This month in Rotary we celebrate our members, recognize their contributions, and engage with prospective members. It’s a time to reflect on the relationships that make our clubs strong, the moments of service that inspire us, and the shared values that connect us across generations and cultures. Interested in learning more about fostering a genuine sense of belonging in our club? See "Nurturing a sense of togetherness in a Rotary club" in Rotary 360.
Here are three ways you can participate in Membership Month today:
RSVP for the August 22nd Lunch meeting so that you can nominate a fellow Rotarian for the next I Love Rotary Champion.
Watch an inspirational speech from this year’s Rotary International Convention. Recordings can be found here.
Share the “I’m a Proud Member!” Rotary graphic below on your social media. In the caption, talk about why you joined Rotary or what you enjoy the most about your Rotary experience. Don’t forget to tag our official Rotary Club of Toronto account so that we can celebrate your post.
Celebration, Connection, and Cybersecurity
August 6th Dinner Meeting
From the moment guests stepped through the doors, the room was alive with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection. Friends, Rotarians, and newcomers alike were welcomed into an atmosphere buzzing with joy and community spirit. PresidentDauna officially opened the evening with grace and energy, leading into the National Anthem—a heartfelt moment of unity.
The energy shifted to education and empowerment as keynote speaker Brent Thomas took us ona journey into the evolving world of Cybersecurity. With clarity and urgency, Brent unpacked today’s digital threats—from the growing influence of AI and the impending force of quantum computing, to the ever-present human factor.The session was made even more dynamic by engaged Rotarians who posed thoughtful questions, making it a truly interactive and eye-opening conversation.
We were also thrilled to welcome new member Jack Willey into our Rotary family, inducted by Past President John Lloyd. Welcome, Jack!
A Birthday to Remember
The dinner wasn’t complete without a toast to celebrate the 100th birthday of our dear friend and long-standing Rotarian, Jack Robertson. Past President David Hetherington took the stage to introduce Jack’s beloved family and guests followed by a fun tribute by Michelle. A special video preceding the cheerful chorus of “Happy Birthday,” complete with two giant cakes proudly declaring “Happy Birthday Jack!”
This is Jack's 49th year as a member of The Rotary Club of Toronto. Sharing how blessed he feels to be surrounded by incredible friends doing meaningful work, he offered his Rotary wisdom in his remarks before blowing out candles with his family. Firstly, Rotary membership is all about service; secondly, as an international organization Rotary gives us the opportunity to learn about the world and address some of its problems. Finally, as new members become engaged in the Club’s activities, their commitment to service appreciates. Jack illustrates his Rotary beliefs through his experience. He was our president in 1992. His services included painting at Camp Scugog, among a number of activities. He joined the Club at age 50, having served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and then building his china import business.God bless the legacy Jack Robinson leaves to us.
We hope you had a wonderful and joyous 100th birthday, Jack!
Whether we were learning how to stay safe in a digital world or celebrating milestones with cake and laughter, one thing was clear: Rotary is where purpose meets people Here’s to staying connected, staying safe, and moving forward-together.
Written by Diego Galbiati & Peter Simmie
Pictures by Letícia Devens & Youri Wims-Rico
I Love Rotary Champion Program
Recognizing Our Quiet Heroes
During our August 6th dinner meeting, we launched our new I Love Rotary Champion program that celebrates the quiet heroes who make Rotary stronger, one good deed at a time. Kelsey Horning (pictured) was crowned our very first I Love Rotary Champion for her continued dedication to supporting The Voice over the past 3 years and stepping into her new role as the 2025-2026 Voice Editor role for our club. Congrats Kelsey—we appreciate your dedication to keeping our members informed and connected!
A special thank you to Dauna, the Programs committee, and Membership Engagement committee for your collaboration and thoughtfulness in spearheading the I Love Rotary Champion program.
Timothy Lang is an accomplished leader in the private and not for profit sector with a record of inspiring organizations to achieve results and growth. Tim assumed the post of President & CEO of YES, Canada’s leading youth employment service provider, in July, 2015. As President & CEO, Tim leads a strong team who annually empower and inspire thousands of youth through training and skills development to become contributing members of society through employment. During his leadership YES has more than doubled in size and now serves close to 20,000 youth per year. Most of whom have barriers to employment. YES truly changes lives.
Tim previously held senior management and executive positions with Xerox Corp., Bell Canada, Energy Savings Income Fund, and St. Francis Xavier University. As Global Vice President at Energy Savings Income Fund, he led unprecedented corporate growth, expanding into several new provinces and states and helping create thousands of jobs. As Vice President at StFX University, Tim led his division to achieve record growth in national reputation, alumni affinity, branding, communications, and fundraising. This included working closely with former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and raising$100 million for the Mulroney Institute of Government, as well as supporting fundraising efforts for the Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership and the Gerald Schwartz School of Business at StFX.
Tim has served on several not-for-profit boards, food banks and youth organizations. Tim speaks and lectures frequently at national events, corporations and universities on topics of leadership, motivation, sales, marketing, communications, fundraising, and more. Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from StFX University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Manitoba. Tim received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2012 for outstanding contributions to the community.
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Wednesday, September 3rd
The National Club
6pm
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Friday, September 19th
The National Club
12pm
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Events
Annual Golf Tournament: Meet Us at the Green
September 16th
FORE!—we are excited to partner with four other Toronto Rotary Clubs for our annual golf tournament. Participants will receive a breakfast upon arrival, 18 holes of golf, and lunch with the chance to win some prizes along the way.
Want to spotlight your brand or business to nearly 150 Rotarians? Contact jayson@phelpsgroup.ca for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
International Dinner Series: Mezze & More
September 23rd
Join us for a vibrant cuisine fusing the flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Served family-style for sharing, we'll be served Shish Kabab (lamb or beef), Shish Tawoo (chicken), kafta, liver with sides of baba ghanouje, hummos, falafel, tabbouleh salad, mixed pickles, sautéed tomatoes and the most incredible fried eggplant. Served with rice, salad and pita bread. And for dessert, baclava for all.
Located mid-town on Eglinton, the evening cost is $45pp including tax and gratuity. Drinks, as always, on your own.
Space is limited, so sign up soon. Family, friends, Rotaractors, prospective members or anyone out for a good time welcome. :-)
NOTE: In fairness to the restaurant, late cancellations or no-shows will be charged $45 by the RCT Office. No exceptions.
Announcements
By-law ONCA I was passed—presented by President Dauna and moved by Past Presidents Susan and Binoy. All previous By-Laws of the Club are hereby repealed and replaced by this By-Law. For any questions regarding the by-law please email Carol at: office@rotarytoronto.com.
Newsletter submission updates—starting in September, all submissions for the Voice will be received through this form only. If you have any questions, contact youri.wims@rotarytoronto.com.
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.
Want to see a story or pictures of your latest meeting, project, or social in The Voice?
A Birthday to Remember 
Here’s to staying connected, staying safe, and moving forward-together.
