As we gather to celebrate Earth Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the beauty and bounty of our planet and our responsibility to protect it for future generations.
We give thanks for the abundant gifts of nature - the clean air that fills our lungs, the pure water that sustains all life, the fertile soil that nourishes our food, and the diverse ecosystems that maintain the delicate balance of our world.
In the spirit of Rotary, we offer our service to the planet, for the benefit of all who call it home.
Let us celebrate this Earth Day with gratitude and dedication, as we work together to create a better, more sustainable future for all.
Message from President Binoy
Friday April 25th, 2025
Lunch at The National Club
Keynote Speaker: Don Davis, Citizen Scientist
Travels with the Monarch
Special Earth Day Lunch!
Today’s lunch was dedicated to commemorating Earth Day with a special vegetarian menu designed by The National Club chefs. The meeting began with a video of Camp Scugog and President Binoy offering a bottle of wine for the first two members to register for the May 23-25 camp weekend. Bill Empey and John Fortney walked away with the wine by the end of the meeting.
We welcomed guests including Brigitte Bogar, wife of late member Glenn Davis, and their daughter, Victoria. We were fortunate to hear Brigitte sing ‘O Canada’ and remind us of her extraordinary voice. President Binoy was thrilled to introduce Burcu (pronounced “Burju”) Eser a new member to our club; her profile appears in this Voice so check it out.
Our meeting included a special In Memoriam of Glenn MacGregor Davis who passed away on March 20, 2025, and was a member of the Rotary Club of Toronto for 35 years and also involved with other charitable organizations. Glenn had a long-term career in law and related fields and retired in 2022 to focus on family and friends. He was a gifted pianist performing at many Rotary events and lunch meetings, and his many contributions to our club included serving on the board several times, his leadership on multiple philanthropic committees particularly his support of the work at Camp Scugog along with Brigitte. And most of all, Glenn will be remembered by his quick wit and unique sense of humour. A recording of Glenn playing “Abide with Me” closed off the special tribute.
Kurt Kroesen then delivered a wonderful toast to nature and implored us to be intentional in how we treat the planet. Wisely, he said nature can exist without us, but we cannot exist without nature.
Our speaker Don Davis was introduced by Neil Phillips. Don is an environmentalist and a citizen scientist dedicated to the conservation of the beautiful monarch butterfly. We learned about the plight and the flight of the monarch butterfly from Canada to the southern U.S. Some make it all the way to Mexico where the butterflies spend their winters in protected biosphere reserves. Sadly, the monarch butterfly population is declining because of the loss and degradation of milkwood and nectar sources as well as the effects of climate change and the use of herbicides and pesticides. You can help by growing the milkwood plant in your garden and becoming a community scientist.
And just after President Binoy’s announcement of upcoming meetings, Brigitte led us with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to celebrate our very own Carol Hutchinson whose birthday is today. She shares the day with Beau Rogers.
Written by Past President Susan Hunter
The Canadian and Ontario flags were lowered by Past Presidents Brian Westlake and Kevin Power whilst President Binoy conducted an In Memoriam for our Late member Glenn McGregor Davis.
It is with great sadness that we share the peaceful passing of our long-term Rotary member Glenn McGregor Davis on March 20, 2025, in his 74th year.
Mourned by his loving wife, Brigitte Bogar, and their daughter, Victoria. Survived by his former spouse, Heather, and their daughter, Shannon; sister, Joanne; and a large extended family. Predeceased by his parents, Merritt and Edith Davis.
Glenn was a graduate of the University of Toronto (B.Sc.) and Queens University (LL.B.). Glenn greatly enjoyed multiple, overlapping careers in law and related fields.
Glenn joined The Rotary Club of Toronto in 1990, with the business classification of estate and insurance planning and he served the club for 35 years with a great sense of humour, outrageous fun, energy, caring, dedication and commitment.
He was a member of the Fellowship and Entertainment committee in 1996, became the Chair in 1999 and Club Board Liaison Director in 2001, so he could enjoy the fun his way! Upon meeting Glenn you could rest assured he would share a good (or not so good joke)!
He served multiple times on the Board of Directors and on the Operations/Executive committee in 2001. On our Foundation board he was an active and honorary member, with his focus on estates and gift giving for our Foundation.
For his meritous service he received the Club Builder award in 2003; in
2010-2011 and 2017-2018 he served on our Youth and Children’s committee and continued to be heavily involved at the children’s holiday parties, Camp Scugog and other children’s camps and activities.
In 2016- 2017 he served on the Seniors’ Committee and provided ongoing support at the senior’s holiday parties and events.
Glenn was a gifted pianist and along with Brigitte as a professional singer were regular contributors to the entertainment at our weekly Friday lunches and special activities.
This is all in addition to his contributions to other Toronto service organizations and neighbourhood acts of charity.
A celebration of life was held earlier this month and our condolences go out to Brigitte, Victoria, family and friends. He will be sorely missed….
A very touching recording of "Abide with Me" on piano by our Late member Glenn Davis was played during the In Memoriam.
Pictures and write up by Carol Hutchinson
Nourishing Hearts at the Fort York Food Bank
On Sunday April 13th, President Binoy, Vice-President Pauline, and Board Director Mark, helped cook and serve meals at The Fort York Food Bank. This was in partnership with members of the Rotary Toronto Sunrise and Rotaract Toronto clubs., as well as other volunteers. We served 150 meals for Sunday lunch.
There's a unique satisfaction that comes from cooking and serving food at the Fort York Food Bank. Beyond just filling empty stomachs, each meal represents a moment of dignity and connection for those experiencing food insecurity.
When you chop vegetables alongside other volunteers, stir simmering pots, and plate nutritious meals, you're creating more than food—you're crafting care in its most essential form. The simple act of serving someone a warm meal with a smile can restore a sense of humanity that hardship often diminishes.
The gratitude in people's eyes as they receive a thoughtfully prepared meal reminds us of our shared humanity. In a world that can feel increasingly divided, these moments of genuine connection at Fort York Food Bank show how the simple act of cooking for others can simultaneously nourish both body and spirit.
Pictures & Write-up by President Binoy
Don't Mess With The Don
Sun Valley Stewardship Project
To commemorate Earth Day, Rotarians from our club, Toronto Eglinton and Toronto East rolled up their sleeves, put on their boots and their gloves and joined Don't Mess With The Don for a greener future!
On the cool & windy Saturday morning of April 26th, we worked in the Sun Valley loop in Crothers Woods. We removed invasive plants and restored native ones to create a thriving ecosystems for the diverse species of birds, animals, and plants that are present in the Don Valley.
Thank you Past-President Kevin, President Binoy, Vice-President Pauline, Liam, Olena, Camellia, new member Burcu from our club, DG Virginia & Dawn from Toronto East, and ADG Nilam from Toronto Eglinton. And of course members of Don't Mess With The Don and many other residents of the area, working together for a healthier community for generations to come!
Written by Brinda Luckoo
Pictures courtesy of President Binoy & Camellia Mohamadi
International Dinner Series
A Culinary Journey through Northern India
Dil Tak Indian Fine Dining
On a memorable April evening, Team KNK, the talented trio of Kaitlynn, Neil, and Kai, transformed our gathering into an extraordinary expedition to the vibrant heart of Northern India.
The feast began with a stunning array of appetizers, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, each offering a perfect balance of traditional spices and flavours. The naan bread arrived in baskets, pillowy-soft and warm, ideal for scooping up the richly spiced chicken and vegetable curries that followed. The peas pulao rice, fluffy and aromatic, provided the perfect complement to these robust dishes. To sweeten the journey, we were treated to the divine taste of luscious gulab jamuns, a true celebration of India's rich culinary heritage.
Engaging conversations and hearty laughter filled the air, reflecting the camaraderie and fun that unfolded around the tables. The evening bloomed with friendship, as the diverse yet harmonious dishes echoed the connections made that night.
Over the past year, our gratitude extends to Kaitlynn, Neil, and Kai for their dedication and passion in leading us through a breathtaking series of gastronomic escapades.
Throughout the seasons, Team KNK had expertly guided us through the bold spices of Eritrea, the vibrant flavours of Mexico, the delicate precision of Japanese cuisine, and the soulful warmth of Jamaican cooking, before bringing us to the diverse tapestry of Indian gastronomy.
We thank Team KNK for their remarkable talent and dedication, we eagerly look forward to embarking on even more culinary journeys, bound together by the love of good food and great company.
Written by Brinda Luckoo
Pictures courtesy of Team KNK
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Tree of Remembrance Celebration - May 7, 2025
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the 2024 Rotary Tree of Remembrance! The Rotary Club of Toronto warmly invites our members, esteemed sponsors, dedicated volunteers, Sankofa Square, Winter Glow, and the City of Toronto to a memorable evening of gratitude and inspiration on May 7th at The National Club.
Our shared commitment to the Rotary Tree of Remembrance and Winter Glow has transformed Sankofa Square into a beloved holiday destination, fostering a strong sense of community and promoting the incredible work that Rotary does in our vibrant city.
This celebration is a testament to our collective efforts and the lasting impact we can make when we come together with a shared purpose. As we look forward to further nurturing and expanding the reach of this cherished event, we invite you to join us in reflecting on our accomplishments and creating an even brighter future for our community.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow change-makers, enjoy an evening filled with camaraderie and inspiration, and be a part of shaping the future of the Rotary Tree of Remembrance. Secure your spot at this special gathering by registeringHERE, and let's continue to make a difference together!
To register, please email Sarah Olsen at admin@rotarytoronto.com OR REGISTER HERE.
Rotary Members Retreat : Camp Scugog
May 23rd - 25th
Our yearly Rotary retreat is around the corner - this year more than ever - your help is really needed!
Pictures of Camp Scugog after the Ice storm:
The damage from the Ice storm has intensified our resolve to restore the camp, ensuring it is ready to welcome children this summer. These children deserve a haven where they can create joyful memories, and your help is crucial in making this possible. Let’s make it happen!
This is also a wonderful opportunity to truly connect with your fellow Rotarians. And let's not forget the culinary delight awaiting us! With two professional chefs from our Club crafting the menu, you can be sure the food will be nothing short of spectacular.
Don't miss out on this incredible experience - the cost Rotarians is $160
Past President Susan Howson at showson@researchcapital.com
NEW MEMBER - BURCU ESER
Burcu (pronounced "Burju"), originally from Turkey, was inducted into our club on April 25th, 2025.
Her current classification is Project Management.
Her interest in Rotary started when she learned about the global mission and values centered on service, ethics, and meaningful community impact. Her main service interests are Youth & Children, Women's Initiatives, and Environment.
Members please reach out to Burcu to welcome her to our club and to get to know her better. She will soon be added to our WhatsApp channel.
Welcome to our club Burcu!
May Birthday Celebrations!
On behalf of all our members, we wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in May!
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 (April to June 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
For all members who have joined or wants to join the WhatsApp Group, please note that we will use your first name & last name - no business name or acronym please. Thank you.
Would you like to write for the Voice or have a story or picture to share?
Contact Brinda Luckoo at brinda.luckoo@rotarytoronto.com
