Stories of Belonging- The legacy of Gino Russo (Part 2)

How the Italian-Canadian Society of the Fraser Valley Was Born

Every great community begins with a single conversation. For the Italian immigrants settling in the lush landscapes of British Columbia, that conversation started with a simple question: Where is our home away from home?

When Gino Russo arrived in the Fraser Valley, he noticed a void. There was no central hub, no gathering place, and no “piazza” where the local Italian community could thrive.

“Italy shaped my heart, and Canada gave me my future.”

This sentiment from Gino became the cornerstone of a movement that would bridge two worlds.

The Spark: 1973

The journey began in 1973 at Payback near Surrey. While at work, Gino connected with fellow Italians who were migrating from the bustling streets of Vancouver to the quieter, growing Fraser Valley.

They shared a collective longing: “Why don’t we build something of our own here? Why don’t we create an Italian centre like Vancouver has?” That shared desire was the seed that would eventually grow into a vibrant cultural landmark.

The Call to Organize: 1978

By 1978, the momentum was unstoppable. Michele Cavezza reached out to Gino and a small group of visionary leaders, including Fausto Paolella, Emilio Vitali, and Achille Bozzetti. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was the moment a dream began to take a tangible shape.

The Birth of the Association: 1979

In 1979, the vision became a reality inside a booth at the old Langley Hotel pub. Thirteen founding members gathered with a unified mission. They didn’t just want a club; they wanted a sanctuary built on five pillars:

• Family: The core of Italian life.
• Food: The language of love and hospitality.
• Music: The rhythm of their heritage.
• Friendship: The bond that turns neighbors into kin.
• Culture: The traditions they refused to leave behind.

Fraser Valley Italo-Canadian Society was born.

Their inaugural event at St. Joseph’s Church was a nervous experiment. Would people come? The answer was a resounding yes. It transformed from a simple gathering into a massive celebration of heritage, unity, and community pride.

A Motto Born from Identity (2007–2008)

As the Italian-Canadian Society evolved, so did its sense of self. Around 2007, Gino introduced a phrase that has since become the heartbeat of the association:

“Proudly Italian and Fiercely Canadian.”

This motto captured the duality of the immigrant experience. It honored the roots of the Old World while fiercely embracing the opportunities of the New World. It reminded every member that they didn’t have to choose between two identities—they were the best of both.

A Legacy of No Regrets

When Gino was later asked if he would change anything about the journey—the long meetings, the logistical hurdles, or the sacrifices made to build the society—his answer was simple and profound:

“Nothing.”

Every decision and every challenge was a stitch in the fabric of a legacy that continues to wrap the Fraser Valley in a sense of belonging today.