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Email: office@rotarytoronto.on.ca
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The Rotary Club of Toronto President
President Elect
Vice-President
Treasurer
Executive Director/Secretary
Rotary International Foundation Chair
Executive Committee Chair
District Level Membership Chair
Audit Committee Liaison Director
Strategic Planning Liaison Director
Goverance Liaison Director
Honours & Awards Liaison Director & Chair
Club Assembly Liaison Director & Chair
Fundraising Liaison Director
Marketing & Communications Liaison Director
Program Liaison Director
Fellowship & Entertainment Liaison Director
Membership Development Liaison Director
Seniors Citizens' Liaison Director
Aboriginal Service Liaison Director
Youth & Children Liaison Director
International Service Liaison Director
Community Service Liaison Director
Women's Initiative Liaison Director
District 7070 Liaison Director
Rotaract Clubs Liaison Director
Chair Youth & Children's Committee
Chair Healthy Beginnings Committee
Chair Youth Day Sub Committee-Youth & Children
Chair Children's Christmas Party
Chair Environmental Sub Committee
New online process makes it easy to follow up on prospective members
Tracking your membership leads is easier than ever. District leaders and club officers can now review inquiries from prospective, referred, and relocating or returning members -- all in one place.
Sign in to My Rotary and visit the Club and District Administration pages to discover how easy it is to manage your online membership leads and review reports. You’ll also find guides to help walk you through the new process.
To refer a member or begin the process of changing clubs, visit the Member Center. If you’re not a Rotary member but are interested in joining us, you can learn more about club...
New Rotary flag and banner materials available in Brand Center
Give your Rotary flag or banner a new and professional look with our updated materials, available in the Brand Center. With eight options of colors and backgrounds to choose from, you can find the design that will best strengthen your club or district brand.
The Brand Center also offers everything you need to create communications with the Rotary look and tone. You can download Rotary’s logo -- or create your own club or district logo. And you’ll find editable templates for brochures, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, fliers, and more. (Sign-in required.)
Rotary honors six women for leadership and humanitarian service
Rotary President K.R. Ravindran has named six Rotary Global Women of Action for 2015. The honorees were chosen for their dedication and service, which has improved the lives of thousands around the world.
“Every day at Rotary I see firsthand how our members work to change lives and make a significant impact,” said Ravindran. “Rotary’s Global Women of Action embody Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self.”
The women will be honored at Rotary Day at the United Nations in New York City on 7 November. They will address attendees and lead discussions on various topics related to their work.
The six...
Showcase your project at the Seoul convention
Apply to host a booth in the House of Friendship at the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Seoul, 28 May-1 June. This is an opportunity to showcase your club or district project, recruit members for your Rotary Fellowship, share information about your Rotarian Action Group, or market Rotary merchandise if you are a licensed RI vendor.
The application deadline is 30 September. Booth allocations will be awarded by 1 November.
Apply
Bringing education to rural Mexican area, one school at a time
When Mariana Day moved in 1989 to the small beach town of Chacala, in Nayarit, Mexico, she noticed that the surrounding rural areas struggled to maintain schools. And most children weren’t able to go beyond an eighth-grade education. Day, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Bahía de Jaltemba-La Peñita, in Nayarit, had started a local scholarship program before she joined Rotary. Called Changing Lives, the program provided students with high school tuition, uniforms, school supplies, and transportation.
In addition, Rotary clubs from the United States and Mexico have been investing in the...
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Club Information
Welcome to Our Club!
Service Above Self
We meet Fridays at 12:15 p.m. please arrive no later than 12:00 noon
The Fairmont Royal York
The Fairmont Royal York
100 Front Street West
(Meeting Room, subject to change weekly- call the Rotary office: 416-363-0604)
Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
Canada
(Meeting Room, subject to change weekly- call the Rotary office: 416-363-0604)
Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
Canada
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Posted
on Dec 17, 2015
President David’s Christmas Season Message
The festive season has arrived and today we celebrate with The Rotary Club of Toronto’s 2015 Annual Christmas Party. I hope you all enjoy the wonderful buffet and the music at the luncheon today. We also celebrate the ability to help others at this time of year and we will feature a raffle and a silent auction to that end. Every year, The Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation has a ‘charity of choice’ at our Christmas Party, this year the Foundation will give $5,000 to benefit our Syrian Refugee Family. The family is being sponsored in partnership with the Rosedale United Church and The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Sponsorship Group.
At last Friday’s meeting we continued another long standing tradition by hosting The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Annual Seniors’ Christmas Party. This party has been held continuously since 1963. This is our chance to welcome many of our more experienced members of the community to come and celebrate with us. We all had the privilege of being entertained by the Grade 6 Choir from Crescent School; not only did we get to hear the boys’ choir but also two of their teachers, both opera singers, who together, produced extraordinarily melodic harmony with their voices. Of course Santa joined us to spread cheer and deliver a gift bag to all our senior guests. This is one of the highlights of the year for many of these seniors.
Continuing with our traditions, 2 weeks ago we held our 86th annual Christmas Party for Children with special needs. For all the children and their families, there was face painting, crafts, scrapbooking, and a raucous snowball fight with the Police. Fortunately the Police men and women wore their vests as they took quite a beating from the kids. Several Rotary exchange students became clowns and elves for the day and added a truly international flavour to the party. Santa arrived to make sure all had presents and a chance to have a photograph with Santa.
This year’s party drew 235+ children and their families from the following groups:
- Easter Seals Society
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind
- Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf
- Holland Bloorview
- Gilda’s Club of Greater Toronto
- Starlight Foundation of Canada
If we ever get to wondering whether it is all worthwhile to take the time we do, away from work and family to do the great work of Rotary, I leave you with a note of appreciation that we received from the parent of one of our disabled child guests: “I just wanted to say a big thank you for the opportunity to attend Saturday's party. My son and I had a great time and made some great memories with friends. It was our first time attending, but won't be our last.
I don't know who to share our gratitude with so am hoping you can get this note of thanks to the right folks.
All of the volunteers were so kind and warm at each turn. Hotel staff made us feel welcome and special the moment we entered to time we left. Our police escort to the party was lovely. He especially loved the "snowball" fight, dancing and story time. Sometimes the thought of attending stuff like this can be stressful, but nothing about this was stressful. Well, except sitting on Santa's knee, but my son did it after not doing it for three years so big deal for us and we now have a great photo memory of his uncertain, but very brave moment. He has proudly looked at that picture a few times since the party. Big thank you to everyone involved. Everyone helped make a very special day for at least one four-year-old and his Mom. Thanks again!”
From the Hetherington Family to you and yours, best wishes for a Merry Christmas,
Happy Holidays and a Joyous 2016!
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Dec 03, 2015
Ian McBride has been the Executive Director of AURA, the Anglican United Refugee Alliance for over 15 years. Born in Coburg, Ontario, Ian is one of those people who has seen it all…Who would have thought that one of Toronto’s busiest refugee advocates and facilitators used to be a corporate manager?
For a long time Ian was a sales and marketing executive, working in the world of international trade. His long business career was replaced by Ministry Service with a focus on the elderly, children and youth.
He has served the Church in many capacities, including as an assistant Chaplin. For a number of years he served on the Board of Directors of AURA, before becoming the Executive Director.
While Ian never went to University, he is by far an expert in his field. He now dedicates almost all of his time to facilitating the private sponsorship of refugees and supporting their resettlement in Toronto. While many are eager to learn and have recently become interested in refugee issues in the face of the current crisis, this has been Ian’s day to day work for a long time.
He is based in Toronto but travels throughout southern Ontario to meet, inform and support the Constituent Groups that AURA represents. He is a dedicated advocate for refugees, and has made this his life work.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Nov 02, 2015
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Guest Speaker: AFC National Chief
Perry Bellegarde
Topic: Host First Nations
Location: Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Ballroom
Perry Bellegarde was named Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief on December 10, 2014. He has spent his entire adult life putting into practice his strong beliefs in the laws and traditions instilled in him by the many Chiefs and Elders he has known over the years. Passionate about making measureable progress on the issues that matter most to First Nations people, National Chief Bellegarde is a strong advocate for the implementation of Inherent Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Widely known as a consensus builder with a track record of accomplishment, he brings community people, leaders, Chiefs and Elders together to focus on working cooperatively to move issues forward.
National Chief Bellegarde is from the Little Black Bear First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. He served as Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. He has also served as the Tribal Chair of the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu'Appelle Tribal Council, Councillor for the Little Black Bear First Nation and Chief of Little Black Bear First Nation.
Posted
on Nov 16, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, November 20, 2015
Location: The National Club - 303 Bay Street, Toronto
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, OC, OOnt
29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell is an energetic and highly regarded renaissance woman, an accomplished civil servant with wide-ranging interests, and is passionately devoted to the advancement of humanity. An intelligent, perceptive, and compassionate woman, Ms. Dowdeswell has devoted herself to public service, where her talents and skills have contributed greatly to many important initiatives, most notably those that integrate environmental, economic, social, educational, and cultural concerns.
She cares deeply about the environment, which she considers the fundamental basis for life on earth. She has led provincial, federal, and international institutions, and has served on the boards of corporate and non-profit organizations. Her years as an Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations profoundly shaped her worldview and continue to inform her thinking as she undertakes her role as 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Her overarching and ambitious vision is Ontario in the world. She wants to listen to Ontarians and engage them in meaningful dialogue about what they can contribute and learn from others in meeting the common challenges of our interconnected world. Her Honour’s aim is to bring multiple perspectives to the table, encourage innovation, and cultivate new ideas, sparking action and commitment to seeing these ideas move forward.
Ms. Dowdeswell is an Officer of the Order of Canada and holds 11 honorary degrees.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Nov 10, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, November 13, 2015
Topic: Stratford Festival
Location: Fairmont Royal York, Upper Canada Room, 18th Floor
Host to the Speaker: Lloyd Barbara
Antoni Cimolino, 2015: Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. Director of Hamlet and The Alchemist. 28th season. Stratford: Directing credits include King Lear; The Beaux’ Stratagem; Mary Stuart; The Merchant of Venice; Cymbeline; The Grapes of Wrath; Bartholomew Fair; Coriolanus, with Colm Feore and Martha Henry; As You Like It, featuring original music by Barenaked Ladies; King John; Love’s Labour’s Lost, with Brian Bedford; Twelfth Night, with William Hutt; The Night of the Iguana; and Filumena, with Richard Monette.
Among his other accomplishments, Mr. Cimolino was instrumental in establishing the Festival’s Endowment Foundation, which has raised more than $75 million to date, as well as in the renovation of its Avon Theatre and the creation of its Studio Theatre. Elsewhere: The Canadian première of ENRON (Theatre Calgary); Twelfth Night (Attic Theatre, Detroit); A Woman of No Importance (Hilberry Theater, Detroit).
A champion of the arts and culture, Mr. Cimolino served as the Founding Chair of Culture Days, a nation-wide celebration of arts and culture in Canada. He has initiated collaborations with several prestigious theatre companies, including Montreal’s Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, New York’s Lincoln Center and City Center, San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
He also spearheaded the Festival’s involvement in a joint project with CUSO International, Canada’s international volunteer co-operation agency, to establish a performing arts and educational centre in the city of Suchitoto, El Salvador.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Nov 02, 2015
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Nov 01, 2015
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Remembrance Day Celebration
Guest Speaker: Friday, November 6, 2015
Topic: Remembering The Great War: What the War Memorials Tell Us
Location: The National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto
Host to the Speaker: Robert A. O’Brien
Born in Belleville and a resident of Toronto, John Plumpton is an educator, historian, writer and well respected lecturer. For many years he was a teacher and then assumed a leadership role as Superintendent of Schools in Toronto. After his retirement from the Board of Education John led and conducted summer programs in Oxford England for high schools and universities for twelve years.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Oct 30, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, October 30, 2015
Location: Fairmont Upper Canada Room. 18th floor
Topic: Toronto's Historical Places
Although born and raised in Sudbury Ont, Bruce Bell has carved out quite a niche for himself in Toronto, historically speaking.
Bruce has been writing a popular monthly column on the history of Toronto for the Bulletin, Canada’s largest community newspaper since 1999.
In 2002 he was named by the city of Toronto the Official Historian of St. Lawrence Hall and St Lawrence Market.
In November of 2003 Bruce was asked by the Ontario Heritage Foundation to host the 200 anniversary celebrations of St. Lawrence Market.
In May 2004 Bruce was appointed official historian of Toronto’s King Edward Hotel as part of the famed hotel’s centennial celebrations.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Oct 23, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, October 23, 2015
Location: Fairmont Upper Canada Room. 18th floor
Topic: Philanthropy's Evolution: Demonstrating Impact
Andrea Cohen Barrack is the CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada’s largest granting foundation. Prior to OTF, Andrea was the CEO of Unison Health and Community Services. She is recognized as a transformative leader for her expertise in making organizations more effective.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Oct 06, 2015
Guess speaker: Friday October 16, 2015
Location: Fairmont, Upper Canada Room, 18th floor
Topic: Canada's Election: Where We've Been and Where We're Going.
Three days before election day on October 19, 2015 after one of the longest campaigns in Canadian history we are pleased to welcome to Rotary Professor Nelson Wiseman to make sense of it all.
Nelson Wiseman is a Professor in the Department of Political Science and Director of the Canadian Studies Program at the University of Toronto.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Sep 29, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, October 2, 2015
Location: Fairmont Upper Canada Room. 18th floor
Topic: The 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta and What It Means to Us.
The Year 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, the Great Charter imposed on King John by his barons in the 13th century. Magna Carta has been one of history’s most significant documents upholding human rights including the American Declaration of Independence, the French Declaration of the Rights of Man, the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For Canadians it has influenced key documents from the Royal Proclamation of 1763 that shaped the then British colonies and their relations with First Nations to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Guest Speaker: Friday September 25, 2015
Location: Fairmont Royal York - Imperial Room
Topic: Infectious Diseases That Are Transferred from Animals to Human Beings
Shannon Meadows is currently an Epidemiology consultant at Novometrix Research Incorporated, and examines a wide variety of topics in animal and human health, as well as network engagement and big data.
In 2014, Shannon completed her PhD in Epidemiology at the Population Medicine Department of the University of Guelph. Her PhD thesis project consisted of determining the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever) exposure in sheep flocks, goat herds and their farm workers and veterinarians in Ontario, as well as identifying the risk factors associated with exposure.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Sep 09, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, September 18, 2015
Location: Fairmont Royal York - Imperial Room
Topic: CAMH “Mental Health Matters: Investing in our Youngest Citizens”.
Michael Wilson is the Chairman of Barclays Capital Canada Inc. building on 37 years experience in the investment business.
Previously, Mr. Wilson was Canada’s 22nd Ambassador to the United States of America from March 13, 2006 to October 9, 2009. Prior to taking up this position, Mr. Wilson was Chairman of UBS Canada, an operating division of UBS AG.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jul 13, 2015
On July 1st, 2015 The Rotary Club of Toronto embarked on its 103rd year of community service. Through the efforts of our members, the Club is dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable people in the Toronto Community. We also seek to help people in difficult living conditions in foreign lands through our International Service Committee. This continues to be accomplished with fervor and fellowship by our dedicated members. We encourage our Philanthropic Committees to seek out new needs in our community that should be addressed by our Club. This is our tradition.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Sep 09, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, September 11, 2015
Location: Fairmont Royal York, Imperial Room
Topic: Climate Change: Our Churchill Moment
The Honorable John Godfrey, Special Advisor on climate change, and Chair of the Climate Action Group
John Godfrey has had an extensive and accomplished career dedicated to public service that spans over 30 years. He was first elected to the federal House of Commons as the member of parliament for Don Valley West in 1993. He was re-elected four times, holding the position until 2008.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Aug 20, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, August 28, 2015
Location: Fairmont Royal York, Imperial Room
Topic: Election 2015: How Parliament Lost Control
Ian Urquhart is a well-known and respected journalist whose insider views of the political world have been widely read for more than thirty years. Ian graduated from McGill in 1970 and is a former City
Hall reporter, Ottawa reporter, Ottawa Bureau Chief, National Editor, Managing Editor and Editorial Page Editor for the Toronto Star. He was Ottawa correspondent and Washington correspondent for
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Aug 17, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, August 21, 2015
Topic: Standing Mental Health On Its Head!
Location: Imperial Room
Location: Imperial Room
Breakdancing Executive Director – Michael Prosserman aka “bboy Piecez”
By the time Michael Prosserman aka “Bboy Piecez” was three, he was already standing on his head while watching Saturday morning cartoons. By high school, Michael was accepted into Cirque Du Soleil, featured in the major motion picture “Honey”, and travelled the world as one of Canada’s top break-dancers winning over 22 International competitions. Michael has overcome a chronic neck condition while juggling taking care of his mother with a serious mental illness. Michael took his anger and turned it into art.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Aug 11, 2015
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Guest Speaker: Friday, August 14, 2015
Location: Fairmont Royal York, Upper Canada Room, 18th Fl.
Topic: InterChurch Health Ministries Canada: A Vision for Health, Healing & Wholeness
Joanne M. Jasper B. ScN. M.A. grew up in rural Bruce County at a time when where you went to school and what church you attended was firmly attached to your name. After completing high school, Joanne attended the University of Toronto, School of Nursing. Following graduation, she has worked in hospital acute care settings and in community health in staff nurse capacities in urban and rural parts of Ontario. Since the mid-80’s, she has worked in management positions for private and non-profit community agencies both across Ontario and in several provinces in western Canada. Joanne completed her Master’s degree in California at the University of San Diego in the early 90’s.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jul 19, 2015
President, David Hetherington, District Governor, Michael Bell and Assistant District Governor Mary Lou Harrison
Guest Speaker Friday, July 24, 2015
Location: Imperial Room, Fairmont Royal York
Topic: "Looking At Our Clubs Through Fresh Eyes"
Michael believes that, as Ghandi said, “You have to be the change that you want to see in the world”.
His involvement in Rotary allows him to do this. Michael was born and raised in the west end of Toronto attending Royal York Collegiate, York University and Humber College. He spent the majority of his business career running the family fur business before selling it and retiring in 2008.
His involvement in Rotary allows him to do this. Michael was born and raised in the west end of Toronto attending Royal York Collegiate, York University and Humber College. He spent the majority of his business career running the family fur business before selling it and retiring in 2008.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jul 28, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, August 7, 2015
Location: National Club, 303 Bay Street
Topic: YPT Toronto's Most Important Theatre - Let Me Tell You Why?
Allen worked as a junior high school teacher in the city where he was born and raised, Edmonton. He quit teaching early on, however to attend the Vancouver Playhouse Acting School and worked for a number of years as an actor. After several fortunate opportunities, his primary focus became directing.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jul 06, 2015
Special Guest Speaker
Location: National Club, 303 Bay Street
Topic: President Steve's Farewell
It’s difficult to believe that it has been one year since I had the privilege of taking the oath of office as President of the Rotary Club of Toronto. And what a year it has been! I noted in my inaugural address that I believed it is the job of the President to work along with a talented group of people to make the Rotary Club of Toronto even stronger by year end. Thanks to the Board of Directors, the committees and all our members, I believe that we have achieved that goal.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jun 08, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, June 12, 2015
Topic: British Priorities After The Election
Location: In the Imperial Room at the Fairmont
Kevin McGurgan took up his appointment as HM Consul General and Director-General for UK Trade and Investment in Toronto in August 2014.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1971, Kevin joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1990. He comes to Canada after four years as Consul-General in Florida, based in Miami. During that period he was responsible for business development between the UK and Florida and oversaw the expansion of the Consulate’s staff and role across Florida and the Caribbean.
Posted
on May 28, 2015
THE ROTARY CLUB OF TORONTO AND TORONTO ARGONAUTS COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
PULLING TOGETHER FOR SERVICE ABOVE SELF
The Rotary Club of Toronto and Toronto Argonauts Community Scholarship recipient exemplifies the traits of perseverance and determination in their daily life and amongst their school and community. The scholarship will recognize a student who shows a commitment to academics, has a financial need, and strives to improve their community through volunteering and dedication. The scholarship will pay for a full school tuition for post secondary education. The Rotary Club of Toronto Community Champion Scholarship is funded by the Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on May 03, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, May 8, 2015
Topic: Managing Insecurity/Humanitarian Crisis
Location: At the National Club - 303 Bay Street
Stephen Cornish is the executive director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Canada. With over ten years of direct field experience, Cornish has managed major MSF humanitarian interventions in Chechnya, Sierra Leone, Georgia, Peru and elsewhere. Cornish holds a Masters degree in global risk and crisis management from the Université Panthéon Sorbonne in Paris and post-graduate diploma in conflict resolution from the University of Bradford. He has successfully negotiated humanitarian access to vulnerable populations in active conflict settings across the globe and played key roles in resolving aid worker abduction crises and other emergency scenarios.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Apr 19, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, May 1st, 2015
Topic: "Tennis in Canada Today"
Location: Upper Canada Room, 18th Floor - Fairmont Royal York
Kelly D. Murumets assumed the role of President and CEO of Tennis Canada in March 2014. She joined Tennis Canada after serving as President and CEO of ParticipACTION, the national voice of physical activity and sport participation in Canada since 2007.
Prior to her role with ParticipACTION, Ms. Murumets was president of a publicly traded U.S. telecommunications company, where she oversaw the integration of four bankrupt/nearly bankrupt companies into one thriving organization that ranked 7th in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Program.
She is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and has advised leaders from Canada, the United States, South America and Europe on how to develop focused strategies and realize results within their organizations.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Apr 13, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, April 24, 2015
Topic: "Once Upon a Brand" - "The Art of Corporate Storytelling"
Location: Upper Canada Room, 18th Floor - Fairmont Royal York
For over 25 years, Neil has been the creative leader behind many of Canada’s most famous, enduring and successful brand campaigns. His creative contributions have run the gamut from contributing to the legend of The Caramilk Secret, to launching multi-billion dollar upstarts like Wind Mobile, to charitable campaigns that have led to record giving and, most recently, the widely acclaimed We All Play for Canada campaign for Canadian Tire.
As different as the clients behind the campaigns appear, the secret behind Neil’s success is always the same: humanity and a soft storytelling touch which has seen Neil’s creative leadership awarded Agency of the Year honours five times for business building results.
Neil is looking forward to sharing with the Rotary audience his insights into the art of storytelling. And more specifically, the magic he has witnessed when the companies he works with stop telling people what they do and start inspiring them with why they do it.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Apr 08, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, April 17, 2015
Location: National Club, 303 Bay Street
Topic: "The Two Freedoms That Matter Most and Why..."
Hugh Segal, the 5th Master of Massey College, University of Toronto has served in the public sector as Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Chief of Staff and Associate Cabinet Secretary in Ontario to the Hon William Davis and a member of the Senate of Canada. In the Senate he chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Special Committee on Anti-Terrorism.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Mar 30, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, April 10, 2015
Location: Upper Canada Room, 18th Floor - Fairmont Royal York
Topic: "Forgiveness: The Japanese Canadian Experience"
A lawyer by training, Mark Sakamoto has enjoyed a rich and varied career. He began his professional career in live music, working with several international acts. He has worked at a national law firm (Heenan Blaikie LLP), a national broadcaster (CBC) and has served as a senior political advisor to a national party leader (Michael Ignatieff).
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Mar 16, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, March 27, 2015
Topic: “Science and Compassion in the New Psychiatry”.
Location: Imperial Room - Fairmont Royal York
Dr. Paul Garfinkel is currently Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Staff Psychiatrist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
He obtained his medical degree from the University of Manitoba in 1969, and following an internship at the Toronto Western Hospital, did a psychiatric residency at the University of Toronto. He then studied in the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto and later joined the staff of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Mar 16, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, March 20, 2015
Topic: Rotary's Commitment to the UN Millennium Development Goal # 15
i.e. To Reduce by 50% the World Population Without Potable Water and Adequate Sanitation.
How Can This Be Achieved?
Location: At the National Club
Ron Denham received his education in England where he obtained a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.
After obtaining an MBA in Business Administration, he entered the management consulting profession, eventually becoming Senior Partner and Vice Chairman of KPMG Management Consulting, Canada’s largest management consulting firm. In this capacity he played a major role in development projects in Peru, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Greece, Algeria, Senegal and Cuba, Subsequently he joined A.T. Kearney where he was Director responsible for developing the Canadian practice.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Feb 16, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, March 13, 2015
Location: Upper Canada Room, 18th fl. at the Fairmont Royal York
Sheldon Levy is President and Vice Chancellor of Ryerson University, and has been a respected postsecondary leader and analytical visionary for the past forty years. He previously served as Vice President Finance and Strategy, University of Ontario Institute of Technology; Vice President Government and Institutional Relations, University of Toronto; President, Sheridan College; and Vice President Institutional Affairs, York University.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Mar 01, 2015
Guest Speaker, Friday, March 6, 2015
Topic: "Farewell Chief William Blair- A Decade of Outstanding Leadership"
Location: Fairmont Royal York, Upper Canada Room
William Blair was appointed Chief of the Toronto Police Service on April 26, 2005. The City of Toronto is a vibrant city covering 636 square kilometres with a diverse population of more than 2,600,000 people. The Toronto Police Service employs over 5500 police officers and 2200 civilian employees, making it the largest municipal police service in Canada and one of the largest in North America.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jan 13, 2015
Guest Speaker for Friday Lunch, February 27, 2015
Location: at the Fairmont Royal York in the Imperial Room (Main Lobby)
Topic: Innovating for Sustainability: Unlocking the Potential of Public Health Canada
Danielle Martin is Vice-President, Medical Affairs and Health System Solutions at Women's College Hospital (WCH) and a family physician in the Family Practice Health Centre at WCH. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.
Posted by Carol Bieser
on Feb 16, 2015
2015-Youth Civic Leadership Awards
Young People are our future!
2015 Youth Civic Leadership Awards
At The Rotary Club of Toronto, we believe that young people in our city are not only our future, they are our present.
Youth in the City of Toronto show civic leadership in many ways across all sectors of our society. We believe if we wish these young people to continue their leadership with compassion, creativity and tenacity, we must acknowledge and celebrate their many accomplishments.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jan 12, 2015
Guest Speaker for Friday Lunch, January 23, 2015
Location: In the Ballroom
at Fairmont Royal York
Topic: Care, Compassion and Respect for our Veterans
Erin O'Toole was first elected to the House of Commons in November 2012.
In January 2015, Mr. O'Toole was appointed Minister of Veterans Affairs. Previously, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade in September 2013.
Mr. O'Toole graduated from the Royal Military College in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) and was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
In January 2015, Mr. O'Toole was appointed Minister of Veterans Affairs. Previously, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade in September 2013.
Mr. O'Toole graduated from the Royal Military College in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) and was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jan 12, 2015
Guest Speaker for Friday Lunch, January 30, 2015
Location: In the Upper Canada
at Fairmont Royal York
Topic: Human Rights Watch
Jasmine has been the Canada Director of Human Rights Watch since the office opened in 2004. Human Rights Watch in Canada is focused on outreach, fundraising and advocacy. Under Jasmine’s leadership , the Canada Committee has grown to 50 members in Toronto and Ottawa. Before joining Human Rights Watch, Jasmine was the Executive Director of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and prior to that she was in-house counsel for Crown Life Insurance Company, specializing in employment law.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jan 29, 2015
Guest Speaker: Friday, February 6, 2015
In the Upper Canada Room - 18 floor of the Fairmont Royal York
Topic: The Voices of Children: Ending Violence and Exploitation Against Children
Passionate about protecting the rights of children around the world, Mark Lukowski has been Chief Executive Officer of Christian Children’s Fund of Canada since April 2009.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Jan 12, 2015
Guest Speaker for Friday Lunch, Jan. 16, 2015
Location: The National Club - 303 Bay Street
Topic: The Role and State of the Canadian Military Chaplaincy
Rob was born and raised in Oakville. After feeling a call to the priesthood he began his seminary training in 1986 at Resurrection College Seminary at St. Jerome’s College, University of Waterloo. After graduating with a BA in Philosophy in 1989 he began his theological training at St. Peter’s Seminary at the University of Western Ontario graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1993. Rob was ordained a Deacon on April 17, 1993 and a priest on May 7, 1994 for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. While with the Diocese of Hamilton, he served in parishes in Brantford, Guelph and Hamilton.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Nov 20, 2014
Guest Speaker for Friday Lunch, December 5, 2014
Lunch Location: The National Club
Mr. Patrick O’Driscoll is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Corby and has been a director of Corby since July 2009. Mr. O’Driscoll’s career in the Spirits and Wine industry spans over 25 years. Prior to joining Corby he was the Chief Executive Officer of Malibu-Kahlúa International, a dba of Pernod Ricard U.S.A. LLC, from 2007 to 2009.
Posted by Carol Bieser
on Aug 13, 2014
Fearless Leaders Richard White (Club President 2013-2014) and Pat Neuman (Chair of Fundraising) show the rest of the volunteers how it’s done!
RIBFEST 2014-by Shannon Lundquist
Another Canada Day and another scorching hot Ribfest! With over 100,000 attendees to the 15th Annual Toronto Ribfest, anticipated net proceeds to Rotary charities will total over $60,000. All told, 97 boisterous volunteer Rotarians from Toronto and Sunrise, as well as Rotaractors from UofT and Toronto, contributed more than 665 hours to greeting at the gate. Action was non-stop and there was never a dull moment.
Ribfest brings out the heat (and humidity) for both tasty treats and those in search of shelter! Our own celebrity judges: Richard (chicken), Steve (pulled pork) and Pat (ribs) can attest to the delicious quality and variety. Food Network, here they come!
Posted by Carol Bieser
on Dec 12, 2013
In the Upper Canada Room, at the Fairmont Royal York
Ron is a keynote speaker who is starting to aid senior business leaders and is a relationship management expert.
Ron is a married father of 4, who resides in Toronto.
Ron built his career in finance with Euro Brokers Canada Ltd./Maxcor Inc., where he held increasingly progressive roles culminating in the role of Vice President.
In 2000, Ron was one of two Canadian employees selected to close the Canadian operations and shift the Canadian business to New York City and excelled in the larger, fast-paced trading culture consisting of 350 specialized brokers.
Working in the World Trade Center and surviving the life-changing events of 9/11 in NYC, Ron was the last known man out of the South Tower of the World Trade Centre. Twice during the ordeal, Ron was just minutes away from being killed.
Posted by Carol Bieser
on Jul 31, 2014
President, Steve Smith to Make Opening Kick-Off for New Rotary Club of Toronto- Toronto Argos Scholarship Winner
– by Nancy Schaefer, Chair, Scholarship Committee
Our Centennial Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the year - three winner of The Rotary Club of Toronto and the Toronto Argonauts’ Community Champion Scholarship. Our unique scholarship is designed to send a deserving high school student to a local university with a four-year tuition scholarship. The student must demonstrate academic achievement, community volunteerism and financial need. This year’s winner is John Chen.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Oct 27, 2014
Remembrance Day Guest Speaker for Friday, November 7, 2014
Lunch Location: The National Club
Brigadier General Julian Chapman joined the Canadian Forces in 1980. He graduated with a baccalaureate in History and Political Science from the University of Toronto. BGen Chapman began his military career in Toronto Scottish Regiment as a Private. He was commissioned in 1982 and has held most of the officer appointments in the Regiment. His staff experience includes five years at Toronto District Headquarters which is now known as 32 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters.
Posted by Carol (Bieser) Hutchinson
on Oct 28, 2014
Take some time to give thanks
for all those in the armed forces
who have made sacrifices
to preserve our rights and freedoms.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Jan 01, 2016
Jan 08, 2016
Jan 15, 2016
Jan 22, 2016
Chief Mark Saunders - Toronto Police Services
Chief Saunders Five Year Vision for the City of Toronto
Jan 22, 2016
Jan 29, 2016
Feb 05, 2016
Feb 12, 2016
Feb 19, 2016
Mar 25, 2016
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