Aldo Cundari, Villa Charities Foundation board director and sculpture artist.

As a young man, Aldo Cundari dreamed of becoming a renowned artist and went on to complete his studies in Rome. Soon realizing he couldn’t make a living as a sculptor, he changed careers and quickly established himself in the Canadian marketing field. Over the decades, he founded creative agency Cundari and became an award-winning marketing executive.

Returning to his childhood dream, Cundari’s sculpture “Hope” was unveiled at Villa Charities’ Canadian Immigrant Tribute Installation at Columbus Centre on Nov. 14. The sculpture depicts a 1950-period immigrant family with all their worldly possessions.

“The installation and statue explore the struggles and successes of the Italian Canadian immigrant story,” Cundari said. “I have intended for the viewer to get the sense of their brimming excitement for their country and new home, in stark contrast to the traditional immigrant sculpture depicting a depressed and frightened family.”

Thursday’s launch was the first phase of the installation, with plaque sales ongoing and new names being added on a quarterly basis, Villa Charities said. Personalized single or double name plaques featuring the name of the family member and the year they immigrated to Canada are available for a $1,000 donation.

The funds raised from the tribute project will support senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming and capital needs.

“Italian Canadians have played such a pivotal role in developing the vibrant cultural traditions that exist in our community today,” Marco DeVuono, president and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., said in a press release for the unveiling. “Through the Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, Villa Charities seeks to honour their legacy and inspire future generations.”

Designed by Brown + Storey Architects, the installation showcases engraved name plaques dedicated to Canadians of Italian heritage and the year they immigrated to Canada, with a “fluttering” effect that gives a sense of movement to the wall. “It is fitting that this permanent landmark is on the Villa Charities campus, the hub for the Italian Canadian community in Toronto and the GTA,” said Kim Storey from Brown + Storey Architects.

Villa Charities also invites Italian Canadians from across the country to share their stories on its website, which can include family photographs and histories.