Dearest Rotarians and Friends of the Rotary Club of Toronto,
As we reflect upon the journey of the past year, my heart swells with immense gratitude for each and every one of you. Over the years, I have witnessed the remarkable dedication and selflessness that define our Rotary family, and your exceptional commitment in 2024 has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. You have truly embraced the essence of Service Above Self, leaving an indelible impact on the hearts and lives of those in our cherished Toronto community and beyond.
My personal experience of The Magic of Rotary will forever remain etched in my memory. On July 3rd, 2024, over 60 of us gathered in the main dining room of the National Club, united by a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie. The exceptional efforts of Past President Bill Morari, Chef James Stewart, and the entire staff, who crafted a special Mauritian menu as a thoughtful gesture in my honor, were deeply moving. Moreover, the surprise video message from my father in Mauritius and the virtual appearance of my brother from Montreal, arranged by my loving wife Brinda and our devoted Executive Director Carol, encapsulate the remarkable ways in which our Rotary family consistently goes above and beyond to create unforgettable moments.
Throughout the past six months, you have displayed unwavering compassion and a relentless drive to make a difference through both local and international initiatives. The Rotary Club of Toronto's impact is far-reaching, and your collective efforts have touched countless lives. From supporting the Fort York Food Bank, bringing solace to seniors with SPRINT Seniors Care, and protecting our environment with the Toronto Wildlife Centre and "Don't Mess with the Don" campaign, to advancing disease prevention through the End Polio Now campaign and investing in our youth's future through annual scholarships, every action you have taken is a testament to your boundless generosity and genuine commitment to uplifting those around you.
As 2025 approaches, I cannot help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. Our signature programs will undoubtedly evolve to meet the changing needs of our community, and I am confident that your unyielding dedication to service will uncover innovative ways to address these challenges. With every smile you bring to a child's face, every senior you comfort, and every environmental project you champion, you are creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond our immediate reach.
To every Rotarian who has given their time, shared their expertise, and opened their heart to those in need, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering dedication not only strengthens our club but also brightens the lives of everyone in our community. You embody the best of what Rotary represents, and it is a profound honor to serve alongside you.
I would like to make a special mention of some of our tremendous leaders of our club:
My profound gratitude to President-Elect Dauna Jones-Simmonds and Vice-President Pauline Lyons for their unwavering support and dedication. Their commitment to our bi-weekly Saturday morning leadership meetings has been truly invaluable, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Past President Jack Robertson, at 99 years of age and living in Oakville, still attending some of our meetings and sending me encouragement messages. Your 99th birthday celebration at our August meeting was truly memorable.
Past President Don Bell's unwavering dedication to the Holiday Hampers Oktoberfest fundraiser has been truly commendable. His commitment shone brightly as he joined us at the Daily Bread Food Bank to participate in packing the Holiday Hampers. His leadership and enthusiasm have undoubtedly inspired us all, and we are grateful for his continued service to our Rotary club.
Past Presidents Jayson Phelps and Anny-Sandra Hamel year after year taking the lead on ensuring the success of our Tree of Remembrance fundraising and Rotary awareness.
Our member T.P. Sheehan, rain or cold, putting in numerous hours from setting up the Tree and helping raise funds at Sankofa Square for our Tree of Remembrance. It was T.P. who brought the idea of a Remembrance Tree from Cork, Ireland, his homeland, to Toronto.
Rotarian Tom Sanderson, from the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, despite being 88 years of age, has braved the rain and cold, volunteering with his son and his grandson at the Tree of Remembrance for many hours.
Andrew St-John for taking the lead for the Kids Against Hunger project to pack meals for those in need in Haiti.
Jake Tran, Jackie Davies, and the Seniors Working Group for leading the Seniors Gift Bag preparation and distribution project.
Special note of thanks goes to Rev. John-Joseph Mastandrea for continuously providing us with free access to the Manor Rd. United Church facility whenever we need it for our projects.
Mark McQuitty, Lorraine Lloyd, Susan Howson, Lori Brazier, Susan Hunter, June Brown for leading the huge team of Rotarians, to make our 92nd Children’s Holiday Party the biggest it has been since Covid with over 500 children & family members in attendance.
I express my deepest gratitude to Carol, Sarah, and Essam for their unwavering commitment and the tireless work they do behind the scenes to keep our club running smoothly throughout the year. Their dedication and hard work often go unnoticed, but their contributions are truly the backbone of our organization.
Although it is impossible to mention each of you by name, please know that your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Your collective efforts have played a vital role in the success of our club and the impact we have made in our community. Every Board member, committee member, volunteer, and participant has contributed in meaningful ways, exemplifying the true spirit of Rotary. Your commitment to serving others has been truly inspiring.
In the new year, I encourage each of you to maintain your passion and drive for service. Let us continue to work together, inspiring one another to reach new heights and make an even greater impact in our community and the world. Remember, every small act of kindness has the potential to create a profound and lasting difference.
As we gather with our loved ones during this holiday season, please take a moment to reflect on the profound difference you have made in countless lives this past year. Brinda and I wish you and your families the warmest of holiday seasons, filled with joy, peace, and the heartfelt satisfaction that comes from knowing you have left the world a better place than you found it.
May 2025 bring you abundant blessings, and may it offer even more opportunities to touch hearts, transform lives, and carry on The Magic of Rotary. Together, we will continue to make a profound and lasting impact on our community and the world.
With heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes,
Binoy Luckoo
President 2024-2025
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.
President Binoy set the tone for the event with a warm welcome, followed by the Traditional Lands Acknowledgement, Rotary Invocation, and a special Holiday Toast. The Bach Children's Choir filled the room with a beautiful rendition of O'Canada, elevating the spirit of camaraderie and joy. As guests enjoyed the delightful Christmas buffet spread, the talented Rudo Forteau enchanted the audience with her skillful steel pan performance.
A highlight of the event was an inspiring video reel, prepared by President Binoy, which showcased the many projects and initiatives that the club's members have been involved in throughout the past six months. The reel served as a reminder of the profound impact that the Rotary Club of Toronto has on the community and the importance of the work they do.
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 fundraising activities, including the Argos 50/50, lunch 50/50, and numerous other club activities, have made them pillars of the Rotary community.
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.
As the event came to a close, President Binoy extended his gratitude to all those who made the luncheon possible, including President-Elect Dauna Jones-Simmonds, emcee Past President John Fortney, and all attendees for their presence. The invaluable contributions of Carol, Sarah, and Essam were also recognized, as their hard work behind the scenes has been integral to the club's success throughout the year.
In a delightful surprise, the festive spirit reached its peak as the Bach Children's Choir filled the air with a cheerful rendition of "Here Comes Santa Claus," and to everyone's joy, Santa himself (Jay Littlejohn) made a special appearance, spreading holiday cheer among the attendees towards the end of the luncheon.
The captivating photographs, courtesy of Irene Kuan, beautifully encapsulate 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.
It was a heartwarming and very successful event!
Article written by Brinda Luckoo
Photos Courtesy of Irene Kuan
2024 Tree of Remembrance
From Set-up to the closing of the 2024 Winter Glow Toronto at Sankofa Square!
Dedication of Members of The Rotary Club of Toronto, Rotary Club of Etobicoke, Rotary Toronto Sunrise, Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise
The 2024 Rotary Club of Toronto Tree of Remembrance fundraiser and Rotary Awareness project came to a triumphant conclusion on Sunday, December 22nd. The event was a resounding success, with countless ribbons carrying heartfelt messages of peace, love, and cherished memories adorning the tree, symbolizing unity and compassion within the community.
Over the course of three weeks, Sankofa Square was bustling with Rotarians, Rotary Exchange students, friends, and family who volunteered their time to raise awareness about Rotary and its projects among the thousands of Torontonians and visitors who passed by.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Toronto, Mayor Chow, Sankofa Square, Winter Glow Toronto, our sponsors, suppliers, and every member and volunteer who dedicated their time and effort to make this year's Tree of Remembrance a success. Your collective contributions have brought our community closer together and showcased the true spirit of the Rotary Club of Toronto.
We would also like to express our special appreciation to TP Sheehan, Past President Jayson Phelps, Past President Anny-Sandra Hamel, and Sergio Amatller for their tireless efforts and guidance throughout the project. Your commitment and leadership have been invaluable in ensuring the success of this event.
As we look forward to next year's celebration, we are excited to continue building on the success of this year's event and create an even more memorable and impactful experience for all involved. See you all next year for an even more spectacular Tree of Remembrance!
**I apologize in advance if I missed mentioning anyone. Please know that all your help is greatly appreciated.
Commentary by President Binoy Luckoo
Pictures courtesy of Binoy, Brinda, Anny-Sandra, John, Jayson, Diego, Sergio, Irene, Iosif, Jim, and many more Rotarians who volunteered at the Tree of Remembrance.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Wednesday January 8th, 2025
Dinner at The National Club
The Year That Was, The Year Ahead
By
Andrew Phillips
Columnist Toronto Star
Please email Sarah Olsen at admin@rotarytoronto.com or CLICK HERE
by December 2nd to Register
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.
December Birthday Celebrations!
On Behalf of all our members, we wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in December!
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 (October to December 2024).
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
