As we celebrate International Women's Day, we honour women's achievements, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making our world a better place to live.
Each of you represents the transformative power that comes when women lead with conviction and compassion.
The Rotary Club of Toronto is stronger because of your presence, your voices, and your vision. Today, we celebrate you—not just as female Rotarians, but as essential architects of positive change in our community and beyond.
With gratitude and admiration,
President Binoy Luckoo
On Behalf of all RCT members
President Binoy recognized our club's female members for their unwavering commitment to Service Above Self, and their leadership with a vibrant collage showcasing their pictures. The President also asked all the female guests to stand for a recognition by all attendees.
Keynote Speaker: Ryan Hall
(Substituting for Emily O'Brien)
Comeback Snacks!
President Binoy set the tone by sharing an inspiring video (produced by Drew Snider) dedicated to women's relentless efforts to make the world a better place. The energy continued with Youri Wims delivering a heartfelt Rotary Toast celebrating women everywhere.
In honour of International Women’s Day, this evening's Rotary dinner was a celebration of women leading change and breaking barriers. Emily O’Brien, founder of Comeback Snacks, was originally invited to share her inspiring journey of resilience and reinvention. In her absence, her business partner, Ryan, graciously stepped in to speak on her behalf.
We had the privilege of hearing from Ryan, co-founder of Comeback Snacks, who shared the inspiring story behind their mission of second chances and reintegration. Past President Neil Phillips, who began hosting wine parties during the pandemic, was on the search for the perfect pairing snack and discovered Comeback Snacks. He was moved not only by the delicious popcorn but also by the powerful story behind the brand. Originally called "Cons and Kernels," the brand was born from a passion for changing lives through empowerment, training, and employment. While Emily O'Brien, the founder, was serving her sentence, Ryan worked closely with her, reviewing slide decks and publishing her blogs to grow awareness.
The name was eventually changed to Comeback Snacks to reach a broader audience and highlight the message of hope and reinvention. They built the business from the ground up, starting with a website, logo design from Fiverr, and grassroots marketing. Their unique mission stood out in the crowded popcorn market, raising awareness about the importance of second chances for those with prior convictions. Now, Comeback Snacks has expanded its reach, soon to be available in Metro grocery stores in the Greater Toronto Area, and already in retailers like TJX, London Drugs, and Farm Boy.
Looking ahead, Comeback Snacks will launch the "Comeback Catalyst" program in April, a 12-week initiative sponsored by various partners to support individuals recently released from prison. Through programs like this, they continue to drive change and open up new opportunities for reintegration and growth. This was a powerful reminder of how a brand can make a lasting impact by standing for something bigger than just a product alone.
Past President John Fortney was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his years of philanthropy and Community service. Congratulations and Thank You PP John for your service to the Community!
President Binoy closed the evening with heartfelt thanks and a few announcements, leaving us to enjoy Comeback Snacks' delectable popcorn (donated by the Club) as a reminder of the evening's inspiring message: together, we can overcome obstacles and create positive change.
Written by Youri Wims
Pictures by PP John Fortney, Youri Wims, & Sefer Ozalp
Collage by President Binoy
Congratulations Nikita!
Congratulations are in order for our fellow Rotarian, Nikita Williams!
I am overjoyed to share the wonderful news that Nikita has welcomed a beautiful baby daughter, Kaniah, into the world on February 21st.
It is heartwarming to hear that both mother and daughter are doing well, and I wish them the very best as they begin this exciting new chapter of their lives together.
Nikita, on behalf of the entire Rotary Club community, I extend my warmest wishes for health, happiness, and a lifetime of love and cherished memories. May Kaniah's arrival bring you endless joy and remind us all of the beauty and wonder of new life.
Please join us in congratulating Nikita and her family, and let us continue to support and uplift one another in the spirit of Rotary as we celebrate this beautiful milestone!
Picture provided by Nikita
Written by President Binoy
Sad News: The Passing of Our Member
Gloria Jean (nee Andrews) Lee
The family has provided the following information:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Gloria on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto after a steady decline in her health in the last months.
Gloria was predeceased by her husband Martin Lee (2009); her parents, Charles (1986) and Dorothy Andrews (1997), along with her brothers Roland(2018) and Carol 2019 (Linda). She is survived by her sisters Charlene and Zelda Margot; nieces and nephew Laura and Gabriela, Tarnia and Charles, and great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Gloria's life will take place later in the Spring-we (the family) will reach out via calls, email and the post closer to the time. We hope to see you then to share stories and laughter about how she made all our lives a little better."
A Rotary Toronto Club in memoriam will be held at a later date at an upcoming regular Rotary Meeting.
Our condolences go out to Gloria's family and friends.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Lunch Meeting - March 21st
Robert (Rob) Fox, CEO OntarioMD
Rob Fox, CEO of OntarioMD, will be talking about Digital Health and its impact on the Health Care System.
Email Sarah Olsen at admin@rotarytoronto.com or click HERE to register.
St Patrick's Day Parade - March 16th
Several clubs will be taking part in the Parade - including our own club. The Rotary Float will include 3 vehicles from Sprint’s Ride Program and one of the Sherbourne Health buses which was kindly donated by our club. This is a great opportunity to increase the awareness of Rotary in the Community. Let’s have lot of Rotarian join the parade and the after parade fun!
Please register on our Club's home page by clicking HERE.
Picture from past parades:
Royal Flush - March 27th
The final Steam Whistle Fundraiser promises to be extra special as it is the final year of this great event. Fabio needs our support to make this event a success - please contact him at fabio.ventolini@rotarytoronto.com
You can make a donation to support our club's philanthropic activities by clicking HERE.
Rotary Leadership Institute Program - March 29th
What is RLI?
RLI is a series of courses designed to deepen your understanding of Rotary’s mission and its programs locally and internationally. With three progressive parts, the courses are fast-paced, interactive and engaging. You will walk away knowing more about Rotary and how you can make a difference and an impact within the club or the district.
Who should attend?
A new member
Active Rotarians
Current and incoming club Board of Directors
Current and future club leaders
Any interested Rotarian!
WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2025, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (breakfast & lunch included!).
WHERE: Centennial College Event Centre, 937 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario
Contact Susan Hunter at susan.hunter@rotarytoronto.com if you have any questions.
Sanitary Pads Sewing Project - April 5th
In many rural areas, including Consuelo in the Dominican Republic, girls face a monthly challenge: lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. This affects their health, well-being, and causes them to miss at least five days of school each month, limiting their education and future opportunities.
On Saturday, April 5th, 2025, join us for the Sanitary Pad Sewing Project as we assemble 250 reusable menstruation kits for girls in the Dominican Republic. Each kit includes flannel liners, shields, underwear, and hygiene supplies. These kits will help girls continue their education with dignity and confidence.
No sewing experience? No problem! Whether you’re cutting fabric, sewing, or assembling kits, every helping hand makes a difference. Together, let’s stitch a path to education and empowerment.
Sign up today on the Rotary Club of Toronto Website by clicking this LINK.
Questions? Reach out to Irene Kuan at irenek.rotar@gmail.com
Earth Day Clean Up -
Don't Mess with The Don
April 19th
To celebrate Earth Day, our club will collaborate with Don't Mess With The Don for the Ernest Thompson Seton Park clean up. The date will be confirmed closer to April. For further information, please contact Kevin Power at kevin.power@rotarytoronto.com
Save the Date for Camp!
May 23rd- 25th
Registration is now open for the event of the year!
The Community Outreach Committee is on the lookout for charities working within the downtown Toronto area that we haven't crossed paths with who could benefit from our support. If you know of a registered charity that supports our local Toronto community and could use a helping hand, please contact Community Outreach Committee Co-Chair Bert Steenburgh (bert@stonefortress.ca) with the charity's name and any other intel you have. We will take it from there and follow-up on the lead.
Be on the lookout: If you see a social media post in the months ahead regarding community outreach, we would appreciate your support in re-posting/sharing with your social media networks to spread the word.
The fine print: In the past, we have supported food banks, seniors' centres, shelters for those experiencing homelessness, and music programs for children, among many others. Funding requests for travel, conferences, advocacy, and large capital campaigns are generally not eligible.
March Birthday Celebrations!
On behalf of all our members, we wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in March!
The Rotary Club of Toronto
Membership Anniversaries
On behalf of the entire club, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to those celebrating their Rotary Club of Toronto anniversaries this quarter (January to March 2025).
Your dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions have played an integral role in our club's success and impact throughout the years.
Your unwavering support and tireless efforts continue to inspire us all, and we are honored to have you as part of our Rotary Club Toronto family.
Thank you for your service and for embodying the spirit of Rotary in everything you do.
Here's to many more years of fellowship, growth, and shared accomplishments!
Message from President Binoy
WhatsApp Group
We have 80 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.
Would you like to write for the Voice or have a story or picture to share?
Contact Brinda Luckoo at brinda.luckoo@rotarytoronto.com
