The Rotary Club of Toronto had a good turnout for its annual Remembrance Day Lunch last Friday. Always regarded as one of our most important and solemn meetings of the year.
In our favourite room, The main Dining Room at The National Club, Past President Anny Sandra welcomed us with ribbons for the Tree of Remembrance happening in December, encouraging us to volunteer, sign ribbons and get donations. Vice President Pauline Lyons had poppies to donate to us so everyone was wearing one. On the screens was an homage to our Club’s veterans. I may be wrong, but I think this is our first year without any of our veterans in the room. Years past there were two head tables, humble and honourable men, chests ladened with medals. We, as a club, so proud and so grateful to be able to honour them. As the years progressed the head table became one, then just a few veterans. Our pride and gratefulness non-the-less will never wane.
We did have some honoured guests in Uniform, our guest speaker, Colonel B.C.A. Brown, Commander of the 31 Canadian Brigade Group, a guest of his, Master Corporal Tade Ankenmann, and Corporal Tom Cheng who returned for his third Remembrance Day lunch with us.
Our traditional Remembrance Day Ceremony, perfectly planned by Carol and well executed by President Binoy – this event is always dignified and respectful. The emotion and solemnity were felt by all whether a seasoned Rotarian or someone experiencing it for the first time. Past President Susan Howson and our treasurer, Jeff Pollock were flag bearers for ceremony as our favourite trumpeter, Paul Taylor, played a moving Last Post and then Reveille following a two-minute silence.
President Binoy read the Traditional Lands Acknowledgement. The Oh Canada Video appropriately played by various Canadian Armed Forces bands was rousing, but the soft, muted singing by Rotarians and guests of our national anthem filled the room with organic emotion, you could feel it. President Binoy made a moving toast, again, themed on thanks and remembrance. He then welcomed our guests.
Rotarian Alex Brown, who was host to our guest speaker, his son, Colonel Christopher Brown, made warm and very meaningful introduction including a beautiful reference to Christopher’s grandfather, Victor Boyd, lost to battle in WWII.
Colonel Brown was eloquent and quite forthcoming in his description of modern Canadian defences, world conflicts and where Canada needs to be and is building towards. It was a sobering reminder that lessons from the past have not been learned and vigilance and preparedness is needed as much now as ever. He mentioned how The Canadian Armed Forces and Rotarians have common goals of service for peace and community building. He also outlined new areas of focus for the military such as Space and Cyber Security. His gift of story-telling and communication obviously passed down from his mother, Rotarian June Brown, a renown storyteller. Rotarians responded to his excellent presentation with a standing ovation.
Following a few questions President Binoy thanked Colonel Brown with a donation in his name to ShelterBox Canada.
President Binoy next introduced our newest member, Benjamin Isiekwu. Welcome Benjamin.
Past President Michele Guy, in her imitable style, made a push for attending the Rotary International Convention in Calgary Spring 2025 and reminded people that convention fees rise December 15th.
Past President Robert O’Brien came to the podium and made another emotional and personal announcement on behalf of Michele Guy announcing her retirement from Coutts Crane and the legal profession. Michele, we all wish you well in the next exciting phase of your life. By the way committees and working groups get her phone number she will have more time on her hands, well, maybe after the Taiwan convention in 2026!
A few more announcements on upcoming Rotary sweat equity and fellowship events. Please refer to the Voice, WhatsApp, emails and the website.
The meeting was closed, and Rotarians went on their way.
Written by Past President John Fortney
Photos courtesy of Diego Ribeiro Galbiati
Alex Brown with Colonel Brown and President Binoy
Lunch in the Grand Room at the National Club
PP John Fortney with guest Corporal Tom Cheng
Colonel Brown's speech enthralled the whole room
A great family occasion with June and Alex Brown with daughter Karen and Son Christopher Brown
Welcome Benjamin!
ISC event - Nov 12th
Hope in the Middle East:
A Discussion with Jon Allen at the Munk School
Our International Service Committee hosted a thought-provoking discussion titled "Hope in the Middle East" with Jon Allen, Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and former Canadian Ambassador to Israel. Jon offered valuable insights into the historical context of the current conflict, shedding light on the perspectives of the parties involved.
The central theme of his talk was one of hope—a hope for peace achieved through education, dialogue, understanding, and compromise.
If you missed the event or would like to revisit the conversation, you can watch the full recording, including the Q&A session, here.
Congratulations Mark and Andrew and the rest of ISC Committee for putting together such an important event!
If you have any questions or would like to get involved with the International Service Committee - reach out to the Co-Chairs Mark McQuitty or Andrew St John.
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.
Grants Funded by our Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation
July 1 2024 to Sept 30 2024
Mosaic of Humanity Silent Auction
Bid on a unique 40x40 painting, created with values from our Rotary Club members and incorporated in the Rotary wheel.
The dynamic wave background symbolizes movement, change, and power.
The artist is Reisha Felix (Artist and Founder) from ReiCreations Art
Bidding is open at our upcoming meetings through November.
60% of proceeds will support IDEA initiatives at The Rotary Club of Toronto.
Happy International Men's Day 2024 - Nov 19th 2024
On this International Men's Day 2024, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for each and every one of you. Your unwavering commitment to service above self is a testament to the spirit of Rotary and the impact we can make when we come together as a united force for good.
As we celebrate the contributions and achievements of men around the world, it is fitting that we recognize and celebrate our own members who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to our club and the communities we serve. Your passion, energy, and camaraderie continue to inspire us all, and it is through your hard work that we are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
On this special day, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity, empathy, and support within our club, ensuring that every member feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. Together, we will continue to grow and thrive as a Rotary family, leaving a lasting legacy of service and compassion in our wake.
Thank you for your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the Rotary Club of Toronto. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding group of individuals as part of our organization.
Wishing you all a wonderful International Men's Day filled with joy, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Here's to the continued success and growth of our Rotary family!
President Binoy
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Wednesday Dec 4th - Dinner at The National Club
Special Guest : The Honourable Jill Dunlop
Ontario Minister of Education
Please Register with Sarah Olsen (admin@rotarytoronto.com)
Sewing Service Project - November 23rd
During the course of a morning, members of our club will make reusable sanitary pads for young girls in developing countries who do not have the luxury (nor the money to purchase) sanitary pads.
No sewing experience is needed! Team members are needed to trace pieces on material, cut material and sew the pad. Experts will be on hand to provide guidance.
The event will take place at the Manor Road United Church located at 240 Manor Road East. It's also a TTC friendly location!
We are looking for volunteers for this project! Open to Rotarians only
Please contact Lori Brazier at lori.brazier@rotarytoronto.com
Pictures from the last Sewing Service Project
Senior Gift Packing - November 24th
Volunteers are needed for Senior’s Holiday gift bag program/Packers and Drivers
Since 1961 our Club has been taking care of Seniors during the Holidays. Because of Covid we switched from a luncheon to giving Seniors a substantial gift bag.
This year we need your help on Sunday, November 24th, at 1:30 p.m. to pack 205 gift bags. The event will take place at Manor Road United Church located at 240 Manor Road East, Toronto.
Then on Monday, November 25th at 10:00 a.m. we will need 9 drivers to deliver the gift bags to Seniors.
The Food Hamper packing will take place on November 30th at 9:00 a.m.at the Daily Bread Food Bank at 191 New Toronto St. In Etobicoke. The packing will take about 3 hours and then a number of people will be required to assist in the delivery of the hampers at two destinations to help unload. We need about 25 volunteers.
Please contact Mitra Goodarzi at Mitra.Goodarzi@rotarytoronto.com
for more information
Pictures of the 2023 Food Packing
The Rotary Club of Toronto Children’s Holiday Party
Dec 8th 2024
Looking for joyful volunteers!
We are requesting many volunteers to assist with packing gifts, face painting, ushers and bringing holiday joy to the kids and their families. Please help make our 92nd Children’s Holiday party a huge success!
We host over 150 children with disabilities and their parents and siblings. Activities included face painting, meeting with Santa, storytelling, a delicious lunch and a gift bag to take home. So we need lots of volunteers!
Event will take place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Downtown) 123 Queen Street West, Toronto.
Our 2024 Tree of Remembrance will be coming to Sankofa Square (ex- Dundas Square) in the last week of November. Standing tall at 35 feet (approx.) as a symbol of unity, resilience, and community spirit.
We are seeking volunteers to help make this year's event an even bigger success. Volunteers are needed from December 5th to 22nd.
This initiative, in partnership with Sankofa Square, during the Winter Glow carnival, supports local charities and raises awareness of Rotary's ongoing commitment to service. Volunteers will assist with selling Remembrance ribbons and engaging with the public at the tree, which attracts over one million visitors annually.
Your participation in this meaningful event is crucial to its success and helps to raise funds for important causes. Sign up instructions for volunteers will soon be communicated. Watch out for it.
Thank you for your dedication and support, and we look forward to joining together in the spirit of service this holiday season.
Please sign up HERE to volunteer at the Tree of Remembrance!
If you have any questions regarding volunteering at the tree, please contact
Sergio Amatller at sergio.amatller@rotarytoronto.com
New Member - Benjamin Isiekwu
Benjamin is a dedicated Business Analyst and Project Manager with over a decade of experience, who brings a solutions-oriented approach to every task.
Known for his proactive philosophy, Benjamin believes in acting on ideas rather than overanalyzing them.
He is inspired by the ethos of continuous improvement, often guided by maxims like ‘If there’s a better way, take it’ and ‘Don’t reinvent the wheel’
Benjamin is now looking to extend his impact and is excited to bring his skills and solution-driven mindset to our Club, contributing to meaningful initiatives that create lasting positive change.
November Birthday Celebrations!
On Behalf of all our members, we wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in November!
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
