Today’s meeting was a joyous celebration as we raised our glasses to toast and wish a very happy 99th birthday to our esteemed member, Past President Jack Robertson.
Jack’s journey began on August 4, 1925, in Hamilton and Toronto. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he underwent rigorous training to become a Pilot Officer and Navigator.
After the war, Jack pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, graduating with a degree in Commerce and Finance. His career took him to Cassidy’s Limited, where he served as a principal buyer and Vice President, traveling extensively across Europe and the Far East in search of exquisite chinaware, glassware, and giftware.
Returning to Toronto, Jack founded his own company, “Jack Robertson Sales Ltd,” and settled in Oakville, where he has lived ever since.
Jack joined our Club in 1976, and his dedication led him to serve as Club President from 1991 to 1992. His presidency was marked by a focus on youth, encapsulated in his theme, “Help Youth, They’re Our Future.” Jack’s commitment extended to the Senior Citizens Committee and the Board of the Second Mile Club, and he has contributed to nearly every committee within our Club, earning the respect and admiration of all.
In 2010, Jack participated in the Sweat Equity Project in Malawi, even at the age of 89, Jack’s enthusiasm was undiminished as he joined the Club’s Sweat Equity Team in Cambodia in 2014.
PP Michelle Guy beautifully summed up Jack in one word: Gracious.
PP ASH also led the group singing Happy Birthday to Jack – so many great voices!
His presence makes everyone feel special, and we were truly blessed to share in the celebration of his 99th year.
Happy Birthday, Jack! Here’s to many more years of your inspiring presence and your unwavering dedication for out community.
All attendees wishing Jack a wonderful birthday!
PP Michelle Guy and PP Jack Robertson
Succulent Strawberry Shortcake!
President Binoy Luckoo and PP Jack Robertson
Jack expressed his intention to attend more meetings, especially our Friday lunches!
Thank you PP Bert!
Following our celebration for Jack, we had another heartfelt announcement about our esteemed Past President, Bert Steenburgh.
For the past 30 years Bert has served our club with dedication contributing to numerous initiatives such as Community Services, membership development, public relations and the Mental Health Working Group.
Bert is transferring to the Orangeville club, where he now resides, but we are thrilled that he will continue to chair the Community Outreach Committee for at least another year
President Binoy presented Bert with a special gift from the Club, and PP Michelle Guy added a fun touch with a ‘Thank you’ Helium balloon! 🎈
Thank you, PP Bert, for all your incredible contributions to our club. You will be deeply missed, especially your singing and guitar playing at Camp Scugog. 🎸🎶 You will always have a special place at our events!
International Dinner Series
Rotarian Kaitlynn Almeida reminded us of the upcoming international dinner series on August 20th for a taste of Mexico.
Make sure to sign up to enjoy some wonderful cuisine, fantastic conversation at the Summer Patio at Fonda Lola!
The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Syringe Donation Boosts Diabetes Care in St Kitts
Attendees included Dr Reginald O’Loughlin, President of the Diabetes Association in St Kitts; Dr Dwaine Archibald President of the Rotary Club of St Kitts and Dauna Jones-Symonds – President Elect of the Rotary Club of Toronto
We are honoured to announce that The Rotary Club of Toronto donated 40,000 Diabetic syringes to the Diabetes Association of St Kitts!
This donation will bolster the St Kitts Diabetes Association’s efforts to manage and prevent diabetes effectively. Their mission includes education, lifestyle changes, and management of diabetes to prevent complications.
As President Elect Dauna Jones-Simmonds aptly puts it 'think of the many lives that have been saved by this one simple act of care and support'
Rotarians visit the award-winning Misko-Aki Exhibit in Muskoka!
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Rotary Clubs of Toronto and Etobicoke visited the award-winning Misko-Aki Exhibit on June 23rd, at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst. Misko-Aki; Confluence of Cultures introduces a new and unique exhibition of Indigenous history and culture. It was an enjoyable trip with lots of learning and fellowship. Our knowledgeable Indigenous storyteller Jack Payette led us through the 10,000, year history of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe, Metis and Haudenosaunee people as we took a virtual canoe trip through the culture, history and geography of the region. This unique project highlights the authentic and previously unrecorded history of these four cultures in a fascinating presentation. We were able to learn how confluence of these four cultures in Muskoka ties together indigenous history in many southern Ontario communities.
Rotary International, seven local clubs and individual Rotarians have supported the exhibit. We were delighted to learn that this work has been recognized nationally by the Canadian Museum Association with their 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award in the exhibitions category. This honour highlights the beauty, authenticity and integrity of this wonderful exhibit.
The trip and tour of the exhibit and fellowship lunch was organized and led by Altaf Mamujee and Bill Empey.
By Altaf Mamujee
The birch-bark canoe: attendees being guided through the significance of the birch-bark canoe to indigenous culture and heritage.
The Dish With One Spoon:
Jack Payette (our Indigenous storyteller) explained the significance of the Dish With One Spoon, also known as One Dish One Spoon, which is a law used by Indigenous peoples in the Americas among two or more nations to signify eating out of the single dish, that is, all hunting in the shared territory.
Sad News
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marcy Berg’s beloved husband, Bob Neally.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Marcy and her family during this incredibly difficult time.
A memorial service will be held for Bob at the Paupers Pub located at 539 Bloor St. W. on August 16th at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial donations are encouraged in Bob’s memory to the Princess Margaret Hospital Palliative Care Team. https://thepmcf.ca/donate/ and choose “In Memory of” and select “Palliative Care program fund” and dedicate your donation to Robert Neally. Or, to the Rotary Club of Toronto Foundation by calling the office at 416-363-0604.
Let us all keep Marcy and her family in our thoughts and prayers, offering them strength and support.
Tickets must be purchased no later than August 30th 2024!
There are many sponsorship opportunities to gain corporate awareness with nearly 150 golfers, including hole sponsorship. For more information - contact Past President Jayson Phelps at jayson@phelpsgroup.ca.
We have 75 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.
