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 […]
#StoriesOfBelonging • #ItalianImmigrantStories
Stories of Belonging: Gino Russo
Two Worlds, One Heart: Gino’s Journey from Calabria to BC. Gino’s story begins in Grimaldi, Calabria. In 1952, he was just a child when he boarded a ship with his mother and sister to join his father, who had moved to Canada two years earlier to pave the way. They set sail on November 10th […]
STORIES OF BELONGING: NONNA LUCIA
Nonna Lucia’s Journey from Calabria to Canada Nonna Lucia arrived in Canada on December 17, 1958. She came from Vibo Valentia, a small town in Calabria, and spent nine long days on a ship crossing the Atlantic to Halifax. From there, she took a train all the way to Vancouver. She was only 17 years […]
Ciao! I'm Mamma Marzia
Born in Naples and raised in northern Italy, I brought my passion for authentic Italian cooking to Vancouver in 2003. What began as a single lasagna class has grown into Bella Cibo ("Beautiful Food"), where I share my family's treasured recipes and traditions. Here you'll find recipes and tips for bringing Italian flavors to your home. Join me in the kitchen where we learn, laugh, and create beautiful meals with heart!