A Year of Service, Leadership and Lasting Impact
The Rotary Club of Toronto Celebrates the 2025–2026 Presidency of Dauna Jones-Simmonds
By The Rotary Club of Toronto – The Voice
On Friday, June 26, 2026, members and guests gathered at The National Club to celebrate The Rotary Club of Toronto's Presidential Changeover Ceremony—a heartfelt afternoon recognizing a remarkable year of leadership, service, fellowship, and community impact.
President Dauna Jones-Simmonds, the Club's 113th President and the first Black President in its distinguished history, concluded her term with a celebration that reflected both Rotary tradition and the collective achievements of the membership. The program featured the singing of the National Anthem by Brigitte Bogar, musical performances of 'One Moment in Time ' and 'I Did It My Way', by Kimya Hypolite and President Dauna, Past President video tribute, a video montage summarizing the Club's great work during the year, recognition of outstanding volunteers, words of wisdom from Past President Binoy Luckoo, and the ceremonial passing of the gavel to incoming President Pauline Lyons.
Celebrating a Remarkable Rotary Year
Throughout the afternoon, members reflected on a year defined by collaboration, compassion, and meaningful service.
Under the theme "Unite for Good," the Club strengthened its commitment to serving local and global communities through projects addressing food insecurity, youth development, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and member engagement.
Highlights from the 2025–2026 Rotary year included:
- More than $1.7 million in Rotary Foundation grants supporting local and international initiatives.
- A landmark $500,000 contribution to St. Michael's Hospital's Rotary Toronto Transition Centre.
- The Epic Day of Service – Meals & Sox, serving hot meals and providing hundreds of pairs of socks to individuals experiencing homelessness.
- The production of more than 550 reusable menstrual hygiene pads for girls and women in the Dominican Republic.
- Continued support for and donation of $220,000 to Sprint Senior Care, helping seniors remain active and independent.
- The Children's Holiday Party and Seniors Holiday Hamper initiatives.
- Camp Scugog volunteer renovations benefiting more than 100 children.
- Expansion of member fellowship through the International Dinner Series.
- Disaster relief through Shelterbox to Haiti and the Philippines
- Continued support for international humanitarian initiatives, including the Burundi Ambulance Project, impacting the lives of 97,000 people.
- Enhanced member engagement through new member orientation, communications, and volunteer initiatives.
These accomplishments demonstrated the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when members work together in the spirit of Service Above Self.
Leadership Through Community
One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was President Dauna's farewell address.
She reflected on a deeply personal experience during preparations for the Club's Epic Day of Service, when she received the heartbreaking news that her brother in England was gravely ill. Although she travelled overseas to be with her family, fellow Rotarians stepped forward to ensure the event proceeded successfully.
"It became a reminder that Rotary is family," she shared. "We support one another. We step in when someone needs us. We lead together. We serve together. We grieve together. And we celebrate together." Her story captured the essence of Rotary leadership—not individual accomplishment, but collective service.
Recognizing Extraordinary Service
The Changeover Ceremony also celebrated members whose exceptional dedication strengthened the Club throughout the year.
Special recognition was presented to Lorraine Lloyd, Christine Cote, Youri Wims, Paige Caldeira, Geoffrey Johnson, Alanna Scott, Kelsey Horning, Kai Devonish, Kaitlynn Almeida, Neil Phillips, Irene Kuan, Diego Galbiati, Susan Howson, Jayson Phelps, Carol Hutchinson, Pauline Lyons, Mark McQuitty, John Fortney, Don Bell, Neisely Eugene, and members of the Board of Directors for their outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to Rotary's mission.
Passing the Gavel
The ceremony concluded with the formal passing of the gavel to President Pauline Lyons, who accepted Rotary International's Presidential Oath and officially assumed leadership of The Rotary Club of Toronto for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
President Dauna expressed her complete confidence in Pauline's leadership and encouraged members to continue creating hope, strengthening communities, and serving with compassion.
A Legacy of Service
As President Dauna concluded her year of service, she reminded members that leadership is measured not by titles but by lives touched.
"Together, we didn't just talk about change—we showed up, we served, and we made a real difference. Our communities felt the impact of our volunteerism and sweat equity projects. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your President."
Her presidency leaves behind a legacy of inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and service—a legacy that we hope will continue to inspire Rotarians for years to come.
