Our Wednesday, January 8th meeting was our first of 2025 and the halfway point of our Rotary year. A fitting time for a presentation entitled The Year That Was; The Year Ahead delivered by The Toronto Star Columnist, Andrew Phillips.
The meeting began aptly it turned out, with a rendition of the national anthem highlighting the natural beauty and wealth of Canada. Though only a few days into the new year, there was no shortage of headlines to pull from, many still rapidly unfolding. The presentation focused on the coming change in the top political job in both Canada and our neighbour south of the 49th parallel border. It was the idea of that neighbour’s soon-to-be President wanting to remove that very border which primarily shaped the evening though.
Taking a short trip into the history books, Andrew discussed the relationship between Canada and the US where, apart from the War of 1812, relations have been good. A merger, to use a business term, between our two nations is not a new suggestion having arisen as a talking point on both sides of the border but never to this level. It was raised during the Q&A session, that while this might be a negotiation tactic, many in the US see it as a real possibility and take some offence at our nation’s hesitancy to become their 51st state. Tariffs however pose a more immediate threat to our economy and Ontario is a province that will feel it the most.
While murmurs from the crowd persisted, our speaker encouraged us to look forward to the future. He predicted increased articles second-guessing free trade and our close economic ties with the United States. The new Gordie Howe International Bridge is an example of our reliance on free trade as Canada paid for it in full, including the terminal in Detroit. Recent events will hopefully serve as a wake-up call for Canadian companies to look at our own natural wealth and the economic opportunities they may provide.
This was also a meeting at which we celebrated the 90th birthday of Past President John Lloyd. John was joined by his family in marking the occasion with a chocolate cake specially prepared by the chefs at the National Club. A sweet way to conclude a rather thought-provoking meeting.
President Binoy closed the meeting with a few announcements:
1. Thanking President-Elect Dauna Jones-Simmonds and her team for organizing the successful 2024 Holiday Party, and our member Irene Kuan for her amazing photographic skills.
2. The 4th RCT Tree of Remembrance was a great success at Sankofa Square.
President Binoy thanked all volunteers who helped at the Tree Takedown braving the cold weather. Special Thank you's to PP Jayson Phelps, PP Anny-Sandra Hamel, VP Pauline Lyons, RCT Members - TP Sheehan, Sergio Amatller, Brent Thomas, and Kai Devonish. You all did such a great job taking down all of the decorations and the lights! See you all in December 2025!
3. The 15th annual SteamWhistle Fundraiser will be held on March 27th. Fabio V., lead for this fundraiser, promises that it will be extra special as it is the final year of this great event. Fabio needs our support to make this event a success - please connect with him at fanio.ventolini@rotarytoronto.com. More information will be available very soon on our website.
Written by Liam Hancock
Photos courtesy of Levi Greene
The Rotary Club of Toronto Holiday Party
December 19th
The Rotary Club of Toronto's annual Holiday Luncheon was a heartwarming celebration of the season, held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto on December 19th. With over 150 attendees, the event was a testament to the power of community and the dedication of President-Elect Dauna Jones-Simmonds and her team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to make it a success.
The esteemed Rotary Club Builder award was presented to Krystyna Benyak and Harry Figov, recognizing their unwavering commitment to Service Above Self and their dedication to the club. Harry's longstanding involvement with the Audit Committee, Research & Appeals Committee, Charitable Asks Committee, and Club Board, along with Krystyna's tireless efforts in making sure to call all Members on their birthday, as well as fundraising activities, including the Argos 50/50, lunch 50/50, and numerous other club activities. This has made them pillars of the Rotary community. Congratulations Harry and Krystyna!
In the spirit of giving, Past Club President Richard White, now serving as President of the Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation, announced the year's charity of choice. A generous donation of $5,000 was awarded to the Fort York Food Bank, highlighting the importance of addressing food insecurity, an issue that affects 1 out of 10 Torontonians.
Our member, Irene Kuan, beautifully encapsulated the magic of the Holiday Luncheon and the spirit of togetherness that makes the Rotary Club of Toronto a beacon of hope and service in the community through her captivating pictures.
For a full commentary and amazing pictures of the Holiday Party, please refer to the Special Voice Edition of December 24th, 2024. It can easily be accessed online.
Written by Brinda Luckoo
Photos courtesy of Irene Kuan
Congratulations
The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine and
President-Elect Dauna Jones Simmonds!
The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, well known to our club, and our President-Elect Dauna Jones-Simmonds, were awarded the honour of Dame-Knight of the Order of St. Stanislas with Crown.
The Order of Saint Stanislas is a Polish Order of Knighthood, and they both now hold the title of "Dame".
Dame Dauna also received a Global Honorable Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions, unwavering dedication, and enduring influence within the community.
Congratulations Dame Dauna and Dame Augustine!
Reported by President Binoy
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Lunch Meeting - January 24th
Shauna Moore - ADG District 7070
Shauna Moore is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Lead at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. She continues to develop and lead the equity and inclusion initiative, which aims to foster an environment of belonging for patients, staff, volunteers, and the community.
She is also a part-time professor at Durham College in the Social Service Worker program. She is passionate about creating barrier-free spaces for students to learn and achieve success. She has built a post-secondary program, the RISE Program that supported under-served and equity-deserving youth to find pathways to post-secondary and worked to create pathways to meaningful employment for students with learning and intellectual disabilities.
She is committed to building community and creating spaces where everyone can find their place, have their voice heard and be celebrated for their uniqueness.
WANTED:Charities who need us.
The Community Outreach Committee is on the lookout for charities working within the downtown Toronto area that we haven't crossed paths with who could benefit from our support. If you know of a registered charity that supports our local Toronto community and could use a helping hand, please contact Community Outreach Committee Co-Chair Bert Steenburgh (bert@stonefortress.ca) with the charity's name and any other intel you have. We will take it from there and follow-up on the lead.
Be on the lookout: If you see a social media post in the months ahead regarding community outreach, we would appreciate your support in re-posting/sharing with your social media networks to spread the word.
The fine print: In the past, we have supported food banks, seniors' centres, shelters for those experiencing homelessness, and music programs for children, among many others. Funding requests for travel, conferences, advocacy, and large capital campaigns are generally not eligible.
New Member (in waiting) - Kai's Daughter
Our member Kai brought her lovely daughter to the meeting on January 8th.
Her daughter was so impressed by our club that she asked to become a member right away! President Binoy inducted her with a "Magic of Rotary" pin!
Thank you Kai for teaching your daughter the Rotary values at such a young age!
January Birthday Celebrations!
On Behalf of all our members, we wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in January!
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 (January to March 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
We have 80 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
