In celebration of International Youth Day, our August 22nd meeting was dedicated to the voices, challenges, and hopes of the next generation. The evening began with heartfelt reflections from former Rotaractors Liam Hancock, Kaitlynn Almeida, and Kai Devonish, who shared—through video—their thoughts on what “youth” means to them. Their messages reminded us that today’s young people carry both the weight of immense challenges and the promise of incredible possibility.
Our keynote speaker, Timothy Lang, President & Chief Executive Officer of Youth Employment Services (YES), brought that promise into sharp focus. With passion and urgency, Timothy highlighted the pressing realities: youth unemployment is the highest it has been since 2010 (excluding the pandemic years), and youth mental health continues to decline for reasons far beyond the job market. Referencing insights from Deloitte’s latest report, he reminded us that optimism is not optional—it is essential in countering the overwhelming negativity many young people face today.
YES, founded in 1968, has been on the front lines of this work for decades. Serving more than 20,000 youth each year, the organization focuses on those who face barriers to employment—refugees, Indigenous youth, newcomers, and those with limited schooling. The results speak volumes: nearly 90% of participants secure a job within three months of joining YES programs. Beyond employment, YES also supports organizations themselves, helping them hire, retain, and accommodate young workers so that opportunity truly becomes accessible.
Rotary is proud to be part of this impact. With support from federal and provincial governments, alongside organizations like the Rotary Club of Toronto, YES generates a ripple effect: every $1 invested returns $3 to the economy. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a story of resilience, community, and shared success. Whether through personal reflections, thought-provoking dialogue, or celebrating our members, this meeting was a reminder that investing in youth is investing in our collective future. Together, we can ensure today’s challenges become tomorrow’s opportunities.
💙 Here’s to optimism, opportunity, and youth leading the way forward.
Written by Levi Greene
I Love Rotary Champion Program
Recognizing Our Quiet Heroes
During our August 6th dinner meeting, we launched our new I Love Rotary Champion program that celebrates the quiet heroes who make Rotary stronger, one good deed at a time. Congratulations to the winners from the August 22nd meeting, Don Bell and Paige Caldeira! 🎉
Rotary Award of Excellence for 2024-2025 Winner! 🏆
This Rotary Award of Excellence for the year 2024-2025 is proudly dedicated to all the members of The Rotary Club of Toronto. Your dedication to service above self has made a meaningful difference in our community and beyond. As we celebrate this achievement, we encourage you to continue serving those in need through our club's vital work. Together, let us maintain this tradition of excellence and keep building a better tomorrow for all.
Written by Binoy Luckoo, Immediate Past President
Grants Funded by our
Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation
April 1 to June 30, 2025
Organization and Initiative
Amount
Church of the Redeemer – The Common Table Drop-in Program
$10,000
Breakaway Community Services – Community Based Harm Reduction Training Special Project
$31,200
Xenia Concerts Inc. – Adaptive Concerts for the Neurodiversity, Disability, and Dementia Communities
$10,000
The Governing Council of The University of Toronto (Toronto Nature Stewards) – Tools and Plant Material for Don Watershed Group
$10,000
SPRINT (Senior Peoples’ Resources in North Toronto Incorporated) – Toronto Ride Program - year 8
$150,000
Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada – Community Engagement & Outreach Strategy Implementation Project
$5,000
Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth – Fueling Youth Futures: Empowerment Through Nutrition
$20,000
Child Development Institute – The Camp Towhee Experience
$27,500
The Dollywood Foundation of Canada (working with Native Child and Family Services of Toronto) – Dolly Parton Imagination Library Literacy Program
$10,000
Lay-Up Youth Basketball – 2025 Summer Programming
$12,500
Hand Up From Hunger Toronto – Family Support Program
$15,000
Jessie’s, The June Callwood Centre for Young Women – Pathways to Choice for Pregnant and Parenting Young Women
$20,000
Amici Children’s Camp Charity – In Honor of Janet Adamson
FORE!—we are excited to partner with four other Toronto Rotary Clubs for our annual golf tournament. Participants will receive a breakfast upon arrival, 18 holes of golf, and lunch with the chance to win some prizes along the way.
Want to spotlight your brand or business to nearly 150 Rotarians? Contact jayson@phelpsgroup.ca for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
International Dinner Series: Mezze & More
September 23rd
Join us for a vibrant cuisine fusing the flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Located mid-town on Eglinton, 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.
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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