What has been your magic moment in Rotary? That was the question posed to members of our club by our District Governor Virginia O’Reilly during our Wednesday evening meeting. As members pondered this question, she spoke about the reasoning behind RI President Stephanie Urchick’s decision to have “The Magic of Rotary” be the theme for this 2024-2025 Rotary year. For her, the magic of Rotary was on display when she was helping install water filters in the Dominican Republic. Young boys observing the Rotarians from Urchick’s McMurray, Pennsylvania club at work remarked on the sight of dirty water going into the filter and coming out clean, ‘Show me the magic again’!
In addition to sharing the magic of Rotary, RI has 4 additional goals for the year:
Growing Membership: Both DG O’Reilly and President Urchick have a long involvement in membership and know the challenges. While the goal for each district is to net 100 new members this year, equalling 2 new members for each club in District 7070, there is still the challenge of attrition meaning on average clubs should strive for 17 new members a year.
Growing the Polio+ Program: Great strides have been made thanks to Rotary in the eradication of polio however global events often can setback this work. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen a resurgence of polio for the first time in 25 years.
Growing the Foundation: Only 33% of Rotary Members give to the Foundation annually. The continued work of the Polio+ program is an example of why we should work to grow this number and remind members of the impact the foundation has made globally.
Healing through Positive Peace: While perhaps a new concept to some, it is based on Rotary’s areas of focus. Positive peace is achieved through work on local economies, education and literacy among others that help to foster an environment for peace.
President Binoy was proud to report that our Club has been seeing a steady growth of new members, has been awarded for the club’s contributions on behalf of its members to both Polio+ ($10K annually) and the RI Foundation ($40K annually), in addition to the work of our club's own foundation. Finally, DG O’Reilly shared the Action Plan put forward by RI to help reinvigorate clubs and achieve our shared goals.
The four priorities are : Increase Our Impact, Expand Our Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement and Increase our Ability to Adapt.
President Binoy reiterated that our club's objectives align with those of District 7070 and Rotary International, echoing his message from the inaugural address. He reminded members that our club establishes annual goals, and it falls upon each member to contribute towards these aims, whether through supporting a committee or working group's efforts or by bringing potential new members to our meetings.
In answer to DG O’Reilly’s question club members shared some of their magic moments in Rotary. The Tree of Remembrance, the fun and the friends made at Camp Scugog, The Rotary Club of Toronto Health Bus provided to Sherbourne Health Centre, the support for women's shelters providing victims of abuse with safety, and connections made at meetings, conventions and events were all shared with enthusiasm.
When taking questions after her presentation, the DG gave her experience in coming to Rotary and imparted some advice for new and long-time Rotarians. When moving from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to Toronto for work she found people to be very friendly. When she attended a Rotary event, she found fellowship and became a member because she was asked to join. Echoing her earlier remarks about membership she encouraged clubs to find the passions of new members and help connect them with related club activities and be open to potentially helping them make new ones if none exist.
For the newer members she advised them to speak up, share their interests and what they would like to accomplish as a Rotarian with the leadership team.
After the meeting concluded, a few of us went to the rooftop gazebo and enjoyed a few drinks amongst friends. We talked about the events being organized by the club and shared some laughs and ideas, may be a wine and yoga social to be led by our newest member.
Written by Liam Hancock
I am a newer member of the club and I really enjoyed writing for the Voice!
District Governor Virginia O'Reilly and President Binoy Luckoo
New Member - Audrey Marie Crochemar
Audrey Marie Crochemar was born and raised in Martinique and moved to Canada in 2019.
As a seasoned international consultant, she works for Peel Region in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She holds an MBA from New Mexico State University (USA), and a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Foreign Languages from the Université de Savoie (France).
At work, Audrey contributes to increasing the institutional capacity of developing countries, built and implemented strategies promoting workforce’s well-being, and increasing community engagement.
Outside of work, Audrey loves music, the outdoors, comedy clubs, game nights. She attends yoga / meditation retreats, enjoys learning about mental health, personal growth.
An interesting fact about Audrey is she feels she is very intuitive; and that she can read a room and people very quickly.
Grants Funded by our Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation
December 2, 2023 to February 2, 2024
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Friday September 20th, 2024
RCT Scholarships Award Luncheon
National Club
Please Register with Sarah (admin@rotarytoronto.com)
Hosted by: The Scholarship Committee chaired by Sergio Amatller & President Elect Pauline Lyons
This very special luncheon will announce our 2024 RCT Scholarship recipient - a truly deserving winner.
Each year, The Rotary Club of Toronto Scholarship Working Group awards one four-year tuition scholarship of up to $15,000 per year to a deserving student.
This scholarship program makes post-secondary education possible for young people who might not otherwise be able to continue their studies due to financial circumstances.
The scholarship is open to outstanding students graduating from the two main Toronto School Boards.
Make sure to attend this memorable event!
Kids Against Hunger Food Packing
Join us for a meaningful afternoon of service Sunday September 15th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Manor Road United Church.
You're invited to a food packing event with Kids Against Hunger, aiming to pack over 10,000 meals for Haiti.
Experience the impact of your efforts as we transform simple ingredients into meals that will reach families in need. Connect with fellow volunteers, hear inspiring stories, and reignite your passion for community service. Bring your energy and compassion to help combat hunger and make a difference. Mark your calendars - we look forward to seeing you there!
For more information contact Andrew St. John at andrew.stjohn@rotarytoronto.com
ANNUAL ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Mark your calendars for Sept 17th at the Richmond Hill Golf Club.
For more information - contact Past President Jayson Phelps at jayson@phelpsgroup.ca.
HOLIDAY HAMPERS FUNDRAISER
October 2nd
Our Rotary Club will host a grand Oktoberfest celebration on October 2nd for all members and their guests at the Balmy Beach Club.
Expect a live band, an abundance of food and drinks, a silent auction, dancing, and fellowship—all the makings of a memorable party, with your presence as the highlight.
Additionally, this event serves as a crucial fundraiser for the Holiday Hampers program, and we urge every member to participate and support this cause. It's an opportunity for us to unite as a Club in the spirit of fun and camaraderie.
The ticket price is only $99, covering the cost of food, your initial beverage, and a $40 charitable receipt, which will contribute to purchasing food for the Holiday Hampers.
Let's gather and have a good time as part of an outstanding Rotary Club. It will be an enjoyable experience, and simultaneously, we'll assist our neighbours who are struggling to afford their groceries.
From The Holiday Hampers Team
DISTRICT 7070 CONFERENCE
October 25-27
Discover the incredible projects within our district and network with fellow Rotarians in our District.
The District Conference Committee is also offering 'unbundled pricing' as follow:
Friday evening only - $30 + HST - Reception and Hospitality Suite
Saturday Sessions & Lunch only - $85 + HST
Saturday Full Day - all meals, inc. dinner & entertainment and all programs & speakers - $295 + HST
Saturday dinner & entertainment only - $145 + HST
Sunday - speakers & program - breakfast and lunch - $95 + HST
On Behalf of all our members, we wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in September!
WhatsApp Group
We have 79 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.
Would you like to write for the Voice or have a story or picture to share?
Contact Brinda Luckoo at brinda.luckoo@rotarytoronto.com
