For 90 years, the Società Mutuo Soccorso Italo Canadese has been a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in the Trail community.
Officially registered on March 26, 1934, this fraternal mutual benefit society began under the leadership of Vincenzo DeGiorgio.
Its founding goals were clear: to support members in times of need and celebrate Italian heritage.
(“Società Mutuo Soccorso Italo Canadese” translates to “Society of Mutual Aid or Mutual Benefit for Italian Canadians.”)
In 1936, a sister society, Sorelle Italo Canadese, was established under Maria Dominici Tweed, creating a dedicated support network for women.
Members contributed to a fund to assist with medical expenses, a need that shifted as universal healthcare became available.
With shared goals, the men’s and women’s societies formally united on May 26, 2003, making the Società Mutuo Soccorso Italo Canadese one of Canada’s first integrated societies.
United, membership contributions have continued to bolster Trail’s vibrant community events.
Among these, their famous pasta dishes at the Silver City Days Sidewalk Café are eagerly awaited each year.
“We so look forward to doing that again,” says society secretary Lina Horan.
The society also sponsors candidates in the Trail Ambassador Program, kicking off the Silver City Days weekend with the crowning of Miss Trail.
Members volunteer for the Silver City Fun Run and participated in the first-ever Passeggiata over Trail’s new pedestrian bridge.
“We enjoy this as an ongoing, rewarding service to our community,” Horan reflects.
The society was also among the first service clubs to join Trail Communities in Bloom.
This seasonal volunteer-run program has been fostering community pride through greening, heritage, and beautification projects for over 20 years.
Beyond these annual highlights, members have hosted events like Flag Day Teas, SwingSations dances, evening socials called the Castagnata (featuring roasted chestnuts), and organized bocce tournaments, picnics, and pizza nights.
Their presence at local events has raised funds for causes like the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation, BC Children’s Hospital, Trail food banks, school scholarships, and more.
A proud moment for the society was collaborating with the Rotary Club of Trail for the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Tour.
“Two of our members were invited to be medal bearers,” Horan recounts. “It was an honor to be part of this event promoting spinal cord research.”
One cherished tradition is the annual Christmas Party, which brings children, parents, and grandparents together.
Another all-ages event Horan fondly recalls is a Family Day gathering, where members shared their “arrival stories” and marked hometowns on an Italian map. (British Columbians celebrate Family Day on the third Monday of February.)
“The stories were amazing,” she shares.
In a monthly tradition, members bring Italian baked goods and refreshments to Columbia View Lodge, spending time with residents over tea and coffee.
In January 2021, the society sold its building on Rossland Avenue, using the proceeds to support local health and family charities.
This included significant donations to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital’s ICU/HART Project, the Greater Trail Hospice Society, Sanctuary Pre-Teen Centre, and the Trail Youth Centre. Most recently, a donation was made to the Friends of St. Michael’s group for constructing a new playground at St. Michael’s Catholic School.
Buon 90esimo anniversario, Società Mutuo Soccorso Italo Canadese — ben fatto!
