Calabrian Benevolent Association of Ontario - CBAO

Mother's Day is on Sunday May 10, 2026.
Buona Festa Della Mamma!
Happy Mother’s Day!

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A decade of joy and connection!

Last week, we marked 10 incredible years of supporting seniors and building community through the Senior's Day Program. Clients, families and community partners joined us as we celebrated the occasion at our annual Christmas lunch.

We were honoured to welcome Dr. Giovanni Marotta and Dr. Judith Seary of , whose presence reflects the strong partnerships that make our work possible and impactful.

Here’s to a season of togetherness and a future filled with care and compassion!

Alt text: The first photo shows a singer with a microphone, while seniors and staff dance together. The second photo shows an individual dressed as Santa Claus kneeling on the ground. The third photo is a collage that shows staff speaking to clients and clients posing for photos. The fourth photo shows people serving themselves food on plates. The fifth photo shows a staff member with a microphone in one hand and standing next to a senior client. The sixth photo shows staff and their families dancing. The seventh photo shows a staff member standing next to an individual and speaking on the microphone.

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at COSTI!

Staff, volunteers and clients at the Seniors Day Centre came together to decorate the Christmas tree with sparkling ornaments, twinkling lights and meaningful keepsakes that reflect the joy of the season. Santa joined the celebrations too, with everyone taking photos with him. They enjoyed ringing in the season with great food and company and will continue celebrating throughout the month.

Alt text: The first photo shows an elderly client decorating the Christmas tree. The second photo shows a client and Santa hugging each other. The third photo shows a client sitting next to Santa. The fourth and fifth photos show people posing for photographs with each other.

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Our seniors at the Calabrian Benevolent Seniors Day Program had an amazing Halloween celebration last week! From elaborate costumes and makeup to themed games and a pumpkin-decorating contest, they embraced the spirit of the season with creativity and enthusiasm. The lively costume parade brought out smiles and friendly competition, while COSTI staff joined in the fun—making sure everyone felt included and supported.

The Calabrian Benevolent Seniors Day Program goes far beyond simply caring for seniors. Through daily activities and special events like this, staff foster social interaction, uplift spirits and create a strong sense of belonging—helping clients enjoy a vibrant, high-quality life.

Alt text: The first photo is a collage of two photos. It shows staff and clients smiling and posing for group photos. The second photo shows two clients dressed as a sea captain and a chef. The third photo shows a client smiling for the camera after getting her face painted. The fourth photo shows a client posing in front of a painted pumpkin. The fifth photo shows a client carving a pumpkin. The sixth photo shows a client wearing a domino mask and a cape. The seventh photo shows a client smiling for the camera after getting her face painted. The eighth photo shows a client dressed as a chef, showcasing food on a plate.

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There’s never a dull moment at COSTI’s senior programs!

For the first time ever, seniors from COSTI’s Italian, Spanish and Chinese-speaking programs came together for a lively end-of-summer barbecue. The afternoon was filled with music, dancing and laughter. Proving that age is just a number and youth is a state of mind, the seniors danced joyfully to songs performed by in all three languages - a beautiful celebration of diversity and vitality.

The Chinese-speaking seniors were from the Corvetti Centre, the Spanish-speaking seniors were part of the Encuentro Latino program and the Italian-speaking seniors belonged to the Calabrian Benevolent Seniors Day Program.

This was a joyful gathering that highlighted COSTI’s mission in fostering community connections and supporting seniors across diverse cultural backgrounds.

Alt text: The first photo shows a person barbecuing sausages. The second photo is a collage showing staff helping a senior wear a party prop. The other photo shows two seniors holding soda bottles and laughing. The third photo shows a singer holding a mic with her hand raised high. The fourth and fifth photos show seniors dancing with each other. The sixth photo shows a staff member hugging a client and a group of seniors smiling for the camera. The seventh photo shows staff serving food to clients.

About Calabrian Benevolent
Established in October 2013 Calabrian Benevolent is made up of people with a desire to contribute to community development. Our mandate is to help in the growth and development of our community at large, and of the Italian community in particular. Working with distinctive Calabrese accent, we hope to help build pride in being Italian-Canadian - Diamoci da fare!

Happy Easter / Buona Pasqua from our families at Calabrian Benevolent Association of Ontario

Easter bread
Cuddruri di Pasqua, CUDDRURI o culluri, sgute, cudduraci, pittcullova, cuzzupe...

Each town, each area of ​​Calabria preserves different names and preparation procedures and the recipes change according to the customs handed down from generation to generation
The cuculi (cudduri, cullure, cuzzupe etc..) are always adorned with eggs, symbol of fertility and rebirth, vital nucleus.
They were consumed in ancient times on Palm Sunday and Easter day, the women of the house prepared these sweets with eggs for each member of the family and many others to give to relatives and friends.
Have you had your Easter bread yet!

Happy Palm Sunday / Buona Domenica delle Palme to everyone from our families at Calabrian Benevolent Association of Ontario

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March 8th
Happy International Women’s Day!
Let us celebrate the women in our lives not only today but everyday.

🌼🌾Auguri a tutte le donne del mondo!