Honouring Donauschwaben Culture Throughout Canada
Donauschwaben Canada is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Donauschwaben community across the country. Our mission is to foster connection, celebrate traditions, and inspire pride through events, storytelling, and community engagement.
Meet the Donauschwaben Community Leaders
Discover the dedicated individuals who proudly support our cultural heritage.
Nick Tonita
President
Nick’s commitment to the Donauschwaben community began at age four with the Teutonia Club’s youth and dance groups. With nine years on the Teutonia Club Board—five as President—and a previous term as Vice President of the Landesverband, Nick brings deep leadership experience to his current role as national President. He is dedicated to strengthening the bonds between Ontario’s member clubs and ensuring a vibrant, modernized future for our cultural heritage in Canada.
Lena Herold
Vice President
Lena remains focused on ensuring the enduring legacy and vibrant future of Donauschwaben heritage in Canada. She is proud to continue her work on the Verband Board as Vice-President. Lena has years of dedicated service within the Kitchener Schwaben Club, where she held key Executive roles, including Treasurer, Entertainment Director, Freundschaftgruppe Leader, and Frauengruppe VP. She is deeply committed to fostering connection, preserving traditions, and strengthening community ties within our Canadian Verband Clubs.
Neil Hoffman
Secretary
Neil has held the position of Secretary on the Verband Board since 2010. At the Schwaben Club he has been Recording Secretary since 1996. Fluent in German, comes in handy for his business in selling German and Austrian Trachten wear since 2000.
Cole Watson
Cole has devoted over a decade to celebrating and promoting Donauschwaben traditions across Canada.
Nick Leipold
National Youth Director
Nick excels at organizing memorable events that bring our community together in joyful celebration.
Ariana Faller
Cultural Director
Ariana Faller, has been dancing with the Toronto Donauschwaben since she was four years old, developing a deep love for the culture and community. As a German speaker, she stays closely connected to her roots both on and off the dance floor, and she is thrilled to be part of the Canadian Dachverband. When she is not with her Donauschwaben friends, she is teaching martial arts or spending time with her seven pets
Anne Marie Ofner
National Women’s Director
Anne Marie has devoted over a decade to celebrating and promoting Donauschwaben traditions across Canada.
Austin Ellul Wheeler
National Communications Director
Austin is dedicated to promoting the enduring legacy and vibrant future of Donauschwaben heritage in Canada. As Communications Director, Austin plays an important role in shaping how the Verband connects, communicates, and engages with its members and broader community.