October marks Community Economic Development Month, one of our seven areas of focus. Around the world, Rotarians are helping communities create opportunities that lead to lasting change—from empowering small business owners to advancing financial literacy and job training. When local economies thrive, so do the people who call them home. Let’s continue to ask: What can our club do to help communities grow stronger together?
Celebrating Scholarship
October 17th Luncheon
On October 17, 2025, the Blake Room at The National Club was abuzz with excitement. Rotarians and guests were eager to learn about the Scholarship students' past year and future career aspirations.
The Scholarship Committee Chair, Liam Hancock led the lunch meeting. Members of this working group, Joseph Tubbs, Jane Fitzgerald, Geoffrey Huck, Natalie Lewin, Sergio Amatller (Past Chair), and Pauline Lyons (President-elect) had been preparing for this date for nine months. Several past presidents, club members, and guests were also in attendance to support our scholars.
President Dauna Jones-Simmonds opened the lunch meeting with a heart-warming tribute to the dearly departed Maureen Bird. Maureen dedicated many years of service to our club, which was showcased in a video paying tribute to her years of commitment to International Service, member training and development, The Voice newsletter, and her beloved Camp Scugog. She was described by President Dauna as a true example of “service above self.”
Veronica Luo, recipient of The Rotary Club of Toronto 2022 scholarship, was the first student to address our members and guests. Veronica expressed her gratitude for the tuition scholarship she received from The Rotary Club of Toronto. She closed her speech with words of appreciation for the support of the Scholarship Working Group members.
Sawjana Rafique is the exuberant recipient of the 2023 scholarship. She plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in healthcare with a focus on disease and toxicology. She could not attend the lunch meeting but provided a video with words of encouragement for the other scholarship winners as well as tremendous gratitude for the members of the Scholarship Working Group.
Nira Roberts is the winner of the 2024 scholarship and spoke with passion about her decision to pursue a career in medicine, commencing with a Bachelor of Science degree from York University. She is currently majoring in biomedical sciences, and she is deeply interested in psychology and genetics. Alongside her studies, she is the Community Engagement Facilitator for a non-profit organization called Roots for Change. Her work includes supporting her fellow students to pursue their educational goals.
Aruni Gomes, the newest winner selected in 2025, was accompanied by her parents and her sister, who are very proud of her academic accomplishments. The audience listened intently to her exhilaration upon learning that she had been awarded a 4-year tuition scholarship. She described her emotions with these words of deep gratitude: “This award really lifted a significant burden, allowing me to focus on my studies as I begin this new chapter at university with confidence and purpose.” She was profusely grateful to the club and the Scholarship Working Group for selecting her to receive this honour.
President Dauna closed the scholarship lunch meeting with these words: “The passion, growth, and purpose these students have expressed remind us exactly why this program matters.”
Prepared by Pauline Lyons
Congrats to Aruni Gomes, our
2025 Scholarship Recipient! 🏆
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Aruni is a graduate of St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School and has started her journey at the University of Toronto St. George campus, in the Life Sciences program. She enjoys leadership and participating in initiatives that promote connection and community. She wants to pursue a career in healthcare, where she can share her passion for serving others, while creating a meaningful impact. She looks forward to the new experiences and challenges that university brings, as she continues to learn and grow.
Remembering Maureen Bird
The Rotary Club of Toronto mourns the passing of longtime member Maureen Bird on October 7, 2025. She made innumerable contributions to Rotary and the community, including as a past editor of the Voice. She will be deeply missed. Her obituary is available at https://everloved.com/life-of/maureen-bird/.
Cheers to Service & Good Times 🍺
2025 Oktoberfest
This year’s Oktoberfest kicked off at St. Lawrence Hall on a perfectly crisp Thursday evening. The ballroom buzzed with chatter and laughter as Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline pulled the first wave of party people to the dance floor. And of course, the incredible Dave Murphy Band kept the tunes going all night long.
Amid all the excitement, Don and Neil reminded us why we were there, to provide hampers to families in need this holiday season. Criss Habal-Brosek, Executive Director, and Connor Starks, Unit Supervisor at Progress Place, a beneficiary of our Holiday Hamper efforts, were in attendance and shared heartfelt words of gratitude. They spoke about how our continued support is helping them address food insecurity and bring joy to the people they serve.
It’s safe to say we, The Rotary Club of Toronto, totally are party people (you know who you are 😏)—with purpose. Our purpose is to exemplify people of action uplifting our community in all that we do; and this evening was no different.
A huge thank you to Don, Lorraine, Jackie, Irene, Chialing, Lola, and the entire Oktoberfest planning committee for putting together such a festive, fun, and meaningful evening!
Written by Youri Wims-Rico
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Club Meetings
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The National Club
6PM
On our November 5, 2025 Rotary Toronto Remembrance Day Acknowledgement Date
We Pause to Honour and Remember the Brave
Men and Women Who Have Served Our Country and Made the Ultimate
Sacrifice for Our Freedom.
—
Friday, November 21, 2025
The National Club
Noon
Other Events
Club Events
International Dinner Series - Ukraine
Wednesday November 12th
Join us for a menu that blends traditional Ukrainian fare with contemporary flair, complemented by craft beer and curated cocktails. Will there be a featured Rotary Supports Ukraine cocktail? You'll have to come to find out... Served family-style for sharing, we'll start with a sampling of salad, cured meats, zakuski and herring. Mains will include shashlik, schnitzel, yarenyky, deruny and shachapuri. No idea what any of this is? All the more reason to come! For dessert, Sour Cherry Varenyky for all.
Located in Bloor West, the evening cost is $45pp including tax and gratuity. Drinks, as always, on your own.
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, end an email directly to Kaitlynn at: kaitlynn.almeida@gmail.com
NOTE: In fairness to the restaurant, late cancellations or no-shows will be charged $45 by the RCT Office. No exceptions. (And you are responsible for your guests.)
In many rural areas, including Consuelo in the Dominican Republic, girls face a monthly challenge: lack of access to sanitary hygiene products. This affects their health, well-being, and causes them to miss at least five days of school each month, limiting their education and future opportunities.
Join us on Saturday, November 29th for the Sanitary Pad Sewing Project as we assemble 250 reusable sanitary pad kits for girls in the Dominican Republic. Each kit includes flannel liners, shields, underwear, and hygiene supplies. These kits will help girls continue their education with dignity and confidence.
No sewing experience? No problem! Whether you’re cutting fabric, sewing, or assembling kits, every helping hand makes a difference. Together, let’s stitch a path to education and empowerment.
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.
Want to see a story or pictures of your latest meeting, project, or social in The Voice?
Nira Roberts is the winner of the 2024 scholarship and spoke with passion about her decision to pursue a career in medicine, commencing with a Bachelor of Science degree from York University. She is currently majoring in biomedical sciences, and she is deeply interested in psychology and genetics. Alongside her studies, she is the Community Engagement Facilitator for a non-profit organization called Roots for Change. Her work includes supporting her fellow students to pursue their educational goals. 
Aruni Gomes, the newest winner selected in 2025, was accompanied by her parents and her sister, who are very proud of her academic accomplishments. The audience listened intently to her exhilaration upon learning that she had been awarded a 4-year tuition scholarship. She described her emotions with these words of deep gratitude: “This award really lifted a significant burden, allowing me to focus on my studies as I begin this new chapter at university with confidence and purpose.” She was profusely grateful to the club and the Scholarship Working Group for selecting her to receive this honour.
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