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Anna Maria de Souza (formerly Marston, nee Guidi) ([194-?]-2007) was a prominent Brazilian philanthropist and volunteer based in Toronto, best-known for founding the Brazilian Carnival Ball, an annual fundraising event that raised money for charities and causes in Toronto and Brazil. Born in São Sebastião do Paraíso, Brazil, de Souza moved to Toronto in 1965 with her husband, John Marston. She organized the first Brazilian Carnival Ball the following year in 1966, with the inaugural event held in the basement of the St. Agnes [Santa Ines] Church in Toronto.
Over the course of it’s 46-year history (1966-2012), the Brazilian Carnival Ball cumulatively raised over $57 million for organizations and charities based in Toronto and Brazil. Beneficiaries were traditionally selected by Anna Maria de Souza and have included universities, hospitals, arts organizations, and other causes. Examples have included York University, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The Ball was held in several venues throughout Toronto over the course of its history, including hotel ballrooms and later the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from the late 1980s onwards as the event steadily grew and required increased space. The Ball continued for a short time after Anna Maria died in 2007, with the final event held in 2012.
In addition to her work with the Brazilian Carnival Ball, de Souza also worked as the curator of the Henry Birks Collection of antique Canadian silver in the late 1970s and volunteered her time with several charitable foundations and boards, including the Women’s Committee of the Canadian Opera Company. After she and John Marston divorced she went on to marry Ivan de Souza, a prominent Toronto investment banker in 1982. Ivan was a similarly dedicated philanthropist was presented with the International Friends of Brazil Award in 2011. Both Anna Maria de Souza and Ivan de Souza were recognized for their dedication and charitable endeavours in May, 2008 when the Government of Ontario announced a $15 million grant to establish the de Souza Institute, established to provide support to healthcare professionals.
Anna Maria de Souza’s meaningful philanthropic work has been recognized with numerous awards, certificates, and plaques of appreciation throughout her life. These include the Award of Merit by the City of Toronto (1987), the Order of Rio Branco (1995), and the Golden Jubilee Medal (2002).
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2026/01/28 C. McDayter. Creation.