HOW IT STARTED
In 1958, a resilient group of Italian immigrants convened in the basement of St. Peter's Church in Sarnia, laying the cornerstone of a lasting legacy. Confronted with the task of assimilating into a new land, they resolved to establish an association aimed at uniting Italians from every corner of their homeland. Unanimously christened after the illustrious 13th-century Italian poet, Dante Alighieri, the association emerged as the Dante Club on April 10, 1958, a beacon of enduring community spirit and cultural heritage preservation.
Over the following years, the Dante Club navigated economic hardships and celebrated triumphs, officially incorporating as the Dante Italo Canadian Club in 1961. The journey included acquiring land on London Road, overcoming challenges, and culminated in the completion of the club's building in 1968. This physical structure symbolized the realization of a vision that began in 1952, bringing together the Italian community in Sarnia.
Building upon this rich history, the Dante Club has evolved beyond being merely a cornerstone of the community, transforming into a refined venue where history converges with elegance. As a nonprofit organization, the Dante Club remains steadfast in its commitment to enriching the lives of its members as a gathering place. Our venue extends its hospitality to the wider community by hosting banquets, meetings, and community events. In doing so, we not only reinvest in the club but also contribute to the Sarnia-Lambton community by supporting other nonprofit organizations in fundraising and facilitating cost-effective events. The Dante Club owes its present stature to the collective efforts of past and present members, whose contributions have shaped its identity and ensured its enduring relevance.
2024 Dante Club Board
of Directors
President
Silvana (Iacovella) Cservik
Vice-President
Onoria Fazio
Directors
Maria DiMaria
Phil Litrenta
Fernando Rocca
Joe Spinnato
Luigi Torti
Marco Vozza
Our Mission
Embracing Italian heritage, fostering community, and celebrating our vibrant culture.
Abbracciare il patrimonio italiano, promuovere la comunità e celebrare la nostra cultura vibrante
Our Team
Briar Armitage
General Manager
Luc Lemieux
Manager, Bocciodromo
Join Our Team!
Join our vibrant team at Dante Club! Contact us today to start your journey.