Cheers to our 115th President, Dauna Jones-Simmonds!
Thank you to all who attend President Dauna Jones-Simmonds's Throne Speech meeting on Wednesday July 9, 2025. look for a full report in the next issue of the Voice!
MarCom Call for Members!
The Marketing and Communications Committee is looking for additional members! In particular we are seeking assistance with the following roles:
Graphic Designer
Got a good eye and know your way around Canva? MarCom is looking for a graphic designer to help create clean, engaging visuals that share our club’s mission with thousands. No formal design background needed—just creativity and a willingness to collaborate.
Video Editor
Handy with video and know your way around basic editing tools (hello, iMovie or DaVinci Resolve)? MarCom is looking for a video editor to help bring our club’s stories to life through short, engaging clips. No pro studio skills required—just creativity, consistency, and a passion for storytelling. One exciting project on the horizon: a “Why I Joined Rotary” video series that you’d get to shape and own.
Content & Communications Coordinator
Love telling a good story and know your way around a caption? MarCom is looking for a Content & Communications Coordinator to help bring our club’s voice to life across social media and newsletters. One exciting project on the horizon: a monthly Member Spotlight series to highlight the amazing people behind our club. No formal writing background needed—just a knack for words, an eye for great moments, and a collaborative spirit.
If you are interested in serving the club in this way contact Chair Youri Wims at youri.wims@rotarytoronto.com
Rolling up Our Sleeves: RCT International Service Committee Returning to El Salvador
Imagine building a home with your own hands - changing a family's life forever. This January, RCT is returning to Talnique, El Salvador, and we want YOU to join us.
The Rotary Club of Toronto has been involved in organizing international sweat equity trips for years. The last was to El Salvador and it took place in 2020, just before Covid. And now we’re going back!
Working in partnership with the Rotary Club San Salvador Noreste, a team of RCT International Service Committee (ISC) members led by Beau Rogers and supported by Chris Snyder are putting together a sweat equity trip to the impoverished village of Talnique, a little more than an hour’s drive from the capital city of San Salvador.
Some 20 years ago the village was wiped out by an earthquake and since that time, the San Salvador Noreste Club, working with Rotarians from Canada, the US, and in partnership with a stable municipal government, has overseen multiple successful projects and sustainable undertakings.
Over the last two decades Rotarians have built over 100 homes in this very poor part of the world. And in January 2026 our mission, as it was 5 years ago, is to build homes for families that can’t afford a roof over their heads. And we’ll build them alongside the villagers.
Now we’re putting out the call to RCT members who might be interested in travelling to a place of real need at the end of January 2026, rolling up their sleeves, and changing people’s lives in real and tangible ways.
These sweat equity trips have inspired RCT members for years, and in 2026 we’re continuing the tradition. If you want to be part of this powerful mission that has inspired RCT members for years, contact Beau Rogers at beau.rogers@rotarytoronto.com with the subject line “El Salvador Trip” or “Sweat Equity Trip”.
Don't miss your chance to build hope - and homes- where needed most.
A First-Timer’s Review of the RI Convention in Calgary
YAHOO!!!!!! The 115th Annual Rotary International Convention held in Calgary this year was my very first Convention. When I signed up I was eager as I heard so many great stories but what I experienced first hand was something truly magical and life changing.
From the moment I arrived in Calgary, the city’s energy was contagious. From the wonderful cowboy-hat wearing volunteers at the airport to seeing Rotary banners plastered at every inch of the city; you could not help but feel a strong sense of pride to be a Rotarian.
Signature Event
My first event of the weekend, I attended the Grandstand Spectacular, which was an exclusive Calgary Stampede event designed just for us Rotarians, capturing the true spirit of Calgary’s western heritage. We watched in awe as cowboys competed in horse relay then performed, thrilling stunts, rodeo events, and even the young kids showed off their rodeo skills. The night ended in a dynamic firework and drone show in true Rotary style.
Rotary Sessions
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies provided both inspiration and entertainment. These were must attend sessions as it set the stage for the week and then allowed us to celebrate all we learned and accomplished at the end. The breakout sessions and hub chats during the week were very relevant and thought-provoking, covering everything from club innovation and AI best practices to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, climate action, and intergenerational leadership. No matter your area of focus there was a session for every type of Rotarian to learn more.
A New Sense of Belonging
As a newer member of the Rotary Club of Toronto, this convention gave me more than just information, it gave me a deeper sense of purpose and belonging in our Club. Seasoned members ensured we did not feel left out and they provided guidance in every aspect. From the President’s Cocktail Reception, to having lunch and/or dinner together each day; it truly felt like a family. This was one of the week’s highlights for me; as we do not get to experience these deep connections at monthly meetings. RI Conventions are where true bonds and friendships are formed.
If you are feeling like you missed out on an amazing RI Convention, YOU DID!! However, you can also experience this life changing event next year! The next RI convention will be held in Taipei, Taiwan (which I have already registered for) from June 13 - 17, 2026. I hope to see many more of you there as we Unite for Good!
Written by Kai Devonish
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Upcoming Meeting
Friday July 25, 2025
The National Club
12 Noon
to register email Sarah Olsen at admin@rotarytoronto.com
Join us for what is sure to be another excellent club meeting!
WhatsApp Group
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.
Would you like to write for the Voice or have a story or picture to share?
Contact Kelsey Horning at kelsey.horning@rotarytoronto.com
