the party was on!
For those who worked up a hunger on the dance floor, the espresso and pastry bar opened in the lobby. But in the ballroom, music and dancing was the focus. When Steve Lippia's 75 minute performance was finished, it was not time to go home. On the contrary, the Ron Paley Big Band carried on, bringing onstage multiple singers to supplement the dynamic sound of the 16 piece orchestra. The dance floor was packed right until the last song.
 It was an amazing evening (see photos), full of great food, fun times, singing, dancing, and most importantly, and incredible opportunity for Sons of Italy with its sponsors, supporters and gala attendees to make a difference in the community!
And the final word comes from our 2012 Gala Co-chairs Franco Petrelli and Tom De Nardi: "We hope to see you all there again next year!"
CIBPA Professional of the Year:
Joe Aiello
The CIBPA Winnipeg chapter of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA) is please to announce this year's winner of the coveted CIBPA Professional of the Year Award is Mr. Joe Aiello.
 The CIBPA Professional of the Year Award is given to a business professional of Italian heritage who gains a high level of professional achievement while at the same time works towards improvement within both the Italian community of Winnipeg as well as the greater community.
Joe Aiello will be familiar to listeners of 92 CITI FM as the "Joe" in the "Tom and Joe morning show". He will also be familiar to many as he attends about 250 community and charity events per year. He says his hectic schedule is just his way of giving back to causes that he feels are worthy. [click to read full interview with Joe Aiello]
Joe Aiello will accept his award at this year's Sons of Italy Gala Dinner on March 17, 2012. The gala is in support of a cause close to Joe's heart: helping Winnipeg Harvest feed children.
CIBPA is a nationwide network of Italian Canadian individuals who perform in the business and professional arenas of Canada. The CIBPA Winnipeg chapter is a dual membership with the Sons of Italy Garibaldi Lodge, allowing members to enjoy the benefits of both national groups.
Scholarship Winners
Order Sons of Italy is proud to announce the 2012 Garibaldi Lodge Scholarship winners. Two $1,000 scholarships are presented annually to students of Italian origin who are entering post-secondary education. Students are evaluated on their marks, financial need, extra-curricular activities and contributions to the Italian community.
Cosmo Racano, scholarship committee chair, announced that the two winners this year are Cristina Ardita and Alessandro Augellone. "The quality of  the candidates applying this year was outstanding," said scholarship committee member John Giavedoni. Also on the committee is Danny DiVito and Carmine Scarpino.
Cristina Ardita (see photo) attended the SOI February meeting to receive her award and expressed her gratitude to the group for the scholarship money and explained how much it meant to receive the recognition for her achievements thus far. Alessandro Augellone, studying for an exam at the time of our meeting, will attend in March.
For full details on this year's winners, the scholarship process, application forms and past winners, visit our scholarship page.
Christmas Eve Feast Wows
 On Saturday, December 24th, 2011, 300 people converged on a pool hall on Sargent and were treated to a full Christmas Dinner, complete with turkey, meatballs, pasta, vegetables, buns and dessert. The children visited with Santa and Mrs Claus and everyone left with a gift bag.
Sons of Italy, in conjunction with X-Cues Billiards and Café, Sorrento’s on Ellice and the West End BIZ hosted the sixth annual Christmas Eve Feast. The dinner was served at X- Cues, 551 Sargent Avenue. There were three sittings, starting at 11:30 a.m.
 The dinner is a small way to help those in the community who may find this time of year difficult by providing a hot meal, entertainment and company to share it with. Some experienced their first Christmas in Canada and for others it provided their only holiday meal.
Dozens of volunteers help to make this event a success. Co-chairs Reno Augellone and John Giavedoni wish to thank all who donated their time to transform X-Cues into a Christmas dining room and to put together 180 food hampers and 140 child gift bags.
The event enjoyed great media coverage both on radio (CBC) and TV (Global and CTV). Check out the Global TV coverage below:
A second big thank you goes to those who donated money to the event. While most of the food served was donated, we utilize financial donations to purchase the adult gift bags (food hamper, toques, gloves and socks as well as a hygiene kit) and the child gift bags (toys and gloves).
Go to our Christmas Eve Feast page for more details on the event, donors and a gallery of pictures.
Lunch with Mayor Katz - SOLD OUT!
 Garibaldi Lodge President, Justin Bova, announced today a Lunch with Mayor Sam Katz on Thursday December 1, 2011. The luncheon will be at the Manitoba Club, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
In making the announcement, Justin said “We feel it is important to reach beyond our own cultural community and partner with like minded organizations that create mutual benefits and opportunities." In this regard, Sons of Italy will be partnering with the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce for this luncheon.
 Romel Dhalla, Interim Secretary of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce said he "welcomes this opportunity to work with Sons of Italy on this event."
At only $40 per person, this is not a fundraiser. Rather, it is another example of the Club providing opportunities to its membership while building relationships in the broader community.
Those interested in attending can purchase tickets at $40, or a table of 10 for $400. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and will not be available at the door.
Justin commented that "We look forward to Mayor Katz’s remarks and the great ambiance and hospitality of the Manitoba Club.” Seating is limited, so those interested are asked to purchase online today.
Italian Scholarship Awarded
The Sons of Italy Garibaldi Lodge Italian Studies Scholarship for 2011/2012 has been awarded to two deserving University of Manitoba students. The $600 scholarship is awarded annually to a student entering third year in the Italian Minor program who has achieved a high level of scholastic achievement.
This year, the selection committee of the University of Manitoba selected Douglas O'Brien and Chiou-Rung Chen as award winners, receiving $300 each toward their studies. Congratulations and buona fortuna to both of them in their third year of Italian Studies.
Submissions are now closed for the SOI Scholarship and the Lupa Scholarship for students entering post-secondary institutions for the 2011/2012 school year. An announcement of the winners is expected near the end of the year. Thank you to the many who applied.
Donation to Children's Wish Once again, Sons of Italy Garibaldi Lodge has made a generous contribution to the Children's Wish Foundation.
Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is dedicated to granting an exceptional wish to every child.
From the proceeds of the SOI Golf Tournament, we were able to provide funding to the SOI Lions Soccer Club as well as give $3,000 to the Children's Wish Foundation of Manitoba to help out in granting a wish to children.
Justin Bova (SOI President, left, in picture) and Dan Potenza (SOI Golf Committee) presented Maria Toscano with a cheque for $3,000. Maria was very appreciative of our continued support, stating that in these tough times, some groups have stopped giving or are giving less -- but there is no decrease in children with life-threatening illnesses.
Folklorama - Italian Pavilion
 Sons of Italy again sponsored the outdoor entertainment tent at the 2011 Folklorama Italian Pavilion. Running from August 7 to 13 at the Centro Caboto, the pavilion featured a lively show filled with Italian songs and dancing, outstanding food and a wide range of cultural displays.
Our Sons of Italy Splendore d'Italia dancers performed in the show. Congratulations to the girls -- their hard work in months of practice resulted in a fantastic performance.
The Sons of Italy tent provided a great spot for those who wanted to eat and drink and enjoy the great weather, or for those waiting for the next show. We served Italian sausage on a bun, and the crowd favourite, porchetta on a bun, along with Italian beers, wine, granita and drinks.
Sales were steady throughout the week, helping contribute to the financial success of the Italian pavilion, with profits going the the Italian League of Manitoba.
 In addition to our financial contribution to sponsor the tent, Sons of Italy members staffed the tent all week, providing over 300 volunteer hours! Check out the photo gallery for a peek at what went on during the week.
The SOI tent coordinators, Armando Nasuti and Alex Baksina put in a long week to ensure that the tent was a great success. A special congrats to Rosy Infantino, the pavilion coordinator -- a fantastic job done.
Our Italian smiles even earned us a total of $116.75 in our tip jar! This amount has been donated to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
If you didn't make it out to Folklorama, plan to take it in next year -- the Italian pavilion was one to be proud of!
SOI Raises $37,763 for Cancer Care MB
Team Sons of Italy in its second year of participation in the Challenge for Life walk for Cancer Care Manitoba raises $37,767. That amount put us as the third largest corporate team.
Congratulations to the 24 walkers who took to the streets on a beautiful sunny Saturday, June 11th. At the half way point, the team gathered at Memorial Park, and being Italian, well charged up on the fuel of champions: espresso! After the expresso tail-gate party, the team headed on for the last half.
 Each of the walkers walked for a different reason, or a different friend/relative who has been affected by cancer. The back of the team t-shirt said it all: "Together we walk, a 'Band of Brothers'. We walk for those who cannot, we walk for those who we have lost, we walk for those who continue the fight."
Special congrats to first time walker Cam Giavedoni who raised over $4,000! If you want to donate to a team member, its not too late - grab your credit card and click here.
Check out the SOI Challenge for LIfe 2011 photo gallery for more pictures, and don't miss the video.
Rossbrook Grad goes Italian!
 Wednesday June 8th capped off another very successful year for the school program at Rossbrook House. Eighteen students graduated from grades 6, 9 and 12 in this WSD #1 program.
With excess proceeds from the Christmas Eve Feast, SOI contributed the dinner for the graduation event. About 150 parents and students attended the 45 minute ceremony, then dined on bread sticks, two types of salad and lasagne.
Sister Maria Vigna, co-Executive Director of Rossbrook House said "we were so excited to hear that Sons of Italy were wanting to do our graduation dinner for the second year -- it is so wonderful to have them involved."
SOI volunteers (L-R): Carmine Scarpino, Armando Nasuti, Justin Bova, Reno Augellone, John Giavedoni, Pat Potenza, and Angelo Costantini (not in photo)
The dinner, prepared by Sorrento's on Ellice was a huge success. Many thanks to the volunteers that helped serve the food. A full gallery of event photos can be found here.
Co-chair Reno Augellone said "it is a great event, we are proud to be able to feed the children and their parents on this wonderful occasion."
Sister Maria Vigna added, "I had a few people come up to me and say, 'those guys are having such fun!'. The Sons of Italy brings such a happy energy to our dinner."
Visit with Italian Ambassador in Ottawa
 Winnipeg members are privileged to have a joint membership with not only Sons of Italy, but full membership in Canadian Italian Business Professionals Assoc.
In May, a CIBPA board meeting was held in Ottawa. Representatives from all CIBPA chapters were in attendance, including Tat-Liang Fabio Cheam and John Giavedoni from Winnipeg. The Friday meeting included a packed afternoon discussing strategy directions and growth plans.
 When the meeting concluded, we were invited to a reception at the home of the Italian ambassador to Canada, Andrea Meloni. It is a large, stately home in Gatineau -- the perfect setting to network with the ambassador as well as fellow CIBPA National Board and members from CIBPA Ottawa.
 It is always very rewarding to take part in these national events, as they are a unique opportunity to meet members from across the country and learn about what other chapters are doing.
At the end of it all, we returned home with some fresh ideas, but of equal importance, the comfort in knowing that much of what we are doing in CIBPA Winnipeg is leading the way.
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