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Anna Maria de Souza (formerly Marston, nee Guidi) ([194-?]-2007) was a prominent Toronto philanthropist and volunteer known for founding the Brazilian Carnival Ball, an annual fundraising gala 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 founded and held 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. Beneficiaries were selected each year 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 The Four Seasons Hotel and later the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from the late 1980s onwards. The Ball continued for a short number of years 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. Following her divorce from John Marston, she would later remarry in 1982 to Ivan de Souza, a prominent Toronto investment banker. Both Anna Maria de Souza and Ivan de Souza were recognized for their dedication and charitable work in May 2008 when the Government of Ontario announced a $15 million grant to establish the de Souza Institute, an organization that provides support and training for 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.