The Rotary Club of Toronto
Club 55 -  Founded 1912
January 28, 2026     Volume 113     Issue 15
 
 
 
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Welcome Our New Vice President - Mark McQuitty
 
The Rotary Club of Toronto is pleased to welcome Mark McQuitty as our new Vice President for January 2026- June 2026. 
 
Mark is the Founder of Windsor Park Capital Corporation, a firm established to invest in business opportunities that are both socially responsible and financially attractive.
 
Prior to founding Windsor Park, Mark spent more than 20 years as a fundraising consultant, including 13 years as President of a Toronto-based fundraising consultancy. During this time, he worked at a senior level with teaching hospitals, community hospitals, multi-level healthcare charities, community organizations, and post-secondary education institutions. He successfully designed and directed campaigns with financial objectives ranging from $500,000 to $40 million.
 
Before entering the fundraising sector, Mark worked in policy and communications on Parliament Hill.
 
Community involvement has always been central to Mark’s professional and personal life. He was a founding member of the National Capital Junior Board of Trade and has served on the boards of the Ottawa Ballet and the Ottawa-Carleton Board of Trade. He was also a member of the Ottawa Civic Hospital Community Advisory Committee.
 
After moving to Toronto, Mark became a long-time board member of the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf and currently serves on the board of the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation.
 
What attracted Mark to Rotary was not only the fellowship, but the opportunity to roll up his sleeves and contribute meaningfully to projects that make a difference. Since joining the Rotary Club of Toronto, he has chaired the International Service Committee, co-chaired the Club’s 92nd, 93rd, and 94th Annual Holiday Party for Children with Disabilities, and served on the Environment Committee, the Club’s Board of Directors, and the Board of the Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation.
 
Outside of Rotary, Mark enjoys sailing, good food and drink, theatre, and great music—whether it’s the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, jazz, or rock. Born and raised in Montreal, Mark now lives in North Toronto with his wife, Susan, not far from where she grew up.
 
8th International Dinner Series – Taste of Korea
 
  

On January 13th , the RCT International Dinner Series returned for a wonderful evening of fine fare and fellowship at Arisu Korean BBQ.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant, party-like atmosphere paired with a delicious introduction to traditional Korean barbecue. The evening began with an assortment of appetizers, including deep-fried dumplings, grilled mushrooms with cheese, and a spicy sashimi salad.

For the main course, we experienced an interactive tabletop Korean BBQ, featuring a generous selection of beef short ribs, pork belly, marinated chicken thighs, and fresh vegetables, all enjoyed in crisp lettuce wraps with flavourful sauces. The feast was complemented by classic sides such as egg custard, soybean soup, corn cheese, and scallion salad.

Dessert brought the evening to a sweet close with a green tea ice cream waffle cone sandwich, rounding out a truly memorable culinary experience

Beyond the delicious food, the evening was filled with sparkling conversation, laughter, and camaraderie — a true reflection of what makes these dinners so special.

Huge thanks to Team KNK — Neil, Kaitlynn, and Kai — for organizing another unforgettable event! Your efforts continue to make this series a highlight for everyone involved.
 
Written by Brinda Luckoo
 
January 23 Meeting
 
  
 
The Rotary Club of Toronto enjoyed a successful lunch meeting on January 23. We were pleased to hear from Dr. Jake Tran from the Grace Health Centre about an innovative elder care heath system supported financially by our club.
A Note of Thanks from Your Outgoing MarCom Chair
 

This month marks my final month as your MarCom Chair, as I have officially moved back home to the U.S. I am happy to share that Paige Caldeira will be stepping in as your new MarCom Chair for the remainder of the 2025–2026 Rotary year 🎉. Paige and the MarCom team are excited and ready to continue amplifying our club’s brand and impact.

When I joined Rotary, I hoped to give back and make friends. What I found was so much more—a community that welcomed me, challenged me, and helped me grow. Thank you for your partnership, encouragement, and friendship. Because of your support, I truly found my place here.

Serving as your MarCom Chair has been an honour. Together, we continued to build a stronger, cohesive public image for the Rotary Club of Toronto that reflects who we are, what makes us unique, and how we contribute to the broader Rotary International story. Every newsletter contribution, every smile captured, every interview accepted, and every “yes” to showing up as a Rotarian helped make that possible.

I encourage you to keep saying “yes.” Share your ideas with MarCom, follow our social channels, and continue engaging with the stories that showcase our collective impact.

Though I’m transferring to a new club, I’d love to stay connected. If you’re ever in Atlanta, Georgia, please reach out or find me online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youriwims/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youriwims/

With gratitude and friendship,
Youri Wims-Rico
 
Contribute to the Voice!
 
Are you interested in building your communication skills while helping the club? Are you interested in sharing your experiences in the Voice? We are looking for members interested in helping cover club meetings for the Voice. If you are interested please contact Voice Editor Kelsey Horning at kelsey.horning@rotarytoronto.com
 
 

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Club Meetings

 
Wednesday February 4, 2026
 
The National Club
6pm
 

Keynote Speakers: Kimberley Gadwah and Melanie Danna

Topic: Masi Ujiri - Giants of Afria (GOA) 

 
Friday February 20, 2026
 
The National Club
Noon
Keynote Speaker: Johnte Black, Magician and Mentalist
 
 

Other Events

Club Events
 
Camp Scugog Club Retreat
 
It is time to register for a fantastic weekend of hard work and fun. Can't come donations are welcome. This is a member only event.
 register at
 https://rotarytorontofund.kindful.com/?campaign=1397459
 
When: Friday to Sunday May 22-24 if you can only come Saturday that is Ok
 
Cost: Rotarian $165.00  Rotaractor $125.00 includes 2 dinners and breakfasts, 1 lunch   
     (you can’t afford to stay home)
 
Where: Camp Scugog just outside Port Perry approximately an hour and half outside Toronto. We will try to organize ridesharing if you need it.  
 
What is Camp Scugog: A fresh air camp for children, teens and Mothers so that they can gain new knowledge, attitudes and skills in a safe environment    
https://www.campscugog.org/
 
Why them:
Because they are a non-profit camp focused on needy children in the centre of Toronto. They have little funding and need us very much
 
Why should I come: some member comments” A magnificent fence was erected, many cabins were painted and spiffed up, and the transformation was apparent to all. The Camp staff were there working alongside of us, and their gratitude was palpable. I have left much out, but the important thing to know is this; in my opinion, the Camp Weekend is the best thing you can do all year, to fully experience the rewards of being a member of our great Club”
 
“All in all, I will remember the weekend as a time of feast, fellowship and fortitude. And although I quipped that "never again" would I attend, of course next year I wouldn't miss it for the world”
“The food and comradery was amazing"
 
A promise: I can promise you that there will be lots of hard work-painting, nailing, sorting cloths etc. and you will enjoy every minute. There will be laughter, song and incredible food prepared by your fellow members.
 If you can’t come for the whole weekend come for the day. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask Susan Howson. showson@researchcapital.com

  
 
District & International Events
 
 
June 13-17th, 2026
 
 

 

 
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?

Send us your stories using the newsletter submission form.
 
Officers:
 
President: Dauna Jones-Simmonds
 
President-Elect: Pauline Lyons

Vice-President: Mark McQuitty
 
Treasurer: Jeff Pollock
 
Executive Director: Carol Hutchinson
 
 
www.rotarytoronto.com    416-363-0604
 
Charitable Foundation
President: Richard White
Vice-President: Susan Hunter 
 
 
RI President: 
Francesco Arezzo
Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy
 
 
District Governor
Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas
Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise
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