Wednesday evening, March 4th, 2025, members of the Rotary Club of Toronto gathered at the distinguished National Club for a memorable dinner meeting that blended the warmth of great fellowship, exceptional cuisine, and the inspiration of meaningful club projects.
The evening proved to be one of the highlights of the Rotary calendar, Rotarians praised the delicious dinner and the outstanding hospitality of The National Club, with the food drawing enthusiastic compliments from members throughout the evening. The warm atmosphere set the perfect backdrop for an engaging and productive night.
Adding a wonderful international dimension to the evening, members warmly welcomed Fabricio Osvaldo Arce Derpic, a fellow Rotarian from Bolivia and member of the Rotary Club of Cochabamba. His presence was a beautiful reminder of the bonds of fellowship that unite Rotarians across the globe, reinforcing the spirit of peace and friendship that defines our movement.
The evening's Club Assembly shone a spotlight on the extraordinary work of the Rotary Club of Toronto
Charitable Foundation, its vision, its grant process, and the transformative signature projects driving positive change in Toronto and around the world.
The March 4th dinner meeting at The National Club was a testament to everything that makes the Rotary Club of Toronto special, extraordinary fellowship, inspiring leadership, a warm welcome for friends from around the world, and an unwavering commitment to service that transforms lives in Toronto and far beyond. The Club extends its sincere gratitude to The National Club for their exceptional hospitality and delicious dinner, to Alexander Poizner for a truly inspiring address, and to Fabricio Osvaldo Arce Derpic for reminding us that Rotary's spirit knows no borders.
7 Areas of Focus
The international Rotary Foundation's giving is guided by seven core focus areas that reflect Rotary International's global priorities:
• Environment — Preserving our natural world for future generations
• Economic Development — Fostering sustainable growth in our communities
• Maternal and Child Health — Supporting mothers and children for healthier futures
• Education — Empowering through knowledge and literacy
• Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene — Ensuring access in underserved communities
• Disease Prevention and Treatment — Supporting vulnerable populations
• Peace and Conflict Resolution — Promoting peacebuilding initiatives worldwide
Grant Eligibility and Process
The Foundation's grant process is transparent, rigorous, and community-focused. Eligible applicants must be Canadian-registered charities; individual grants are not considered. Applications are submitted online and reviewed against clear evaluation criteria centered on community impact and alignment with the Foundation's seven focus areas. Each grant dollar is tracked to ensure meaningful, measurable outcomes.
Large Signature Projects Past · Present · Future
The Laughlen Centre — The Ideal Retirement Home
Launched in 1972, the Laughlen Centre became the largest single project ever undertaken by any Rotary Club. Phase one opened in 1976, and a 1982 expansion brought total investment to $7.5 million. The Centre provided 24/7 care for 215 residents in Toronto's core. After its 2006 closure, $3.1 million was returned to the Foundation, a fund that has since grown to over $7 million for future community use.
Present — YWCA Elm Centre
Our Foundation granted $500,000 to support housing for homeless senior women at the new YWCA Elm Centre, built on the former Laughlen Lodge site. The facility now provides housing for 300 homeless women. RCT's contribution funded 45 units for women over 50 facing mental health and addiction challenges. Groundbreaking took place in fall 2009, with RCT's donation helping catalyze additional major community gifts.
Present & Future — SPRINT Senior Care
The Rotary Club of Toronto supported SPRINT Senior Care's Toronto Ride Program with multi-year funding (2017–2022) totaling over $500,000, replacing vehicles used to transport
seniors to medical appointments. The program enabled 966 seniors annually (39% over age 85) to
complete 5,589 trips in 2017 alone. In 2025, SPRINT Senior Care proposed a new Food & Wellness Hamper Program, championed by club leaders, with a landmark $225,000 first donation from the Foundation.
The Hospital for Sick Children — SickKids
When Vision Met Opportunity: Rotary's Role in Shaping SickKids
Legacy of Impact: Rotary's Early Support for SickKids
Post-WWII rebuilding led the Rotary Club of Toronto to support The Hospital for Sick Children as it moved to its permanent University Avenue location in 1951. Rotary became an early backer, with support focused on long-term growth, innovation, and strengthening pediatric care. Early investment helped expand capacity, attract top medical talent, and advance pediatric medicine. Though often unrecognized, Rotary's role improved health outcomes for generations of children. SickKids stands as a defining example of meaningful, well-timed service, a commitment that continues to shape the Club's future efforts in children's health.
The Rotary Club of Toronto Sweat Equity Project Exploring the Benefits and Outcomes of Sweat Equity Projects
The Rotary Club of Toronto Sweat Equity Trips — Key Highlights
Opened in July 2019, this initiative brought 20 Rotarian volunteers to San Salvador, El Salvador, with an initial donation of $3,000 from RCT (plus $3,700 raised) to build homes for poor rural families.
Services Provided
• Construction of homes, schools, and community infrastructure in partnership with local workers
• Provision and coordination of prefabricated concrete homes for poor rural families
• Project coordination and local Rotary partnership management
• Financial administration and charitable receipting by the Rotary Club of Toronto
Community Impact
Volunteers working side by side with people living in poverty consistently describe these trips as life-changing, spiritually powerful experiences. Communities gain employment, skills, and a sense of ownership rather than dependency. By improving housing and living conditions in poor rural areas, the project helps reduce the need for people to seek opportunities elsewhere.
ShelterBox
Exploring the Benefits and Outcomes of Donating to ShelterBox
Overview
Since 2006, our Foundation has donated a total of $741,038 to ShelterBox, a global humanitarian organization founded by Rotary members to ensure no one is without shelter after disaster.
More than 120 million people are displaced globally due to disasters and conflicts. ShelterBox maintains aid in strategic warehouses worldwide to respond rapidly to those in greatest
need.
Services Provided
• Emergency shelter kits: tents, shelter repair kits, solar lights,
mosquito nets, thermal blankets, sleeping mats, and kitchen sets
• Supplies tailored to different climates and cultures
• Cash assistance and technical support for rebuilding where possible
• Partnership with Rotary International, local governments, and
NGOs for rapid, localized response
Community Impact
In 2024–2025, ShelterBox supported families affected by earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, and flooding in the Philippines. Over 2,600 families in Gaza received tents, mosquito nets, solar lights, and kitchen sets. ShelterBox has responded to more than 30 disasters in the Philippines over its 25-year history, and continues adapting solutions including innovative mudbrick shelters in Chad and multi-year recovery projects in Ethiopia.
The Rotary Club of Toronto Transition Centre
at St. Michael's Hospital — Supporting Safe Transition from Hospital to Community
Key Highlights
Opened in January 2000 with an initial donation of $500,000, the Rotary Transition Centre, located within St. Michael's Hospital emergency department, was the first facility of its kind in Canada for homeless and underhoused individuals. A further $500,000 donation is planned for 2026.
Services Provided
• Safe temporary refuge for individuals discharged from the emergency department without stable housing
• Hot meals, showers, and laundry facilities
• Medication management and counselling by caregivers
• Personalized discharge plans connecting clients to social services and medical follow-ups
• Holistic recovery guidance and resources for long-term community reintegration
Community Impact
The Centre bridges the gap between hospital discharge and community reintegration for Toronto's most vulnerable residents. It reduces repeat emergency visits, easing pressure on the healthcare system, and is recognized as a leading practice in inclusive, supportive healthcare environments.
New Member - Alexander Poizner
Alexander was born in Gorky, USSR, he graduated from U of T with a BASc in Electrical Engineering. He has designed robust security solutions for major banking, telecom, retail companies, an IBM business partner and was pivotal in transforming a Security Services Provider into one of the early global MDR players as its VP of Operations. Alex is now a CEO with Parabellyx Cybersecurity.
Alexander mentored and volunteered with organizations such as the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and (ISC)2 . He is a strong believer in achieving global prosperity and peace through
youth education programs.
Alexander lives in Vaughan with his wife, Irina and their two daughters, he loves mountaineering, classical music (plays cello), painting, travel, wines and whisky.
Contribute to the Voice!
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UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Club Meetings
Friday March 20, 2026
The National Club
Noon
U of T Hart House Debating Team
—
Wednesday April 1, 2026
The National Club
6pm
Other Events
Club Events
Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade
What: Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 When: Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 85 St. George Street, Toronto, from 9:30 to Noon. Where: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Route: From St. George Street, we travel along Bloor East to Yonge St. We go south on Yonge all the way to Queen (Nathan Philips Square), where the Parade ends.
Who to Contact:Lorraine Lloyd talk or text 416 721-5300
Why We Participate
Our participation in the parade allows us to:
Represent The Rotary Club of Toronto in a major city celebration
Promote community engagement and fellowship
Increase visibility for Rotary’s service and impact
Celebrate the spirit of culture, unity, and goodwill
Who Is Invited
All members, families, and friends of the Rotary Club of Toronto are warmly invited to participate.
Cost
There is no cost to participate.
This will be a fantastic opportunity to walk together, celebrate community spirit, and proudly showcase Rotary’s commitment to service.
We look forward to seeing many of you there as we celebrate together and proudly represent the Rotary Club of Toronto.
—
International Dinner Series - Thailand
SOLD OUT
In April, the RCT IDS returns for an evening of fine fare and fellowship. (Yes, we're skipping the previously-scheduled March. The team is travelling internationally for a break, and to get some cuisine inspiration.?
For our ninth dinner, on Tuesday, April 14th, we visit Thailand.
Join us for a visit to the gastronomic King West strip and visit Thailand. Instead of family style, each person gets to choose their own three-course meal - thus allowing everyone to determine their level of heat. Sit with people sharing the same Scoville scale and share different dishes!
This is traditional Thai, not your easy takeaway: Start with your choice of Goong Pae, Kor Moo Yang, Nuer Yang Jaew, Miang Kham Goong, Yum Som-O. Is your Thai rusty? No worries - we're talking prawns, pork, beef or pomelo. Now that your taste buds are invigorated, continue with a healthy portion from your choice of Nuer Toon Mor Fai, Tom Yum Talay Mor Fai, Pad Cha Talay, Choo Chee Pu Nim, Gaeng Keow Whan , Gaeng Kari and Pad Pak Boong. Still lost? Well then just sign up to discover the loveliness.
To calm down your mouth, we end with Kanom Krok Khao Neow Ma Muang (Grilled Coconut Rice Cake topped with Mango Sticky Rice).
Located in downtown on the King West strip, the evening cost is $60pp including gratuity and tax. Drinks, as always, on your own. Dinner starts at 18.30.
Space is limited, so sign up soon. Family, friends, Rotaractors, prospective members or anyone out for a good time welcome. :-)
To sign up for this exciting culinary excursion, send an email directly to Neil at: nphillips@dgn-marketing.com You are only registered when you get a confirmation. No emails to anyone else nor texts or comments in our WhatsApp chat count.
NOTE: In fairness to the restaurant, late cancellations or no-shows will be charged $60 by the RCT Office. No exceptions. (And you are responsible for your guests.)
When: Friday to Sunday May 22-24 if you can only come Saturday that is Ok
Cost: Rotarian $165.00 Rotaractor $125.00 includes 2 dinners and breakfasts, 1 lunch
(you can’t afford to stay home)
Where: Camp Scugog just outside Port Perry approximately an hour and half outside Toronto. We will try to organize ridesharing if you need it.
What is Camp Scugog: A fresh air camp for children, teens and Mothers so that they can gain new knowledge, attitudes and skills in a safe environment https://www.campscugog.org/
Why them: Because they are a non-profit camp focused on needy children in the centre of Toronto. They have little funding and need us very much
Why should I come: some member comments” A magnificent fence was erected, many cabins were painted and spiffed up, and the transformation was apparent to all. The Camp staff were there working alongside of us, and their gratitude was palpable. I have left much out, but the important thing to know is this; in my opinion, the Camp Weekend is the best thing you can do all year, to fully experience the rewards of being a member of our great Club”
“All in all, I will remember the weekend as a time of feast, fellowship and fortitude. And although I quipped that "never again" would I attend, of course next year I wouldn't miss it for the world”
“The food and comradery was amazing"
A promise: I can promise you that there will be lots of hard work-painting, nailing, sorting cloths etc. and you will enjoy every minute. There will be laughter, song and incredible food prepared by your fellow members.
If you can’t come for the whole weekend come for the day. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask Susan Howson. showson@researchcapital.com
For all members who have joined or wants to join the WhatsApp Group, please note that we will use your first name & last name - no business name or acronym please. Thank you.
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