|
About us!
The Federazione Pugliesi in Ontario (FPiO)
Was inaugurated June 29th, 2000; a structure created to preserve the common roots of the Apulian
living in Ontario, Canada.
According to a survey, completed the same year, the Apulian community living in Toronto and surrounding areas,
account to more than 100.000 A great legacy to carry on, a rich cultural heritage, which is an additional reason to
preserve it.
Objective
The main objective of the Federazione Pugliesi in Ontario is the preservation of the Apulian culture,
which is made up of different associations and clubs of Apulians coming from cities and towns originating from
regional capitals such as Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, Taranto. They have sealed an agreement of brotherhood
and solidarity in order to coexist within the fabric of Canadian society successfully.
Furthermore, the FPiO is active and very committed in organizing, yearly, a multitude of events.
One that really stands out is the “Puglia in Festa”, an event which celebrates and pays tribute to Canadians
of Apulian origins who have achieved professional merits in their field of work. At these events,
the Federazione, is proud to welcome hundreds of Apulians living in Ontario and many illustrious high
level personalities.
Social and community activities
In addition to events promoting our culture of origins, the Federazione, is also very active in supporting and
attending other social functions of different charitable organizations at large, namely: Pier 21, CARITAS,
Italianfest (TLN), University of Toronto Mississauga, and many more.
FPiO Structure
The Federazione is made up of 12 ass. /clubs which showcase their traditions supported by the members and sympathizers alike.
Associazione Bitettese
Amici della Provincia di Brindisi
Colonia Bitrittese
Colonia Modugnese
Deliceto Social Club
Grumo Appula
Brotherhood Association
Ital- Canadian Torittese Club
La Motta Social Club
Monteleone Social Club
Puglia & Friends Social Club Hamilton
Puglia Social Club of London
Roseto Valfortore Social Club
The Board of Directors comprises 17 Directors belonging to the ass/clubs. At the helm of the Board there is the Board of Executive Directors: pres. Leonardo Romita, v.pres. Administration Grazia Piccolo, v.pres. Operation Giuseppe Sgovio, secry. Angelica Lavalle, treas. Teresa Losurdo, past president, and currently Advisor on behalf of the FPiO at the Provincial Government in Puglia, Filippoantonio Zita.
Work in progress
In 2006 the FPiO has drafted a project called: Finestra sulla Puglia.
A project which aims to showcase the made in Puglia, such as tourism, wine, culinary traditions, the safeguard of the Italian language and regional dialects. This exceptional plan has been approved from the Provincial Government of Puglia and to support this initiative during the 2007 “Puglia in Festa” event, the Minister of Migration from the Apulian Region dott. Elena Gentile, with a delegation of high level politicians were in attendance. The Hon. Minister Elena Gentile praised the great efforts promoted by the Federazione to preserve and spread the Apulian culture abroad. During her stay in Toronto, she announced that the Apulian Regional Government will support the project and the launching of CASA PUGLIA, a centre which will display to the public at large and Canadian-Apulians the best that Puglia has to offer.
Future Plans
Whithin the project Finestra sulla Puglia, the FPiO, plans to broadcast through mediatic sources a radio-program which
will further promote Apulian news and customs, in addition to news concerning events pertaining the FPiO members,
contributions of life changing experiences of young Canadian-Apulians, advertising and promotion of local and Apulian
sponsorship, tourism, history and focus on the beauty of the wonderful rich land scenery that Puglia abounds of and
much more….
Our work to promulgate the Apulian heritage and culture will not aim only at the Apulian community, but will target
the Canadian community at large and those who love to travel to Puglia, which some international sources
have dubbed as: Italy’s California.
|
