President Binoy with our Moderator (Maria) & Panelists (Brent, Kwami & Beau)
On August 23, 2024, President Binoy Luckoo hosted a lunch meeting delving into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Rotarians and guests were treated to a panel discussion on this intriguing subject.
The panelist included Kwami Ahiabenu, PhD, CFRE, (FinTech & Fundraising), Beau Rogers (Software Development) and Brent Thomas, (Cybersecurity & Risk Management) who are members of the Rotary Club of Toronto. They were chosen because of their expertise in the field of AI.
The Moderator, Maria Shibaeva-Escarrada, MBA, enthusiastically led the panel through a spirited round of questions. But first, a definition of AI and it’s uses in our day to day lives was presented by the panel. The meeting began with a brief description of Artificial Intelligence. “It is the science, developed in 1950, of making machines that can think like humans”. Over the past few decades, it has progressed to tremendous computing power in large date centres worldwide.” If you use a credit card or have a mortgage, you are using AI. Companies are collecting our data for the purpose of providing us with these services.
Will AI replace humans?
The panel stressed that the power of AI was created by human intelligence, therefore, AI will NOT replace human intelligence. The panel concurred that there are a lot of things AI can do but there are a lot of thigs that still require human intelligence to direct the AI software.
What are the risks and challenges?
One of the risks is that organizations are constantly looking for ways to keep our data safe. The impact on the environment of the use of significant amounts of power by data centres needs to be addressed.
How do we adapt to the prevalence of AI?
Companies need to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the use of the data they are compiling.
Will the dependence on the use of AI to complete tasks in the workplace slow human learning?
AI is simply a tool, and the user will still need to think, learn, and direct the outcomes of the projects.
The curiosity about this topic was very evident with the large number of questions that were asked and answered. President Binoy closed the meeting with one final question to the panel.
How do we best use AI as a service organization to our advantage?
AI can reduce the labor intensive jobs such as marketing, member recruitment and the search for cost efficiencies. It can also digitize large amounts of an organization’s history.
In summary, AI can enhance our lives by reducing the time it takes to do basic tasks thereby making us available to complete other tasks.
Written by Vice-President Pauline Lyons
New Member - Reha Mehmet Erol
Reha Mehmet Erol was born in Turkey and now lives in Toronto.
He graduated in Turkey with a BACHELOR’S in Industrial Engineering from Bilkent University and an MBA from the Sabanci University. Reha is also a CFA.
Reha worked at the Ford Motor Company as a Financial Analyst before transitioning to Deloitte Inc.
He was a member of the Rotaract Club of Toronto and an avid reader with strong interests in investing, finance, politics, and economics.
One fun fact about Reha is, he holds a yellow belt in Judo and is aiming for his orange belt this year.
On Tuesday, August 20th, 25 Rotarians and guests came together to enjoy a taste of Mexico, claiming Fonda Lola's inviting back patio all to themselves! The group enjoyed tastes of nachos, ceviche, and guacamole and chips to start. This was followed by a variety of tacos across the tables - chorizo, fish, shrimp, sirloin, pork, chicken, and cauliflower - and negotiations began for the best mix and match taco trio! The churro bites topped it all off, tasty and easy to share.
The conversations, laughs, and drinks were abundant throughout the evening, with it being a toss up between the Classic Margarita vs. the smoked Oaxacan Old Fashioned for the most sought-after drink. The evening was a great way to connect with fellow members and become acquainted with Rotarians' family and friends while making the most of summer in Toronto!
Stay tuned for our next international adventure organized by Team KNK.
Written by Kaitlynn Almeida
Support for Hurricane Beryl
ShelterBox is responding in the Caribbean after Hurricane Beryl left a trail of devastation across island nations. ShelterBox is partnering with Rotary to get emergency shelter aid and other essential items to thousands of people uprooted from their homes in Grenada.
Entire communities are living out in the open or in overcrowded buildings like schools. ShelterBox will be providing tents as well as essential items like mosquito nets, solar lights, and cooking sets.
On July 22nd, Past President Richard White (now President of The Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation) and President Binoy Luckoo, under joint Presidential authority, approved a $10,000 donation from the Foundation to ShelterBox Canada to help with the victims of hurricane Beryl in Grenada
On Sunday August 11th, I had the humbling and heartwarming opportunity to volunteer at the Fort York Food Bank, joining a team of Rotarians and dedicated individuals in preparing lunch for those in need.
As I donned my apron and grabbed a chopping board, the bustling energy of the kitchen soon engulfed me, and I felt a sense of purpose in knowing that our collective efforts would make a difference in the lives of others.
The camaraderie among volunteers was palpable, with everyone working in sync, peeling, chopping, stirring, and cooking a variety of ingredients to create nutritious meals. The kitchen echoed with laughter and friendly banter, making the work seem less like a task and more like a gathering of friends united for a common cause.
As the meals came together, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, and the sense of anticipation grew. Soon, it was time to package the meals and distribute them to the individuals who rely on the Fort York Food Bank for sustenance. The smiles and gratitude expressed by the recipients were a poignant reminder of why community initiatives like this are so essential.
The experience of volunteering at the Fort York Food Bank was truly eye-opening, and I left with a renewed appreciation for the tireless work carried out by the staff and volunteers. More than just providing meals, they create a sense of belonging and support for those in need, fostering a stronger and more compassionate community. I look forward to contributing to their efforts again in the future.
Thank you to all the volunteers that help make this world a better place!
Written by Binoy Luckoo
President, The Rotary Club of Toronto
It’s amazing how such efforts not only provide essential support to those in need but also foster a sense of community and connection among volunteers!
Visiting Rotarians
We had the pleasure of hosting Sarah Buck – President of the Rotary Club of Chicago at our July 31st dinner.
The Rotary Club of Chicago is known as Rotary One as it was the very first Rotary Club established in 1905.
Please Register with Sarah (admin@rotarytoronto.com)
Hosted by: Assistant District Governor, Nilam Bedi
Speaker: District Governor Virginia O’Reilly, Visionary and Rotary Leader
DG Virginia is proud to say she is from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and migrated to Ontario in 1978 for education at Queen's University, Kingston.
In 1998, twenty years later she was Co-Chairing a spring festival when she was bit by the Rotary bug. The Charter President of Toronto East Rotary, Bill Phalen asked her to become a Rotarian.
She imagines achievement of goals without sacrifice and shows this through her never-ending support and involvement with Polio Plus/End Polio Now campaigns. She is also well known for her passion for membership and continues to leave her positive imprint. Rotary has given her lasting and fabulous friends and has fine tuned her "active listening" skill set.
DG Virginia and her husband Robert will be celebrating their 40-year wedding anniversary soon. A fun fact about DG Virginia is that she grew up as a child fearful of black dogs and to date she has owned 3 black dogs, including her current dog, Maxie.
ANNUAL ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Mark your calendars for Sept 17th at the Richmond Hill Golf Club.
Tickets must be purchased no later than August 30th 2024!
There are many sponsorship opportunities to gain corporate awareness with nearly 150 golfers, including hole sponsorship. For more information - contact Past President Jayson Phelps at jayson@phelpsgroup.ca.
On October 2nd, our Rotary club is having a big Octoberfest party for all members and your guests at the Balmy Beach Club. This will be one of the biggest parties we have all year, so you don’t want to miss it. Last year, we had a great turnout, and this year will be even better. There will be a live band, lots of food and drinks, a silent auction, dancing, fellowship…. everything to have a great party, including you.
This is also an important fundraiser for Holiday Hampers, and we need all members to attend and support the cause. it’s time to get together as a Club for fun and fellowship.
Please sign up now using the link below. The price is only $99 and that includes the food, your first drink and a receipt for $40 which will be used to buy Holiday Hamper food. More information and travel directions will be sent out shortly.
Let’s all get together and enjoy ourselves as members of a great Rotary Club. You will have a great time, and we will all be helping those neighbours who don’t have enough money to pay for their groceries.
Join several hundred other Rotarians from District 7070! We are one of over 50 clubs from Toronto north to Alliston and east to Picton. Find out about all the fantastic projects in our district and mingle with fellow Rotarians! Go to rotary7070.org to sign up!
WhatsApp Group
We have 79 members on the Rotary Club of Toronto WhatsApp Channel - it's a great way to communicate with each other! Ask to join - any member can add more people to the group.
