CCR's 2026-2027 Charity: Kids Help Phone

The Canadian Club of Rome will be supporting Kids Help Phone with charity contributions in the new season. Throughout the 2026-2027 club season we will link various events to fundraising efforts.

Kids Help Phone is a Canadian organization that provides the only national 24/7 multilingual support service for youth struggling with mental health crises. Every year, one in five people in Canada will experience mental health challenges or a mental disorder, with the five most common issues being related to anxiety, relationships, depression, suicide, and isolation. In 2025 Kids Help Phone had over 3.7 million interactions with young people across Canada, connecting with youth through its website, counselling, texting, and peer-to-peer services. It also offers programming for post-secondary students and adults.

Charity Intelligence Canada (CIC) has given it a 4-star rating, with 70% of money donated (after overhead costs and management) going to programmes.

Cooking at Hummustown Kitchen - January 29, 2019

Hummustown is a cooperative that helps refugees in Rome gain economic independence by providing them with a dignified income-generating job opportunity: cooking, packaging and delivering delicious Syrian food around Rome.

Hummustown has launched it's new Kitchen and is going to be running a monthly cooking class for all of you who are curious to learn how to prepare yummy falafel, manaeesh, tabbouleh and much more. At this event in conjunction with Free Exchange, we will prepare a delicious light meal together, cook it and eat it! A minium of 10 participants is needed.

When: Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Via San Domenico Savio 10 (300 m from Furio Camillo metro)
Cost: €20 euro, including ingredients, cooking, eating and a glass of wine.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com

Now You’re Cooking Syrian! - October 30, 2018

It’s time for a new session of our “Now You’re Cooking” series and we're delighted to bring a new twist to this popular event. We'll will be cooking and eating for charity!

Local Roman charity Hummustown is kind enough to come and teach us some of the secrets of Syrian our cooking, while also telling us more about their efforts to provide relief and work opportunities for Syrian and other refugees.

The evening's menu will include:
Falafel
Fatayer (meat and veg)
Burak (meat and veg)
Fattoush salad

And excellent wines donated by boutique Tuscan winery "La Chimera d'Albegna" from Manciano, Grossetto

Proceeds from the evening will go to both our charities for the 2018-2019 season, Rome-based Hummustown and Canada-based Feed It Forward.

When: Oct. 30th, 2018.
Time: 7 p.m. sharp
Donation: CCR members €25 euro, guests €35
Where: Trastevere area (exact address to be sent to confirmed participants)
RSVP and payment by Oct. 27th, ATTN Diana at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note you are financially responsible for your booking.

CCR Charity for 2017-2018 - First Nations Youth Projects

During the 2017-18 season, we are supporting Canadian First Nations youth living in very isolated communities with few services. The two programmes we are funding are the following:

1) on a Canada-wide level, the Summer Literacy Camps programme managed by Frontier College, which supports the reading ability of some 8,000 youngsters in 130 isolated communities from B.C. to Labrador and Nunavut

and

2) the local Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and/or the Delaney Youth Centre serving Moose Factory and the coast of James Bay up toward the Manitoba border. These remote communities in the far north need urgent support for their children and young people especially in the area of suicide prevention. They incorporate traditional healing and community-building activities in their approach.

CCR CHARITY FOR 2016-2017: Project Rome - Tiburtina Tuesdays

Started in early 2015 by British expat Mary Stuart-Miller after an initial volunteer experience with a local Roman charity left her feeling she could do a lot more for the homeless and refugees by taking action more directly, “Tiburtina Tuesdays” became a weekly opportunity to bring fresh, hot meals to those most in need. Along with chef and formerly homeless fellow expat Steven Barnes, Mary has since expanded it into a larger “Project Rome” charity to also provide clothes, shoes, bags and bedding to Rome's poor and disadvantaged  -- not to mention the comfort of a friendly face and warm embrace.

This year the CCR has chosen this local, multi-national initiative to support as its 2016-2017 Season charity. We’ll be heading out on a “Tiburtina Tuesday” to lend a hand, we’re going to collect food, clothing and other supplies, and we hope to raise plenty of funds for this wonderful project. Have you always wanted to help more directly and give back to the Roman community? Here’s the perfect opportunity.

CCR Special Visit & Charity Fundraiser: Japanese Institute Garden - May 14, 2016

The Japanese Institute in Rome has a lovely garden that reflects the traditions and symbolism of Japanese landscaping. It was the first garden in Italy designed by a Japanese architect, Ken Nakajima, and comprises all the essential features of a sen’en style garden – a pond, a waterfall, rocks, small islets, a bridge and a stone lamp. During this highly requested tour, we will seek to understand the philosophy behind these beautiful forms.

Contributions from participants will be entirely donated to our charity, Frontier College’s Lieutenant Governor’s Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps.

When: Saturday, May 14, 2016
Time: 10 a.m. start; the guide will not wait for latecomers.
Where: Valle Giulia area; exact meeting details will be sent to confirmed participants.
Cost: to raise funds for the CCR charity, the Aborginal Children’s Summer Reading Camps, we will be collecting €10 from CCR members and €15 from non-members; maximum 15 people.
RSVP with your full name to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Diana.

CCR Pink BRA Day Aperitivo - October 20, 2015

Once again the Canadian Club of Rome and friends are ready to be part of a worthy cause! BRA Day... "Did you say bra?!" Yes, BRA stands for Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, a worldwide day to raise awareness of breast cancer and recovery. Started by Toronto doctor Mitch Brown, BRA Day has been adopted in Italy and many other countries. 

So, let’s get together for a great aperitivo at VOY and expect to have a LOT of fun! Not only fun and games but guest speakers to keep us up to date. Don't forget to wear a little or a lot of PINK! It's all for a great cause. And bring a friend along. RSVPs are a must.

We will have our own finger food buffet and bar area for drinks orders. For every drink purchased, a portion of funds will go towards our charity. Voy and others will also be contributing great prizes towards our charity raffle.

When: October 20, 2015 
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: VOY, Via Flaminia, 496/c (Ponte Milvio area), tel.: 06.33222179; directions here.
Cost: €10 for one drink and finger food, or €18 for two drinks and food; third drink €5. Each participant is responsible for their own bill. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com

Yoga for our CCR Charity - April 15, 2015

A special yoga session will be offered to CCR members and friends by two yoga masters visiting from Canada as part of fund-raising efforts for our charity this year, the Lieutenant Governor's Summer Reading Camps for Aboriginal Children. Shanta and Raj Dubey have been practicing yoga for almost 40 years and teaching for over 30 to people of all ages (children to seniors) and at different levels of health and flexibility (including recovering accident/surgery patients). Shanta also teaches Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese health care approach that incorporates postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. Our session will focus on yoga (breathing and some light moves/stretches), Qi Gong and meditation. Light Indian snacks will be provided by our kind hosts. An informal potluck will follow the lesson for those who wish to stay on.

Space is limited to 10 participants so book right away! 

When: Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Time: Session 6 to 8 p.m.; potluck 8 to 9 p.m.
Where: CCR member's private residence in the Vittorio Emanuele area. Exact address will be sent to confirmed participants. 
Cost: By donation (minimum suggested €10 -- all funds will be donated to this year's charity), includes light snacks during the session; for those staying for the potluck, please bring a sweet or savoury dish. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com by Saturday, April 11.

CCR Aperitivo for BRA Day - October 15, 2014

Serious Fun for a Serious Cause

That’s the way we like it at the Canadian Club of Rome! Yes, we love to have fun, but we also love to support worthy causes. Once again we’ll be combining the two as we gather for BRA Day on October 15th.

“Bra?!” you may exclaim. Yes, that stands for Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, a worldwide day to raise awareness of breast cancer and recovery. Started by Toronto doctor Mitch Brown, BRA Day has been adopted in Italy by ANDOS (Associazione Nazionale Donne Operate al Seno), CCR’s charity of choice last season. Our get-together will be an opportunity to officially present the charity with the funds our members have raised.

So, let’s get together for a great aperitivo at the stylish Officina Settembrini and expect to have A LOT of fun! CCR Member and hair stylist extraordinaire Rick Breco will be our Master of Ceremonies as we meet two speakers discussing their experiences, in between games, drinks and laughs. This event will be our English-language contribution to the Italian-language events organized earlier in the day by ANDOS for BRA Day Italy.

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Officina  Settembrini, Via Giuseppe Avezzana 19/21 (Piazza Mazzini area)

Cost: €10 euro for CCR members, €15 for guests

RSVP: to canadarome@gmail.com by Oct. 14, 2014

CCR President Diana with BRA doctors Mitch Brown, Roy Devita, Jose Luis Martin del Yerro and Stefano Pompei

CCR Body, Mind & Soul Series: the Limo Charity Event - April 9, 2014

Here's another fantastic opportunity to party for CHARITY in the second part of CCR's Body, Mind and Soul series!

Get out your onesies, your baby dolls, your flannels, your house coats, your Chanel No. 5 and come on out to THE PROGRESSIVE PAJAMA PARTY. 

What's a progressive party? It means you'll be moving around the city in a stretch limousine and stopping in various iconic locations in Rome for photos, snacks and drinks, and enjoying fun and games on board the limo in between! 

And, as you may have guessed, our theme is a Glamour Pajama Party!

CCR IS PROUD to hold this event for you and Andos! Proceeds will go to our charity for this year. 

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 

Where: starting point is Piazza del Colosseo -- further details sent with RSVP
Time: meeting at 7 p.m. and leaving promptly at 7:30 p.m.! Cruising until 9:30 p.m.

Cost: €30 Members, €40 Non-members. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com

FREE YOUR SOULS and come on out!

CCR Body, Mind and Soul Series… Putting Your Best Face Forward for ANDOS - March 28, 2014

Dear Members and Friends,

Here's another great opportunity for us to support this year's charity, Andos.

Dr. Ilaria de Simone will help us put our best face forward with a chemical peel or a mini radiofrequenza treatment -- all for a great cause, Andos, which supports women before and after breast cancer surgery.

Following the treatment we will enjoy our fresh looks at Puro for a mini aperitif!

When: Friday March 28, 2014.

Where: Puro, Piazza Stefano Jacini 14 (Vigna Clara area) -- exact details sent with RSVP

Time: 18:00-19:15, Aperitif 19:15 to 20:00

Cost: €40 Members, €50 Non-members
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com

Fellini Carnival Night & Fundraiser - March 4, 2014

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of Federico Fellini, the CCR invites you to take a walk down Memory Lane on March 4 and celebrate Carnival at the same time. The projection of a short film produced by a close associate of Fellini will highlight the prestigious career of the Maestro. The film will be followed by a delicious dinner served by "Il Belli" near Piazza Cavour. On this Mardi Gras evening, "ogni scherzo vale" (every trick is fair game), so let your imagination run wild and dress up as a movie star or a character from one of Fellini's movies, or in black and white for a stunning effect!

The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with aperitivi and amuse-bouche.  The film will be shown at 7.30 and dinner will be served at 8.30.

This fabulous menu will no doubt tempt your palate. Take note that "Il Belli" serves only the best Danish beef in town.

MENU
Beef carpaccio accompanied by beef tartare
Pasta alla Gricia
Chateaubriand served "alla piastra"

Tiramisù

Wine & water

Raffle tickets will also be sold to raise funds for Andos, CCR's charity this year. At just €10 a ticket, you could win one of two weekends for two at beautiful agriturismo (farm holiday) resorts in Marche or Umbria (€200 value each). All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Andos. 

Can’t attend the event but still want to buy tickets for the charity raffle? Let us know at canadarome@gmail.com.

When: Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Where: Ristorante Il Belli, Via Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli 33; CCR members get a 15% discount at this restaurant! 
Time: aperitif from 7 p.m on, dinner at 8:30 p.m.

Cost: €30 CCR Members, €40 Non-Members
RSVP canadarome@gmail.com by noon on Fri., Feb. 28, 2014, at the latest

Canadian Tax Credit for CCR Charitable Donations in 2012-13

As members of the Canadian Club of Rome will recall, the CCR’s most recent charity was the “Lieutenant Governor’s Aboriginal Summer Camp Reading Programme” (LGASCRP) benefiting children in remote communities in Canada.

That programme is administered by Frontier College, which is a non-profit entity under the Canadian income tax regulations and which has informed us that donations for its activities may be credited against taxes owed in Canada. This applies to our consolidated donation in 2013 to Frontier College for the L.G.A.S.C.R.P.

      

Accordingly, would any CCR members or others who made contributions to the L.G.A.S.C.R.P. through the CCR in the past year, who pay income tax in Canada, and who wish to receive a receipt for Canadian income tax purposes, please inform us of the amount of their contribution. We in turn will inform Frontier College, which will issue the receipts.

Please inform the CCR (at  canadarome@gmail.com) NOT LATER THAN December 6, 2013 that you wish a receipt, providing the name in which it should be issued and the amount. 

Thank you for your cooperation,

Peter McKellar, Vice President

Charity Fundraiser: Guided Prosciutto Tasting - November 29, 2012

Please note that ALL PROCEEDS from this event will go to CCR's sponsored charity for the 2012-2013 season, the Lieutenant Governor’s Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps.

Stefano Paciotti, of renowned Salumeria Paciotti, will be guiding us through the tasting of Prosciutto di Parma DOP Riserva as he hand-slices this famed cured meat. Only the largest pork thighs from the original area can be used to make this DOP (Denominazione d'origine protetta) product. It is then cured following a codified aging process of at least 18 monts in the humid air of the hills near Parma, giving the meat its tender, compact texture. 

Stefano will then introduce us to Salame di Felino, a pure pork salame from Felino, a small town located in the green Baganza valley, also near Parma, and to Canestrato di Pienza cheese, made from pure sheep's milk near Siena in Tuscany.

Apart from the modest participation fee, we will be raising more funds by selling glasses of wine (on an honour basis) and by asking participants to bring an item to be auctioned in a very fun way.

Have you received a gorgeous gift that just doesn't fit your home décor? Have duplicate items at home? Switched from gold to silver jewellery? Want to de-clutter? Instead of re-gifting or having it take up precious space, let us auction it off so that it can become someone else's treasure or signature piece! And thereby contribute to our charity! 

When: Thursday, November 29, 2012

Where: CCR member's private residence, Monte Mario area (near the Cavalieri Hotel) - exact address sent to confirmed participants

Time: 7 p.m

Donation: CCR Members €10, guests €15, which includes unlimited tastings of the coldcuts and cheese, along with bread and water/non-alcoholic beverages and a light pasta dish; glasses of wine for €5 euros each; donation of a new or gently-used item for auction. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO OUR CHARITY.

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com by Monday, November 26, 2012. Spaces are limited and you are financially responsible for your reservation.
More information on the Lieutenant Governor’s Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps: see here.

The Wakefield Grannies - Our CCR Charity

Prior to her return to Canada our special guest for the CCR Opening, Brenda Rooney was given a cheque to take back to the Wakefield Grannies for €1700.00 ($2,383.00). Through the generosity of members and friends attending both the brilliant Opening Cocktail and the wonderful Sunday lunch at Maple Woods plus donations collected at the Opening and from anonymous donors we were able to give this worthwhile charity what we hope will be the first in the series of donations during the 2010-2011 season.

CCR President Diana Szyszka-Pompei, Member David Patterson, Vice-President Laurent Beaulieu and Brenda Rooney with a cheque for The Wakefield Grannies