In a moment that touched every heart in the room, I opened our Rotary dinner tonight by sharing a special gift from Past President Jack Robertson – a video set to Sarah McLachlan's poignant "Ordinary Miracle."
As the gentle melody filled the room and beautiful images cascaded across the screen, a profound silence fell over us all.
The masterful combination of music and visuals didn't just capture our attention – it reached into our souls, reminding us that even in our most challenging times, life overflows with quiet wonders waiting to be noticed. I found myself reconnecting with the simple joys we so often overlook in our busy lives.
For those precious minutes, the troubles of the world seemed to fade away, replaced by a collective feeling of gratitude and hope. When the video ended, the room remained still for a moment before erupting in heartfelt applause.
Thank you, Past President Jack, for this profound gift of perspective. You didn't just share a video – you offered us a moment of healing, reminding us that when we pause to recognize the miracles in ordinary moments, our hearts find the strength to carry on.
Pictures and write-up by President Binoy
Keynote Speaker: Kate Allen
Toronto Star Reporter
The end of lettuce?
How climate change is threatening Canada’s food supply.
As we gathered around the dinner table with one another, Wednesday night's meeting started off with reflections in memoriam to kindhearted Rotarian Gloria Lee. The Rotary Toast for the evening was then led by Olena Repekha with a beautiful tie-in to the theme of the evening, the environment.
As we wrapped up our second course and began our third, Toronto Star reporter Kate Allen took over the podium, introduced by Past President Neil Phillips. In true storyteller fashion, Kate shared with us how her focus on the recurring lettuce shortage began. She spoke to her desire to draw the audience in through captivating articles and headlines, helping the reader get past the initial hesitation, so the reader can engage in evidence-informed learnings about climate change without initially realizing that this is what the article is focused on.
So the end of lettuce, Kate said? We did not have lettuce salad, but really enjoyed the spinach & arugula salad topped with toasted almonds and parmesan cheese in an amazing vinaigrette prepared by the National Club chefs!
What are some factors affecting the story of lettuce? We learned about the impact from floods, irrigation challenges, war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and U.S. tariffs. We discussed the challenges of buying environmentally friendly products when rising prices are a significant challenge. And how much do these challenges affect lettuce alone in Canada? Well, picture this: Canada imports more than 5 Titanic's worth of lettuce every year.
So how do we have these conversations, today and in the future? And why talk about lettuce? Kate spoke about the importance of framing to foster engagement with her articles and advance awareness on these topics. She shared that the concerns about climate change can make people feel hopeless and overwhelmed. When we know this impacts our lives and we shouldn't back away from the topic, but it feels daunting, how do we advance our education and actions, for ourselves and for those around us? Kate encouraged us all to connect the reality of climate change to people's lives, and to think about food as an example of a space where we can make tangible shifts in our everyday reality in order to have a positive impact.
Past President Steven Smith and President Binoy welcomed visiting Rotarians from Rotary Club of Oakville and Rotary Club of Colombo Mid-Town and guests from the National Club.
Pictures by Kaitlynn Almeida & Sefer Ozalp
Write-up by Kaitlynn Almeida
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 Gloria Jean (nee Andrews) Lee.
Gloria passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in her 82nd year at Mount Sinai hospital, after a steady decline in her health in the last months.
Gloria was born on May 29, 1943 and was predeceased by her husband Martin Lee, her parents, Charles and Dorothy Andrews, along with her brothers Roland and Carol.
Gloria is survived by her sisters Charlene and Zelda Margot; nieces and nephew Laura and Gabriela, Tarnia and Charles, and great nieces and nephews.
Gloria joined The Rotary Club of Toronto on November 30, 2012, with the business classification of information management. She served the club for 12 years in a caring, generous and quiet manner and was a frequent presence and volunteer at Rotary meetings, events and charitable activities.
Gloria embodied the spirit of Rotary – in 2013 she was the lucky winner of a Sony AM/FM clock radio. When she opened the box, there was no radio – instead she found $10,000 in $50 bills and a bar of gold valued at $7,000 and a note from a Scarborough resident who wanted to donate these funds to the Princess Margaret Foundation.
Gloria made sure to deliver the box and all the cash and gold to the Rotary office for delivery to the Princess Margaret Foundation!
A celebration of Gloria's life will take place later in the spring, where the family hopes to see you then to share stories and laughter about how she made all our lives a little better.
Our condolences go out to Gloria's family and friends.
A very touching recording of "Abide with Me" on piano by our Late member Glenn Davis was played during Gloria's In Memoriam. Sadly our dear friend Glenn passed away on March 20th, 2025. An In Memoriam for him will be observed at our club meeting on April 25th.
Pictures and write up by President Binoy
15th Annual Steam Whistle Fundraiser!
Going out with a Bang with Elvis & the Show Girls!
Our 15th and final Steam Whistle Fundraiser attracted over 270 participants. It was an enjoyable night of fun and fundraising to help our communities in need.
Thank you to Fabio and his team as well as all our sponsors, donors, suppliers and volunteers who have contributed to the success of this amazing event for the last 15 years!
Write-up & pictures provided by Irene Kuan & President Binoy
Sanitary Pads Sewing Project
In just one morning, dedicated club members crafted reusable sanitary pads for young girls in developing countries. These girls often lack access to basic sanitary products due to financial constraints. Together, we made a tangible difference in their lives. Rotarians in Action!
Thank you all (Binoy, Pauline, Sergio, Lorraine, Krystyna, Beau, Kirthy, Olena, Mark, Levi, Liam, & Irene) who participated in the Rotary Club of Toronto Sanitary Pads Sewing project on April 5, 2025.
A special thank you to Janet Thorsteinson and Linda Ames from the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise for their guidance, John Joseph Mastandrea and Manor Road Church staff for the venue and event support, and Diego Ribeiro Galbiati for the planning support. This event was organized by Irene Kuan from the Rotary Club of Toronto.
Pictures courtesy of Irene Kuan
Write-up by Brinda Luckoo & Irene Kuan
Congratulations Rama Appadoo!
Congratulations to our club member Rama Appadoo who was recently called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario. He is now excited to get established as a lawyer in Toronto.
Grants Funded by The Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation
Oct 1 2024 to Dec 31 2024
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Lunch Meeting - April 25, 2025
Don Davis
Conserving the Monarch Butterflies
Don Davis has participated in numerous monarch-related conservation, educational, and scientific projects and initiatives, starting in1967 when he tagged monarchs with Dr. Fred Urquhart’s Insect Migration Association. Don has had a lifelong interest in natural history, while his career was focused for 40 years on child welfare and protection in Ontario.
Over the years, Don has attended conferences and workshops about monarchs in Canada, U.S.A. and Mexico; written about monarchs; contributed to documentary films, including the award-winning IMAX documentary Flight of the Butterflies. In January 2025 Don was interviewed by Matt Galloway on CBC radio’s The Current.
Don has contributed to Journey North, Monarch Teacher Network Canada, and Monarch Watch since their inception, and submitted data to Project Monarch Health. He is a Life Member of Ontario Nature and Friends of Presqu’ile Park.
Email Sarah Olsen at admin@rotarytoronto.com or click HERE to register.
Spring into Flavour: Exclusive Indian Culinary Adventure Awaits!
Spring is in the air, and so is the delightful aroma of our next exciting Rotary International Dinner Evening!
This time, Team KNK (Kaitlynn, Neil, Kai), invites you to embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant land of spices and flavors – India.
Since there will be no regular club meeting during Easter weekend, what better way to celebrate than by indulging in a delectable Indian feast with your Rotary family?
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 16th, as we gather at a soon-to-open, exclusive downtown restaurant. Our research team has meticulously sampled their sister location to ensure an unforgettable experience for all of you.
For just $45 per person (including tips & taxes), you'll indulge in a variety of delectable Indian dishes at the restaurant. Start your evening with succulent veg & non-veg appetizers, followed by soft pillowy naan breads and fluffy rice dishes.
Choose your favorite meat and veggies, and finish with heavenly Indian sweets or a comforting hot chai!
Space is limited, so don't miss out on this enticing opportunity! Reserve your spot by emailing Kaitlynn directly at kaitlynn.almeida@gmail.com.
We encourage you to extend the invitation to family, friends, Rotaractors, prospective members, or anyone seeking a good time!
Please note that late cancellations or no-shows will be charged $45 by the RCT Office to ensure fairness to the restaurant.
Written by Team KNK - Kaitlynn Almeida, Neil Phillips, Kai Devonish
Earth Day Clean Up -
Don't Mess with The Don
Container Hub - Loblaws located at
11 Redway Road, Toronto
April 26th
To celebrate Earth Day, our club will collaborate with Don't Mess With The Don to remove invasive species at Sun Valley loop in Crothers Woods. For further information, please contact Past President Kevin Power at kevin.power@rotarytoronto.com
Rotary 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
April Birthday Celebrations!
On behalf of all our members, we wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in April!
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
