Topic: "How ShelterBox is adapting to the Changing Humanitarian Landscape"
Host: Bert Steenburgh, Past President
National Club, 303 Bay St.
Lunch at 11:45
Stephanie Christensen is the Executive Director of ShelterBox Canada and a humanitarian professional. Stephanie started her career in International Development working for CIDA and local charities throughout East Africa developing curriculum for HIV/AIDS Education in primary schools. After living and working in Kenya during the famine in 2011, Stephanie moved into the humanitarian disaster relief field. She has been with ShelterBox Canada for 10 years, and is working to ensure that no one is left without shelter and supplies after disasters. In addition to her work here in Canada, Stephanie has been on four deployments with ShelterBox: to Fiji after Cyclone Winston, to Ecuador after the Earthquake in 2016, to the Philippines after Tropical Storm Urduja and most recently to Moldova as part of the Ukraine. She currently lives in Burlington, ON with her husband and daughter, and loves to cook, read and travel.
Michael's passion was service especially for youth. His last Rotary legacy was the founding of Pine River Institute for young people with addictions and their families.
You should know that Michael’s family went to visit Pine River last week. They hadn’t been there before. Since it was such an important part of Michael’s life they wanted to have a tour. They spoke to students and staff as well.
Sistering is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people who are homeless or precariously housed. They served over 100,000 meals last year.
Coldest Night of the Year Walk
Helping with Sistering
When: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 @ anytime between 1pm-4pm for 3hrs shifts
Where: Sistering, 962 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L6
Why: Sweat Equity and Fellowship
Who is invited: Rotarians, family and friends
How many: 10 - 5 more still needed
Saturday, Feb 24, 2024 is The Coldest Night of the Year. A winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities.
Sistering needs volunteers to staff the Registration desk, provide direction on the walking route and hand out snacks. About 10 people are required for this service project. Their walk is during the day time.
These kits will be sent to girls in Dominican Republic. You don't need to be able to sew! There are lots of jobs that aren't sewing such as cutting, tracing, turning them inside out. It’s a chance to invite non Rotary friends to see Rotary in action.
Together we can change girls' lives!!!
If members wish they can bring their own machines, any flannel fabric they would like to donate and thread. We are always looking for fabric donations!! Also small soaps, men's shirts, new underwear, baseball caps and other items you think appropriate
Congratulations to our DIversity, Equity and Inclusion Team. Neisely Eugene, Nikita Williams and Dauna Jones-Simmonds organized two wonderful events.
On February 8th the Rotary Clubs of Toronto, Etobicoke and Toronto West hosted
a special Black History Month assembly at Weston Collegiate Institute to promote
DEI amongst the students and provide them with the tools and motivation to
overcome obstacles they may encounter. The theme for this assembly was
'Making the Impossible, Possible', and included a phenomenal keynote by the
inspiring Jeff Martin. Mr. Martin challenged the students to find and activate their
inner Viola Desmond, use their privilege as a superpower and be part of the
change. The students responded by launching a Door Decorating Contest to
celebrate diversity and inclusion between February 12th - February 29th. We are
excited to see the winning photos.
Special thanks to Vice President Dauna Jones-Simmonds and the 100 ABC
women for donating 60 books (100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women) to
the school. These books will be distributed to the students and used by the
Weston Collegiate History Department.
This assembly was a testament to the power of building relationships and
collaboration of the DEI WG with the school, as the teachers, ambassadors and
peer mentors at Weston are fired up to continue our partnership and support
Rotary community initiatives. Thank you to Principal Rosanna Deo, Vice-Principal
Joseph Smith and the amazing Ms. Fauzya Alarakhiya of Weston who helped to
make this possible.
The DEI WG is actively looking for members, if you’d like to learn more please
reach out to Neisely Eugene or Nikita Williams for more details.
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Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine Tribute
Congratulations to the team of Neisely Eugene, Dauna Jones-Simmonds and Nikita Williams on a fantastic event honouring the woman who led the government to the declaration of Black History Month.
On Saturday February 17th the DEI group presented the documentary STEADFAST - The Messenger and the Message. Jean was there in person to answer so many questions. Comments and more pictures are in our WhatsApp group chat.
- she is truly a trailblazer and a legend - Neisely
- thank you for being you and so inspiring - Altaf Manujee
-I am still unpacking all the nuggets from this encounter - Maud Masiyiwa
Welcome New Member - Faith Oloruntoba
Faith is a Senior UX content designer at RBC with almost 10 years of experience. She has worked for top clients like Metrolinx, City of Toronto and Bank of Canada. Born and raised in Nigeria, her professional education and experience have spanned universities across continents (Africa, Europe, North America) and jobs in different industries (not-for-profit, civil and electrical engineering, IT, and finance).
Her passion for storytelling led her to pursue a Bachelors degree in media communications from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and a Masters degree in journalism from the University of Hamburg, Germany.
Outside work, she loves hiking, travelling, mentoring, and participating in community-building.
Welcome New Member -
Emuobu Unono-Okagbare
Emuobo, originally from Nigeria, lives in Toronto with his wife, Anita, and their two children, Eseoghene and Okiemute.
Emuobo pursued a Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. This educational foundation led him to explore a masters in managerial psychology, igniting his interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. He ventured into several business endeavors, eventually establishing a family-owned real estate company in Nigeria. Currently, he works as a digital account strategist at Teleperformance in Toronto.
He enjoys playing chess, music, tennis and reading.
His interest in Rotary is to serve and create meaningful change in local and global communities.
Welcome New Member - Alex Ahabwe
Alex Ahabwe was born in Uganda, is married to Andolyne Kyabishiki, and lives in Toronto with their baby girl Eliora.
Alex graduated from Makerere University in Uganda with Bachelor of Science in population studies. Alex started his career in Uganda and worked as Branch Manager, Product Supervisor and Product Manager. He was also an executive producer of TV financial Literacy Show called Be money wiser Then moved to Canada and now works with TD Bank as Manager of customer Experience.
His favorite pet is a rabbit and his interests are outdoor activities, dancing, playing soccer, the NBA and is a Liverpool fan.
Alex joined Rotary Club of Kampala Kawempe in 2016 and was a member until 2022.
LUNCH March 6th - we will have special guests!
Mayor Olivia Chow and Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Fundraising registration with Sistering February 24
see above
LUNCH March 6, 2024 12:00 - 1:30
Women's Panel
The Critical Role of Women
in Leadership Positions
Sewing Menstrual Pads for Dominican Republic March 16
see above
Lunch, March 22 TBD
Steam Whistle Fundraiser
Thursday, March 28, 2023
WhatsApp Group
We have fifty members on this chat for fast communication. It worked wonderfully during our tree event. Ask to join - any member can add more people.
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