Stories

Richard has just returned from a visit to Ongutoi Health Centre and the project Water Collection for Sustainability to visit the orchard and review in preparation for a Global Grant with Rotary Club of Kampala South, District 9213 as Host Club and Rotary Club of Newmarket, District 7070 as the International Club.  The status of the water collection and orchard are showing excellent progress. Richard is ready to talk to your Rotary Club. If you would like any additional information or have a presentation for your club, please contact Rtn Richard Mewhinney, Rotary Club of Newmarket at 416-418-6646 or by email at rmewhinney@rogers.com. Here is Richard's Update.....

Rotary members Create Hope In the World through their commitment to providing Basic Education and Literacy to their home communities and communities around the world.   In this issue of the BELRAG newsletter, learn how Rotarians in Panama are committed to improving learning across the country by through training teachers in effective use of technology to improve classroom teaching and learning.  Thank you to Courtney Doldron for linking us up with the Newsletter.
NOTE: BELRAG will host several webinars in the next weeks to engage Rotarians and share best practice.  .......

In his December 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

In his December 2023 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor John Burns, Agent 7070, talks about his many visits to clubs and is quite proud that our clubs are in good hands and thriving. He wishes that the rest of the world were the same way and hopes for peace in the world, some day. During this holdiay season, John asks us not forget that there are people in our communities and around the world, who need help. Some who may have lost hope! John asks us all to bring a glimmer of hope to those who have lost it and he wishes all of us all the joy, peace and happiness of the holiday season  ..........

In President Gordon McInally's  December 2023 Message, he talks about his speech on two  global crises - the climate and health,  at COP28 in Dubai. He adds that the emotional distress of a disaster also makes it difficult for people to recover and rebuild. Gordon shares this month’s column with Rotary Partner, Shelterbox's CEO, Sanj Srikanthan, who explains that the words we choose to describe disasters matter. ...............

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

Send In Your Stories and Photos for the Next Edition:

Please send your Rotary Club stories (deadline is always 4 days prior to the end of the month) to our District  Public Image Chair, Dave Andrews at  dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com

A suggestion to the  District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Committee Chairs : Send in a story about what your committee is doing and tell our clubs how they can connect with you. 

A suggestion to 2023-24 Club Presidents: There is a place in the Newsletter for News from Clubs. What have you accomplished that you would like to announce to everyone in the District?

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH. YOU CAN CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO READ THE WHOLE STORY RIGHT HERE IN THE INDEX ....

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor John Burns' December 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Gordon McInally's December 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Barry Rassin's December 2023 Newsletter
• The December 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32

DGE VIRGINIA O'REILLY INVITES YOU TO 2024 DISTRICT 7070 CONFERENCE on OCTOBER 25 - 27, 2024.

BE PREPARED TO BE IRRESTIBLE -- IRRESTIBLE FUN, FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $289.00 + HST  (expires December 31, 2023) . Price $319.00 + HST ( expires June 30, 2024) Price $349.00 + HST (Until Conference ). PLEASE REGISTER HERE
https://www.crsadmin.com/eventportal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=1b4dac31-d860-4653-968f-fc7fee4756bc

COME JOIN US AT THE WONDERFUL NOTTAWASAGA RESORT in  ALLISTON, ONTARIO. The THE LINK FOR RESERVATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON. There will be a SPECIAL RATE OF $199.00 + TAXES.......

Please welcome  Ally Buck, the new Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada (taking over Meg’s role). She has been getting settled into her new position over the last few weeks and is looking forward to getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies last June.

 Here's is her newsletter.....

The updated course catalog is now available. https://my-cms.rotary.org/.../learning-center-course-catalog

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32, the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" December 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, (available on December 1, 2023), together with Christine Etienne (Director Elect)  in the December 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... Please Read more...

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Barry Rassin's December 2023 Newsletter, Barry reminds us that during your holiday giving, remember that gifts to The Rotary Foundation. With December being Disease Prevention and Treatment Month Barry says,"Just think of all the Rotary efforts that would not be possible without the generosity of you, our Rotary family". He talks about our efforts to end polio, clinics that have saved lives, our Programs of Scale that are working to end malaria in Zambia, reduce the mortality rate of mothers and their infants in Nigeria, and eliminate cervical cancer in Egypt. He talks about our response to the devastating earthquake in Morocco in September, when The Rotary Foundation Trustees established the Morocco Earthquake Response Fund to support immediate relief efforts led by Rotary members on the ground. Barry thanks us for our continued support, dedication, and unwavering commitment to The Rotary Foundation and to what Rotary is all about: helping others.............

Our goals:

- To give Rotaractors a home after they graduate from a university-based Rotaract club

- To address service area gaps in Rotaract programs

- To foster and grow Rotaract in the District

- To be a central club that allows for tracking numbers and coordinating large-scale events like the Rotaract District Conference

-  To be an access point between Rotaract and Rotary Clubs

- To be an inclusive space that builds goodwill and better friendships

- To foster Rotarians of the future

- To be a fun club where young professionals and university students get to network, and develop under rotary.   

We look for your support in making this a reality. 

Additionally below is our Linktree containing our social media and Sign-up Sheet, please circulate it to your club and networks. 

https://linktr.ee/rotaract7070eclub

Please Read more to see the poster....

There are lots of tips and tools of the trade when it comes to Public Image, Membership and The Rotary Foundation when it comes to you and your Rotary or Rotaract club. This is exactly what we have in store for you.

On Tuesdays, starting on January 16, 2024 , on a monthly basis , we will be presenting learning opportinities, in one-hour zoom sessions,  for you and your club members,  to help you with many ways that you can learn more about Rotary and really help your club.

Here is how we have divided up the sessions: January 16 - Public Image; February 20 - Membership; March 12 - Rotary Foundation; April 16 - Public Image; May 21 - Membership; and June 18 - Rotary Foundation. Stay tuned for more details, these sessions are being developed as we speak. 

From your District 7070 Chairs: Dave Andrews (Public Image); Joan Barrett (Membership) and Bob Wallace (Rotary Foundation) and your District 7070 Learning Chair Iosif Ciosa.. 

During the weekend of October 14 and 15, 2023, Bob and Kathy Wallace were honoured at Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Illinois as members of the Arch Klumpf Society. Named for the founder of The Rotary Foundation, the Arch Klumph Society was established to recognize the Foundation’s highest tier of donors — those who have contributed $250,000 or more. This distinguished society includes supporters from more than 50 countries and geographical areas. Their generosity enables the Foundation to continue its mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the alleviation of poverty, the support of education, and the eradication of polio. Congratulations , Bob and Kathy. Please Read more to see some photos.....

Rotary members Create Hope In the World through their commitment to providing Basic Education and Literacy to their home communities and communities around the world.   In this issue of the BELRAG newsletter, learn how Rotarians in Panama are committed to improving learning across the country by through training teachers in effective use of technology to improve classroom teaching and learning.  Thank you to Courtney Doldron for linking us up with the Newsletter.
NOTE: BELRAG will host several webinars in the next weeks to engage Rotarians and share best practice.  .......

Mário César Martins de Camargo, a member of the Rotary Club of Santo André, Brazil, has been selected as president of Rotary International for 2025-26. He will be the fourth Brazilian to hold the office and the first since Paulo V.C. Costa in 1990-91........

The Rotary Club of Picton is presenting a Ukranian Evening (Fundraiser) on Nov 18, 2023 with  all proceeds going to Ukraine for medical supplies and relief programs for children. Tickets are $100 and available at pictonrotary.ca

To Rotarians and the whole Rotary Family in District 7070:

I am inviting you to the South Asian Autistic Awareness Centre's, Open House on WednesdayNovember 15th  at 6:30pm  to view their 2023 SEASONAL GOODNESS GIFTS COLLECTION.    Check out their website at    www.saaac.org  

Nearly a decade ago, while I was the chair of the Strengthen Rotary’s Brand Committee, we conducted in-depth research to better understand how the public viewed Rotary, our members, and our work. What we learned was that we needed to reposition the Rotary brand by focusing on clear, consistent messages and a unified visual identity. Based on the committee’s recommendation, the Board of Directors approved new brand guidelines, which included how clubs should use the Rotary logo.......

Congratulations to District Governor John Burns and his District Conference Committee for a wonderful weekend with fellow Rotarians at our Rotary District 7070 Conference in Oshawa on October 20 - 22, 2023 as 55 clubs covering Toronto, York, Durham, Northumberland and Prince Edward Co... shared their stories, hearid inspiring speakers, connected with old friends who share a passion for Rotary as we made new friends. Be sure to go to the District 7070 Website Photo Albums and see just some of the photos from a great District Confernece.....

The annual Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration hosted by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, is making some changes this year, this year it is called Canadian Twist on Beaujolais, members from Toronto Rotary Club join us in organizing the Annual Celebration.  An evening of Wine, Delicious Food, Entertainment, Exciting Raffle Prizes and Silent Auction. All funds raised will go to support the the devasting disasters in Morocco, Libya and Afganistan. All proceeds will go to Shelter Box.  

Come out and Join Us!  - November 15, 2023 - Mimoco Crusiing Club, 200 Humber Bay Park Rd W, Etobicoke, ON from 6 to 10 PM

Please regsiter today: https://rotaryetobicoke.org/event/beaujolais-nouveau-fundraising-celebration-1/

Please read more ......

Here is a letter to the Rotary District 7070 Family from President Jobson Easow:

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today with a message of hope and peace. Our club has embarked on a mission to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities by providing access to education, and we invite you to join us in this noble endeavor. The Rotary Club of Willowdale has undertaken a project to build computer labs in schools for the less fortunate children in the Tribal area of Kerala, India. However, we cannot do it alone. We need your support to make a real difference in the lives of those seeking hope and peace through education.

To raise funds for this cause we are hosting an “International Night” with dinner, Bollywood dancing and entertainment on Friday November 24th, 6.30pm at Floga Estiatorio and Event Space, 1957 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L9. Tickets are sold at $75pp and you get $45 in charity tax receipts. Your generous contribution will go directly towards the computer lab project in Kerala, India, allowing us to expand our reach and make a lasting impact on the lives of many. Every dollar counts and your support is greatly appreciated......

Please welcome  Ally Buck, the new Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada (taking over Meg’s role). She has been getting settled into her new position over the last few weeks and is looking forward to getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies last June.

 Here's is her newsletter.....

Here is a link to the recording of FOCUS ON POLIO with Brenda Cressy (Past Rotary Foundation Trustee), Barry Rassin (Current Chair of the Rotary Foundation and Past Rotary International President)  and Jennifer Jones (Past Rotary International president and current member of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation), recorded live on World Polio Day, October 24, 2023.

Here is the link to the recording: https://youtu.be/dhPHahOQ7rg?si=1mBv6T9sq35lE0hN

Please Read more to view the poster for more details.....

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

Send In Your Stories and Photos for the Next Edition:

Please send your Rotary Club stories (deadline is always 4 days prior to the end of the month) to our District  Public Image Chair, Dave Andrews at  dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com

A suggestion to the  District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Committee Chairs : Send in a story about what your committee is doing and tell our clubs how they can connect with you. 

A suggestion to 2023-24 Club Presidents: There is a place in the Newsletter for News from Clubs. What have you accomplished that you would like to announce to everyone in the District?

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH. YOU CAN CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO READ THE WHOLE STORY RIGHT HERE IN THE INDEX ....

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor John Burns' November 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Gordon McInally's November 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Barry Rassin's November 2023 Newsletter
• The November 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32

Congratulations to our Rotary Club host clubs in Region 3 (north end of Toronto) and Chair Virginia O'Reilly for another successful Rotary District 7070 Foundation Walk. Clubs from all over District 7070 came out and enjoyed a great walk, fellowship with new and old friends and raised money for the Rotary Foundation. The Walk took place on October 15, 2023, at The Milne Dam Conservation Park,  8251 McCowan Road, Markham, ON. Be sure to collect the pledges from your friends and Rotarians and make that donation TODAY..

Use these forms to help complete that donation:

Donate Directly to The Rotary Foundation (Here)

Non Rotarian Donor Form (Here)

Multiple Rotarian Donor Form (Here)

Rotarian Donor Form (Here)

Please Read more to see this year's Poster and go to the Photo albums of the District Website. Thank to to many Rotarians and a big thank you to the Rotary Club of York for a huge number of the photos......

What is your Rotary or Rotaract Club doing in November 2023 to celebrate and focus on The Rotary Foundation? As the charitable arm of Rotary, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.  To get ideas how the Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world, please Read more....... 

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Barry Rassin's November 2023 Newsletter, Barry reminds us that as we celebrate The Rotary Foundation, let’s recognize it for what it is: one of the world’s best humanitarian organizations. He wonders how many people know that Rotary supports our causes — seven of them in fact — which we call our areas of focus.  He adds that , if they want clean water, good health, and a sustainable future for our planet, they support what our Foundation does. If they envision a world where peace, full literacy, and economic opportunities for communities to support themselves exist, they also believe in Rotary’s mission. And if they want to see mothers and their babies thrive, their vision aligns with the work we do. Barry talks about our progress through the Foundation. Polio eradication is changing the world, one drop of vaccine at a time. Rotary Peace Centers are training peacebuilders to reduce violence and resolve conflict. And through Foundation global and district grants, we are improving lives in a real way. He says,"So thank you, Rotary ... on behalf of thousands of others you have helped by supporting The Rotary Foundation"..........

In his November 2023 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor John Burns, Agent 7070, talks about many successes in October: our annual District 7070 Rotary Foundation Walk, World Polio Day LIVE from the Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College, the District 7070 Conference, and the many clubs he has visited during his official visits. He reminds us all to focus our efforts in November to The Rotary Foundation which is Rotary Foundation Month..........

In President Gordon McInally's  November 2023 Message, he talks about Rotary taking steps to support peacebuilding in the Middle East and Africa region with the signing ceremony of our newest peace centre in Istanbul. The peace centers program, now in its 25th year, has prepared more than 1,700 peace fellows working in more than 140 countries to create a more peaceful world. Gordon adds that the Rotary Peace Fellows through their actions, have helped Create Hope in the World and will continue to do so. We can all advance peace by encouraging our local peacebuilders to learn more about Rotary and apply for this impactful fellowship. Rotary members can also mentor candidates for the fellowship. Or you can work with peace fellows who have already graduated. He says,"Peace must be waged persistently; it is the soil where hope takes root. But as with any journey, we take one step at a time". ...............

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32, the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" November 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, (available on November 1, 2023), together with Christine Etienne (Director Elect)  in the November 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... Please Read more...

In his November 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

For the fall of 2023-24, we are staying with our Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) programming in the virtual format.  Although we all appreciate that videoconference will never replace the personal connection that we get from meeting face-to-face, RLI is a very successful program with overwhelming response and enthusiasm from Rotarians across the District. Rotarians new to Rotary and even those with many years of service benefit from learning how we can create strong clubs with vibrant members who are engaged and committed to Service Above Self. 

Click here to register for Part 3: Session 1 on  Wed Nov 8, Session 2 on Wed Nov 15, Session 3 on Wed Nov 22

We are all invited by The Rotary Foundation to Join Brenda Cressy (Past Rotary Foundation Trustee), Barry Rassin (Current Chair of the Rotary Foundation and Past Rotary International President)  and Jennifer Jones (Past Rotary International president and cureenr member of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation), who are doing a webinar as they ask all of us to FOCUS ON POLIO in World Polio Day, October 24, 2023 starting at 6 pm. They are asking us to learn some exciting news and updates.

Here is the link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BlcrXgqjSHymTgSWOilCLQ?

Please Read more to view the poster for more details.....

Rotary's All-Member Survey Is Coming in November. This is your chance to tell Rotary International what you like, what you don't like, and what you want from your Rotary Membership. To make sure you receive the survey, update your email address at my.rotary.org/profile/me. 

The Rotary Magazine Photo Awards return in the June 2024 issue. It’s your opportunity to share your vision of the world, be it in glorious color or
classic black and white. Members of Rotary and their families may submit photos between October 1 and December 31. But don’t wait: Send us your images today. Submit your photos at rotary.org/photoawards. 

District Governors Shirley-Pat (D5040), David (D5050) and Marjolein (D5060) send greetings, hugs and positive thoughts throughout BC and Washington State. As you are aware, our members are experiencing yet another devastating fire season. Even beyond the borders of our Districts, our hearts ache for those in Northwest Territories, Eastern Washington and Hawaii who are also dealing with horrific fires causing the evacuation of entire cities and the devastating loss of their homes and structures. Many have also lost loved ones. We send our deepest condolences to them.

We would like to sincerely thank the first responders, firefighters, police, emergency services and the hundreds of volunteers who are fighting the fires. We are grateful to those who are keeping the evacuated areas safe, assisting those who are displaced from their homes. We are blessed by those who are simply doing their very best to support those who are going through a very challenging time. The strength and resilience of our communities is one of the reasons why many of us joined Rotary. ........

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As a global humanitarian organization, Rotary continually takes action to help communities in need. Because you are a Rotary leader, we want you to be among the first to know that The Rotary Foundation has established a temporary Morocco Earthquake Response Fund to support immediate assistance efforts through disaster response grants. We’ll begin fundraising efforts soon to finance the grants, which will be available specifically to areas affected by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake on 8 September that killed several thousand people, injured even more, and destroyed an estimated 50,000 homes........

Fifth Annual Concert to Feed the Need in Durham : PLEASE NOTE DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE: TO   At 2 pm on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2023, musicians from across the Durham Region will be gathering at The BILTMORE THEATRE  39 King St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1B2 to help feed their neighbours in the fifth annual Concert to Feed the Need in Durham. As in past years, the event will showcase an award-winning line-up of performers from a cross-section of genres – pop, country, R&B, gospel, folk, classical and more.

YOUR ARE INVITED. The event’s scope has grown over the years, becoming a Durham-wide Rotary event, with the Rotary clubs in the Region so far joining as co-presenters. All net proceeds from the show will go to Feed the Need in Durham – and the need has never been greater. The agency collects and distributes food and other essential items to more than 60 emergency food providers across Durham, including food banks, shelters, meal and snack programs and other social service agencies.  Save the date: Dec 10, 2032 .  TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ......  BECOME A SPONSOR.....  Please Read more....

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee will hold a Grants Management Seminar about the Rotary Foundation and its grants program. The seminar will be held at the Oshawa and District Shrine Hall, 1626 Simcoe St. N, Oshawa.

Please register TODAY: https://rotary7070.org/event/rotary-foundation-workshop/

Members of Rotary and Rotaract Clubs who attend the full program will meet the qualification requirements for both the current Rotary year and the 2024-25 year. The alternative will be completing the modules and quizzes found on the District’s website.  Clubs must also submit Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to the District for each year. 

For all of the details, please Read more.....

Does your club or district have members who’ve been especially committed to service? Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation offer various awards you can use to recognize members, nonmembers, alumni, and clubs for the impact they make. Use the new Rotary’s Service Awards guide to learn who is eligible for each award, when nominations need to be submitted, and more. Recognizing the hard work of people in your club or district can engage members and nonmembers alike, raise awareness of Rotary, and show that we value people who make a difference. Start planning now to ensure that deserving people in your area know that they’re appreciated.

Grant Responsibilities by Leader is an updated guide to help club and district leaders understand their roles in qualifying for Foundation grants and taking part in district, global, and disaster response grants. The guide provides clear lists of the tasks for a district governor, district Rotary Foundation chair, club president, or chair of a grants, stewardship, scholarship, or vocational training team subcommittee. There’s also a list of Learning Center resources for each role. Download the guide today to better understand your role in the grant process.

Please welcome  Ally Buck, the new Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada (taking over Meg’s role). She has been getting settled into her new position over the last few weeks and is looking forward to getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies last June.

In her June 2023 Newsletter, Ally provides an update on how Rotararact  and Shelterbox are working in Turkiye. Here's more of her newsletter.....

For the fall of 2023-24, we are staying with our Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) programming in the virtual format.  Although we all appreciate that videoconference will never replace the personal connection that we get from meeting face-to-face, RLI is a very successful program with overwhelming response and enthusiasm from Rotarians across the District. Rotarians new to Rotary and even those with many years of service benefit from learning how we can create strong clubs with vibrant members who are engaged and committed to Service Above Self. 

Click here to register for Part 1: Session 1 on  Wed Sept 13, Session 2 on Wed Sept 20, Session 3 on Wed Sept 27

Click here to register for Part 2: Session 1 on  Wed Oct 11, Session 2 on Wed Oct 18,  Session 3 on Wed Oct 25

Click here to register for Part 3: Session 1 on  Wed Nov 8, Session 2 on Wed Nov 15, Session 3 on Wed Nov 22

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

Send In Your Stories and Photos for the Next Edition:

Please send your Rotary Club stories (deadline is always 4 days prior to the end of the month) to our District  Public Image Chair, Dave Andrews at  dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com

A suggestion to the  District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Committee Chairs : Send in a story about what your committee is doing and tell our clubs how they can connect with you. 

A suggestion to 2023-24 Club Presidents: There is a place in the Newsletter for News from Clubs. What have you accomplished that you would like to announce to everyone in the District?

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH. YOU CAN CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO READ THE WHOLE STORY RIGHT HERE IN THE INDEX ....

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor John Burns' October 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Gordon McInally's October 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Barry Rassin's October 2023 Newsletter
• The October 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Barry Rassin's October 2023 Newsletter, Barry asks all of us to renew our commitment to our top humanitarian gold on World Polio Day. Despite these challenges, Barry notes that we are making progress. Poliovirus strains are diminishing, as is the number of affected regions where polio once prevailed. A new vaccine we have introduced reduces the incidence of the circulating vaccinederived virus type 2. He add, "We must have the tenacity to see it to the finish line". He encourages all of us to join our Polio Plus Society and promote Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio form the world. ..........

Economic and Community Development is one of the Seven Areas of Focus that Rotary has asked all clubs to focus on, especially in October.

What is your club doing? If you are looking for ideas , or wish Chair Khalid Hasan to speak to your club, please contact our very own District 7070 Areas of Focus Action Committee: Community Economic Development.   Chair - Khalid Hasan, Rotary Club of North York Email: khalid.hasan@resint.ca Phone: (647) 537-2444

 Please Read more for some ideas.......

In his October 2023 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor John Burns, Agent 7070, talks about his club vists in September and the Learn To Lead Zone 28 & 32 Conference in Toronto with members of his District Team. As he gets ready for more club visits in October, he urges us to register TODAY for the Rotary Foundation Walk in October 15 , and the In-Person Live World Polio Day Event at Durham College on Oct 19 and has asked everyone to make a donation, no matter the size,  to the Polio Plus Fund. He invites everyone to join him at Toronto City Hall on Oct 20 for the World Polio Day Flag raising and hopes to see everyone at the District Conference Oct 20-22.............

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32, the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" October 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, (available on October 1, 2023), in the October 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... Please Read more...

In President Gordon McInally's  October 2023 Message, he reminds us that October 10 is World mental Health Day and encourages each Rotary Club to help. He cites two projects and asks us to go to Rotary Showcase for even more examples. On October 10 President Gordon will be hosting a Facebook Live event when Rotary will recognize World Mental Health Day and further explore how Rotary members can begin this journey.He suggests that right now, there is someone you know in the Rotary world who could use a little more of your time and attention. Rotary is this great gift of global friendship and that also means being there for each other.  ...............

In his October 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

On Saturday September 9, 2023 at the Uxbridge Community Centre, volunteers from Global medic and memebrs from the Rotary Clubs of Uxbridge, Newmarket, Pickering and Whitby-Sunrise packed food (4,000 pounds of red and green lentils) that is being delivered to Feed The Need in Durham. Thank you to everyone.

Read more and see some of the photos...

Welcome to the annual Rotary District 7070 Foundation Walk. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy a great walk, fellowship with new and old friends and to raise money for the Rotary Foundation. The Walk will happen rain or shine. On October 15, 2023 from 10AM to 2 PM at The Milne Dam Conservation Park,  8251 McCowan Road, Markham, ON. A lunch will be served. Please register today and start collecting pledges from your friends  and Rotarians.

Use these forms to help make that donation:

Donate Directly to The Rotary Foundation (Here)

Non Rotarian Donor Form (Here)

Multiple Rotarian Donor Form (Here)

Rotarian Donor Form (Here)

Please Read more to see this year's Poster.....

Looking For A Place to Find Speakers?   Got a good Speaker you have recently heard?  Well, you've come to the right place!

We want this to be a great resource for speakers for your club. The speakers listed have been all recommended by clubs in our District. The list will be updated often, so you may want to "bookmark" this page! Speakers are listed by category as shown on the District 7070 website "Speakers Corner" page under the Our Work Tab.  

Just follow the instructions on the Speakers Corner Page and then contact Rotary District 7070 Public Image Chair Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com. with the speakers (and their info on this form) that you wish to add to Speaker's Corner for all of the clubs to enjoy.

OUR GOAL: We would like to see each club in our District recommend at least one speaker that other clubs would just love to hear. Please use the form and send it to Dave TODAY. Let's really build a significant Speaker's Corner.

Note: The Speakers Corner Page is only accessible by Rotarians and Rotaractors with a clubrunner ID and password and not available to the general public . (to respect the privacy to the speakers who have volunteered to speak to other Clubs) 

Back by popular demand for 2023-24 is the Rotary District 7070 End Polio Now Flag Photo Contest. We want all District 7070 Rotary and Rotaract Clubs to send a maximum of 5 fun, interesting and unique photos from their respective clubs of End Polio Now flag in their community. Randy Nickerson (third place winner of the Rotary International Photo Contest in 2020-21) will judge the best photo. The winning club will receive a $100 donation to The Rotary Foundation Polio Fund in the club’s name. The winning club will receive a plaque as winners of the 2023 End Polio Now Photo Contest. The cheque and the plaque will be presenetd by District Governor John Burns on October 19 LIVE during the Rotary District 7070 World Polio Day LIVE from the Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario. Deadline for photo submission is Tuesday Oct 17 at 3 pm to Randy Nickerson at randy@streetphotos.ca

The Rotary Club of Woodbridge invites you to the Humber River Festival and their Frog Race fundraiser. Join the Rotary Club of Woodbridge on September 17 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for a fun-filled day showcasing arts, crafts and food vendors, at the Woodbridge Memorial Arena. You can purchase a frog for the race fundraiser too. Net proceeds will be supporting the Woman and Child Program at the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. Tickets cost $5 and there are 3 prizes allocated to the first three frogs that will the race. The ticket can be purchase thru Eventbrite 

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/humber-river-festival-tickets-703329335977?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete .

The will be 1000 tickets / 1000 frogs sold for the race in the Humber River /$1000 total prizes. There will be a lot of children activities, food vendors and our annual Frog Race. Location: 5020 Hwy 7 Pool and Memorial Arena in Woodbridge and Nort Johnson Park. Please Read more.....

The Rotary Club of Ajax is joining Rotary Clubs in Canada, the US, and Mexico in a project that will promote the monarch butterfly and raise funds to help protect the wintering grounds of the monarch in Mexico.  YOU are invited to join Rotarians in District 7070 for lunch to be held at noon on Sept. 21, 2023 in the Rotary Room of the Ajax Public Library, 55 Harwood Avenue South,Ajax, Ontario. The program will include a short presentation on the monarch butterfly and the importance of protecting and restoring its habitat, and Rotary’s efforts to that end.

The lunch will cost $20, and we will need to advise the caterer as to numbers, so please let us know by the end of the day on Monday, Sept. 18 if you plan to attend. Please email Stephan Barg if you are planning to be there:  srbarg@hotmail.ca  Please Read more for some of the details.....

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee will hold a Grants Management Seminar about the Rotary Foundation and its grants program. The seminar will be held at the Oshawa and District Shrine Hall, 1626 Simcoe St. N, Oshawa.

Please register TODAY: https://rotary7070.org/event/rotary-foundation-workshop/

Members of Rotary and Rotaract Clubs who attend the full program will meet the qualification requirements for both the current Rotary year and the 2024-25 year. The alternative will be completing the modules and quizzes found on the District’s website.  Clubs must also submit Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to the District for each year......

Follow the latest news on Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio, every week. Here is a link to the latest cases - updated every week. See the country-specific section and more details, right here at http://polioeradication.org/polio-today/polio-now/this-week/.   For the headlines. please Read more.....

In his September 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

For the fall of 2023-24, we are staying with our Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) programming in the virtual format.  Although we all appreciate that videoconference will never replace the personal connection that we get from meeting face-to-face, RLI is a very successful program with overwhelming response and enthusiasm from Rotarians across the District. Rotarians new to Rotary and even those with many years of service benefit from learning how we can create strong clubs with vibrant members who are engaged and committed to Service Above Self. 

Click here to register for Part 1: Session 1 on  Wed Sept 13, Session 2 on Wed Sept 20, Session 3 on Wed Sept 27

Click here to register for Part 2: Session 1 on  Wed Oct 11, Session 2 on Wed Oct 18,  Session 3 on Wed Oct 25

Click here to register for Part 3: Session 1 on  Wed Nov 8, Session 2 on Wed Nov 15, Session 3 on Wed Nov 22

During September each year, BELRAG (the basic Education & Literacy Rotary Action Group) offers global education awards to Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and the program is managed by District 7070's Joan Littleford (Rotary Cub of Whitby, and Secretary of BELRAG).  BELRAG is  always looking for clubs who have successfully managed a fairly simple but effective project or a complex project that has education as its main focus.  BELRAG offers three $500 US awards to Rotary Clubs and one $500 award to a Rotaract Club and the project is highlighted in the BELRAG newsletter. Please read more to see how the contest works.....

Please welcome  Ally Buck, the new Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada (taking over Meg’s role). She has been getting settled into her new position over the last few weeks and is looking forward to getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies last June.

In her June 2023 Newsletter, Ally provides an update on how Rotararact  and Shelterbox are working in Turkiye. Here's more of her newsletter.....

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

Send In Your Stories and Photos for the Next Edition:

Please send your Rotary Club stories (deadline is always 4 days prior to the end of the month) to our District  Public Image Chair, Dave Andrews at  dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com

A suggestion to the  District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Committee Chairs : Send in a story about what your committee is doing and tell our clubs how they can connect with you. 

A suggestion to 2023-24 Club Presidents: There is a place in the Newsletter for News from Clubs. What have you accomplished that you would announce to everyone in the District? (Please note that we would love to see your "accomplishments", not "fundraisers" and not "cheque presentations"). 

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH. YOU CAN CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO READ THE WHOLE STORY....

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor John Burns' September 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Gordon McInally's September 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Barry Rassin's September 2023 Newsletter
• The September 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32, the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" September 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, (available on September 1, 2023), in the September 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... Please Read more...

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Barry Rassin's September 2023 Newsletter, Barry asks all of us to create our Rotary moment, when we realize that being part of Rotary means more than just showing up for a meeting, when we discover taht we are part of something that changes the lives of others as it changes ours. Barry syas that the beauty of Rotary, especially with The Rotary Foundation, is that we can create these Rotary moments anytime. He asks us to reach out to others in Rotary and discuss our work. Barry says, "If you haven’t discovered your Rotary moment yet, keep searching. Serving Rotary through our Foundation is a great place to find it, and it will change your life"..........

In President Gordon McInally's  September 2023 Message, he reminds us that Sept 21 is the International Day of Peace and urges us to aggressively wage peace through our projects. He says that any work toward building peace needs to be brave and bold and gives us examples from Pakistan Rotarians. He asks us to try virtual international exchanges that build on our current programs and make them more accessible and that these online chats have the potential to inspire new connections and more respect between societies...............

In his September 2023 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor John Burns, Agent 7070,  urges us to tune in and register for the World Suicide Prevention Day broadcast on Sept 9; to develop or join a project focusing on basic education and literacy during September;  to enter our goals in Rotsray Club Central for our donations to polio as we get nearer to World Polio Day; to register today for the Nov 18 Rotary Foundation Grants Seminar ;  to make a donation to help those affected by the forest fires in western Canada through District 5040; and to register for the October 20-22 District 7070 Conference............

Mário César Martins de Camargo, a member of the Rotary Club of Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil, is the selection of Nominating Committee for President to become Rotary International’s president for 2025-26. He will officially become the nominee on 15 September if no other candidates challenge him......

August is Membership and New Club Development Month, when Rotary Clubs, around the world focus on membership in Rotary. Does your club have a plan? Are you executing your own plan to invite your friends and business associates to join your Rotary Club and keep them engaged?  It’s time. Time to celebrate your Rotary club, your members, and the good you do in your community and around the world. Tell everyone and ask them to join.

There are many ways to join in the celebration, but here are a few activities to get you started:

• Say it loud, say it proud! Let everyone in your social network know that you are a proud member by changing your Twitter and Facebook profile to the I’m a Proud Member,  I’m a Proud Rotaractor, or I am a Proud Interactor graphic. Copy and save the graphic as your profile picture for August.

• Exchange ideas. Do you have successful membership strategies that have worked well in your community? Share them on the Membership Best Practices Discussion Group.

• We Are Rotary. Using the hashtag #WeAreRotary, post photos to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Vine of your club members at work in your community or abroad to show how Rotary makes a positive impact in the world.

• Making a difference. Rotary clubs are known for the high-impact service projects they undertake locally and globally. Share stories about your service projects and how they improve lives on Rotary Showcase. Be sure to follow us on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram to see what Rotary members around the world are doing to celebrate Membership Month.

• What does Rotary mean to you? Rotary members have pushed polio to the brink of eradication, delivered clean water to those in need, improved their local communities, provided scholarships to the next generation of peacemakers, and continued to do good in the world......

Congratulations to many years of trememndous service to the community by the EarlyAct Club of Murray Centennial Public School in Qunite West and congratulations to the Rotary Club of Trenton for their outstanding sponsorship. EarlyAct is a school based service club for students from ages 5 to 13. It is sponsored by a local Rotary Club in the area in which the school is located.  The mission and operation of EarlyAct are closely linked to the ideals of Rotary and provide the foundation and natural succession into Interact. EarlyAct provides young students the opportunity for gaining an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world.  At a young age, all students can easily be encouraged to be caring and helpful.  Their minds are open to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual which builds respect for others. 
EarlyAct also engages students in character-building activities and prepares them for leadership roles to identify and carry out projects which benefit their school, local and global communities.

Here is a story by Jeremy Taft, President of the Rotary Club of Trenton that highlights the tremendous efforts of the EarlyAct Club........ 

Your Rotary District 7070 Diversity Equity & Inclusion  (DEI) Committee is welcoming members. If you would like to join a committee that is actively working to celebrate the rich diversity we have in our district and strive to create more inclusive clubs, please get in touch with Shauna Moore - shaunanmoore@gmail.com

From Victoria Ruger, Club and District Management Product Manager and Chonticha Yurai, Grants and Service Product Manager

You all know the benefits of using Rotary Club Central, which is designed to be the place where you set our goals and track your progress.

Rotary Showcase, however, is the best place for you to plan your service projects, share the outcomes, and show the impact in ways that can attract more partners or inspire other clubs.In the coming months, both online tools will be updated. This includes phasing out the Service Activities section in Rotary Club Central — a change that will simplify how you track projects and allow you to focus your efforts in one place.......

To District 7070 Committees:       From: Committee Chair: Iosif Ciosa

Training/Learning 2023/2024 Description Form

Here is the Training/Learning Description Form that we would like you to fill out and sent to Iosif Ciosa when you create the training  / learning event that we will put on the District Website.

You may attach pictures, flyers, artwork or graphics (please make sure that pictures or graphics are not copywritten and are royalty free).

Please Read more to see the form.....

Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help.  Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto   If you have a good news story, or want to help starting a project, please contact Bill. Here are some news highlights .........

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

In his August 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

Please welcome  Ally Buck, the new Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada (taking over Meg’s role). She has been getting settled into her new position over the last few weeks and is looking forward to getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies last June.

In her June 2023 Newsletter, Ally provides an update on how Rotararact  and Shelterbox are working in Turkiye. Here's more of her newsletter.....

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32 the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" August 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, (available on August 1, 2023), in the August 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... Please Read more...

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

Send In Your Stories and Photos for the Next Edition:

Please send your Rotary Club stories (deadline is always 4 days prior to the end of the month) to our District  Public Image Chair, Dave Andrews at  dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com

A suggestion to the  District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Committee Chairs : Send in a story about what your committee is doing and tell our clubs how they can connect with you. 

A suggestion to 2023-24 Club Presidents: There is a place in the Newsletter for News from Clubs. What have you accomplished that you would announce to everyone in the District? (Please note that we would love to see your "accomplishments", not "fundraisers" and not "cheque presentations"). 

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH. YOU CAN CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO READ THE WHOLE STORY....

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor John Burns' August 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Gordon McInally's August 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Barry Rassin's August 2023 Newsletter
• The August 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Barry Rassin's August 2023 Newsletter, Barry asks all of us the think big about the Rotary Foundation. He says that to reach our goals and make the impact we know we can make, we must think outside the box and embrace innovation. We must make bold plans to expand our reach today, tomorrow, and in the future. He asks us to take part in a Rotary District or Global grant,  to explore Rotary Showcaae, to think about polio fundraising and planning for World Polio Day , to explore Programs of Scale , and to leave a legacy through the Endowment Program  ......

In President Gordon McInally's  August 2023 Message, he reminds us that at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, he asked all Rotary members to become champions in our effort to illuminate mental health needs near and far. This includes helping one another feel more supported, advocating for mental health services, and building bridges with experts in the field to expand access to treatment. He adds that it is an important task and a big ask. But it’s also something that should feel familiar to every Rotary member — because everything we do is in the spirit of caring, giving, friendship, and compassion, and has been from the beginning of our organization. He says that what makes Rotary powerful isn’t just what we do for the communities we serve. We also support and empower each other, by creating a safe space for our members to bring their whole, authentic selves. We show each other comfort and care. He encourages all of us to work together to erase the stigma associated with emotional well-being, raise awareness of mental health needs, and improve access to preventive and interventional mental health services..........

In his August 2023 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor John Burns urges all of us to find ways for focus attracting and keeping memebrs in our club since August is Membership Month. He asks us to consider becoming a member of the District 7070 DEI Committee and John asks us to enter our club goals into Rotary Club Central as soon as possible. He announced that Past District Governor Iosif Ciosa is chair of the District Training / Learning Committee and he is planning many training activies for all of us in 2023-24. John reminds us all to register TODAY for the Rotary District Conference  (Oct 20, 21 and 22). John is also busy with all of his club visits and has added some photos of recent ones ............

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Barry Rassin's July 2023 Newsletter, Barry says that in the last five years, The Rotary Foundation has helped 100 million beneficiaries, but the need is great.This year, the Rotary Foundation Trustees have set an ambitious goal for giving of $500 million in grants. To make this happen, he says that we need all of us — each and every Rotarian and Rotaractor.Barry says that we can all give something. That’s why he is asking each of us to set a goal to give what we can to The Rotary Foundation this year. He says that we are part of an audacious organization, one that dreams big and makes our dreams a reality. He is urging us to think bigger and differently this year, so we can meet our goal for those whose lives we will soon touch. ......

Positions are open on several committees that assist Rotary and The Rotary Foundation in putting our strategic priorities into practice. Apply to be considered for a committee or to recommend someone for appointment by August 15.

Here is even mor information: https://my.rotary.org/en/apply-serve-2024-25-rotary-committee?fbclid=IwAR1Uh4rRj3BRRwPv6S-0q-7r5eNXKHyMjkX68_A6t3-XpCVz16RUoYf4-7Q

The Rotary Foundation is now accepting concept notes for the 2023-24 Programs of Scale grant competition. Learn how to apply for the $2 million award

The Rotary Foundation so far has awarded more than 375 disaster response grants, totaling more than US$17.3 million, to help those affected by the war in Ukraine. Your generous donations have made it possible to provide refugees with food, water, and clothes. Grants have kept electricity flowing to hospitals, allowed wounded civilians to receive care, and found shelters for displaced families. But the need is still great. More than 45 grant requests are on hold waiting for additional funds to become available through the Ukraine Response Fund. Please consider making a donation today and read how Rotary members have been weaving a global web of giving in Ukraine since the war began.

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

Members of the Rotary family (and their friends and family!) marched in a spirit of celebration and inclusion in the Pride Toronto Parade on Sunday, June 25, 2023!  Fabulous t-shirts were worn by both marchers and observers.  Lots of photos on our Rotary  District 7070 Facebook Page. Thank you to Mark Wafer, Ron and Karen Dick , and Joe Solway from Bowmanville Rotary Club and others for the fantastic photos. Thank you to Mary Lou Harrison, 2018-19 District Governor & Member of the Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise for organizing another Rotary March in the Toronto Pride Parade seen by as many as 2.4 million people

Please Read more .......

Please welcome  Ally Buck, the new Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada (taking over Meg’s role). She has been getting settled into her new position over the last few weeks and is looking forward to getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies last June.

In her June 2023 Newsletter, Ally provides an update on how Rotararact  and Shelterbox are working in Turkiye. Here's more of her newsletter.....

Here are Rotary International President Gordon McInally's "Presidential Initiatives for 2023-24:

To Rotarians in District 7070:

It's TIME TO GET YOUR CLUB NOTICED. Prospective members are checking YOU out - What will they see? Don't be left behind.  REGISTER TODAY. To assist the Rotary Clubs of District 7070 GET NOTICED, at the request of District Governor John Burns, the District Public Relations Committee is continuing the Rotary Club ClubRunner Website Refresh Program and Promotional Half Back Discount. THIS PROGRAM IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CLUB in 2023-24. Thirty-two of our District 7070 Rotary clubs have already completed the refresh program. We just added one this month. These club websites are getting noticed by the public and by their potential members who are checking them out. When a prospective member looks to join a club, they look at YOUR club website. GET YOUR CLUB WEBSITE REFRESHED - REGISTER TODAY.  Please Read more.......

About The Course:   Social media offers a powerful way to promote Rotary and your club to people who are already involved, as well as to partner organizations, possible donors, and prospective members. Learn the basics of using various social media platforms and how to create posts that will connect with people.

https://my.rotary.org/learn?deep-link=https%3A//learn.rotary.org/members/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/1892/promoting-rotary-on-social-media

Other courses you can take: Building Rotary's Public Image; The Rotary brand; Promoting Your Club as People of Action; Our Logo: Representing Rotary; Public Relations and Your Club

The Rotary Citation awards recognize the hard work clubs do throughout the year. Taking action toward achieving the citation goals helps clubs engage their members, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. A welcoming and engaging club also reflects the values of Rotary. When clubs achieve citation goals, they contribute to the overall health and culture of Rotary for generations to come. Your Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact club can earn a Rotary Citation for achieving goals that strengthen Rotary and your club. Goals include increasing club membership, developing sustainable service projects, giving to The Rotary Foundation, and building awareness of Rotary in your community. 

Here's how.......

In the Summer of 2020, we asked Rob MacArthur, our District 7070 Public Image Public Investigator to carry out an investigation on all 55 Rotary clubs with respect to their club's Public Image.  Rob looked at your club's basic web site setup as well as social media channels and the way they were being used. A spreadsheet of the results was made available for our District Leadership Team and Assistant Governors to look at in the Fall of 2020. The Pie Chart included shows a graphical representation of the results.  Where do you "think" your club fits in this chart? What is the Image that the public have, about your club? Here is what Rob found out... Please Read more....

WASH-RAG presents a four-part series to equip WASH-RAG Ambassadors and interested Rotarians with tools to develop and implement WASH in Healthcare Facility (HCF) programs: Webinar #4:  JULY 11, 2023 Sharing Lessons Learned/Case Studies/Resources . To register for # 4 and to get recordings of the first 3 webinars in this series, , see: https://wash-rag.org/page/wash-in-healthcare-facilities

District Gover Iosif Ciosa noted that this year,  Dr. Bob Scott turned 90 years old.... a highlight of our Rotary year in District 7070.  Together with Past District Governor Bob Bob Wallace, the Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Comittee, announced that in honour of Dr. Bob's 90th birthday, District 7070 is making a donation to the End PolioFund of TheRotary Foundation in the amout of $10,000.00 .

Dr Bob Scott thanked everyone and said that he should turn 90 more often. 

Past District Governor Ron Dick presented the 2021-22 Rotary Foundation Banners to Rotary Clubs in District 7070 who have made outstanding donations to the Rotary Foundation in the 2020-21 Rotary year..

District Governor Iosif Ciosa and Past District Governor Bob Scott presented the Dr. Bob Scott Diease Prevention and Treatment Award to Dr. Ruth Mathieson (Rotary Club of Belleville). For many years Dr, Ruth travelled to Matangwe in Kenya. Matangwe is an area in Northwest Kenya that consists of 17 villages scattered over a 10 kilometer radius, which serves 20,000 people directly, plus 4 islands in Lake Victoria with a population of 10,000, indirectly. For the past few years advancing age has prevented Ruth from travelling to Matangwe but she has continued to provide support and is currently pulling together a district grant go upgrade the maternity facility. The award was accepted by Assistant Governor Brenda Hellyer.

District Governor Iosif Ciosa and the District Governor Team hosted the annual District Govern Changeover Ceremony and Awards Presentations for more than 130 Rotarians and Rotaractors and their spouses from all over District 7070, on June 23, 2023 at the Whitby Marina.  Past District Governor Ron Dick, District Governor Iosif Ciosa, District Governor Elect John Burns, District Governor Nominee Virginia O'Reilly and District Governor Nominee Designate Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas recognized many Rotarians, Interactors and Rotaractors and their clubs for their outstanding contributions to Rotary during this year.......

During the awards presentation, District Governor Iosif Ciosa announced the latest addition to the Arch Klumph Society, from right here in District 7070...... Past District Governor Bob and Kathy Wallace. 

The Arch Klumph Society Member is Named after the sixth president of Rotary, the Arch Klumph Society recognizes The Rotary Foundation's highest tier of donors — those who have contributed $250,000 USD or more during their lifetime...... 

Past District Governor Iosif Ciosa and the District Governor Team hosted the annual District Govern Changeover Ceremony and Awards Presentations for more than 130 Rotarians and Rotaractors and their spouses from all over District 7070, on June 23, 2023 at the Whitby Marina. District Governor Nominee Dseignate Niecy Dillan-Tyrovolas recognized many Rotaractors and Interactors and their clubs for their outstanding contributions to Rotary during this year.......

Our District 7070 Public Image Committee is calling for YOU  (Rotaractors and Rotarians in the District)  to join our District Public Image Committee.  Our scope is to boost Rotary's Public Image and to assist Rotary Clubs in D7070 to do the same.

We are looking for YOU, Rotaractors and Rotarians who have experience in the field of Public Relations, Social Media platforms, and news writing. We want you to use those very special talents to assist clubs and our Committee . Are you that Rotarian?  Are you that Rotaractor? Are you interested ? Please contact Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com and we can set up a time to chat about your interests.

Be sure to see the Public Image menu tab on our District Website and check out our District Facebook Page , Twitter account and Instagram account and the District Newsletters too, for some idea of what we do. 

John Burns has been involved in Rotary since 2007, volunteering in Rotary Club of Bowmanville Club projects as often as his working life permitted.  Once he retired in 2014, John was able to dedicate more time and a greater commitment to Rotary and became a member. John has held many positions in the Rotary Club: Chair of New Member Committee ; Director of International Service; Vice President; President Elect; President in 2018-19 ; Assistant Governor in 2019-2020 for the Rotary Clubs of  Bowmanville – Oshawa – Oshawa Parkwood and Assistant Governor in 2020-21 for the Rotary Clubs of  Courtice - Oshawa – Oshawa Parkwood. ...

Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help.  Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto   If you have a good news story, please send it to Bill. Here are some highlights .........

In his July 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

Here are some photos of our District Governor. I am sure they will bring back some pleasant memories of a job well done. Thank you District Governor Iosif Ciosa. Be sure to see the photo album of the District Governor Changeover and Awards Ceremony, on the District website for many more photo (coming soon) .....

Did you know that My Rotary can connect you with the Rotary world and help you serve your club and community? Over the next several months, we’ll update the site’s design, make it easier to navigate, and enhance the search function so you can quickly find information, a club, or a member. Take advantage of this benefit by registering for or signing in to your My Rotary account now.

Strong leaders inspire others, provide direction, and build trust. Find out why Haresh Ramchandani, a member of Rotary International’s Membership Growth Committee, thinks that leadership is our most important value, and read his list of 12 essential elements for developing good leaders.

The major finding of the 2022 all-member survey is that club experience is the most important factor in member satisfaction. Find out what else the survey revealed, and read about ways to improve your club experience. 

Each month, thousands of people express their interest in joining Rotary by going to rotary.org/join. When you follow up with these potential members, you show that you value their interest in Rotary.

District and club leaders, remember — your future members are eager to connect with you. Visit the Manage Membership Leads page for your club or district regularly to manage your list of candidates and help move them toward membership. You can add additional candidates directly to the list to keep track of all your prospects in one place. 

Find best practices and detailed instructions in the club guide or district guide to managing membership leads.

 It is not too late to watch our special coverage of the Rotary’s People of Action: Champions of Inclusion gala. Now available on demand through 30 September, this celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion helps us imagine what’s possible when people of action come together to amplify the power of marginalized populations locally and globally. Learn more at rotary.org/inclusion.

Michael McGovern, chair of the International PolioPlus Committee, gave an interview with UNICEF on Rotary’s work in polio eradication and why he believes, “There’s real hope for getting this done.. Here is the link. 

"The State of the World’s Children 2023," a report released by UNICEF in April, highlights the immense impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on childhood immunization. Between 2019 and 2021, the world lost more than 10 years of progress on routine immunizations. One in five children worldwide is now unvaccinated or undervaccinated. Here is the link to the story. 

In March 2023, RI President Jennifer Jones spoke at an End Polio Now event at the House of Commons in London, England. She reminded Rotarians of their promise to the children of the world and encouraged members to resist polio fatigue, especially in this critical year for polio eradication. Here is the link.

United to End Cervical Cancer in Egypt, an initiative to reduce the number of cases while raising awareness and improving women’s access to preventive care, is the recipient of Rotary’s third annual Programs of Scale award. Rotary International President Jennifer Jones announced the grant at the annual convention in Melbourne, Australia. The four-year program in and around Cairo will vaccinate more than 30,000 girls ages 9-15, provide cancer screenings for 10,000 women, and launch a public awareness campaign to reach 4 million people. Learn more about the latest Programs of Scale recipient.

Learn about what Rotary accomplished this past year in General Secretary John Hewko’s 2022- 23 Report to Convention.

Dear Fellow Rotarians in District 7070,

Rotarians in District 7070 have been committed over the past nearly 40 years to raising funds to immunize children worldwide and our efforts are paying off.  You should be proud of the difference that Rotary has made in the lives of millions of children by eliminating this dreadful disease.

Dear fellow Rotarians in District 7070,

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor John Burns' July 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Gordon McInally's July 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Barry Rassin's July 2023 Newsletter
• The July 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32

• Let's Meet Rotary International President Gordon McInally
• Rotary International President Gordon McInally's Theme for the 2023-24 Rotary Year
• 2023-24 Presidential Initiatives
• Let's Meet Rotary District 7070 Governor John Burns of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville
• Rotary District 7070 At The Toronto Pride Parade - June 25, 2023 - Another Success - See the photos
• Watch Rotary's People of Action - Champions of Inclusion
• A Better "My Rotary"
• General Secretary's Report to the Rotary International Convention
• Apply to Serve on a 2024-25 Rotary International Committee

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32 the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" July 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, available on July 1, 2023 in the July 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website or on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ...... OR see it right here .... Please Read more...

In President Gordon McInally's  July 2023 Message, he syas that Rotary takes care of its members and those we serve, works to build lasting peace, and embeds belonging and inclusion in everything we do. That is why he is asking everyone in Rotary to Create Hope in the World as we prioritize projects to support mental health, continue our journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion and as we build peace within, we become more capable of bringing peace to the world..........

In his July 2023 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor John Burns talks about Rotary International President Gordon McInally's wish to continue building this year, on what we have already accomplished: integrating Rotaact into the Rotary; empowering girls and women; advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and providing every resource to end Polio; and to also take steps to eliminate the stigma associated with Mental Illness as we work on Gordon's theme to 'Create Hope in the World" ......

Past District Governor Iosif Ciosa and the District Governor Team hosted the annual District Govern Changeover Ceremony and Awards Presentations for more than 130 Rotarians and Rotaractors and their spouses from all over District 7070, on June 23, 2023 at the Whitby Marina, as Past District Governor Iosif recognized many clubs, Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors for their outstanding contributions to Rotary during this year.......

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor Iosif Ciosa's June 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Jennifer Jones' June 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Ian Riseley's June 2023 Newsletter
• The June 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32

• June is Rotary Fellowships Month
• Past District Governor Mary Lou Harrison Featured in June 2023's Rotary Magazine
• You Are Invited to March with Rotary on June 25 - Rotary Is In The Toronto Pride Parade - Register Here
• Toronto Tibetan Rotary Club Charter Night - May 12, 2023 - Outstanding Event
• Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) - May 11 - 14, 2023 - An Outstanding Success
• Membership and Marketing Apprenticeship Program - Next Session on June 22 - Open to Everyone - You Can Still Register TODAY

In his June 2023 Newsletter, District Governor Iosif Ciosa talks about fellowship in Rotary and Rotary Fellowships in particular. He thanked Rotarians for being at the Charter Night of the Toronto Tibetan Rotary Club and encourages us to come to the June 23 Awards & District GivernorChangeover Night at the Whitby Marina ......

Please welcome  Ally Buck, the new Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada (taking over Meg’s role). She has been getting settled into her new position over the last few weeks and is looking forward to getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies last June.

In her June 2023 Newsletter, Ally provides an update on how Rotararact  and Shelterbox are working in Turkiye. Here's more of her newsletter.....

The 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) took place, May 11-14, 2022 at the Ganaraska Forest Centre!  The 3-night experience , geared toward youth between the ages of 17-23 offerred an inspiring program including: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Reconciliation and Land Based Education, Hands-on Activities, Group Dynamics, Public Speaking, Outdoor Survival and GPS Geocache adventures along with campfires, friendship and tons of fun and learning!!!    Please Read more.....  

Congratulations to Charter President Deki Shukla and all of the members of the newly chartered Toronto Tibetan Rotary Club. 

The Charter Night , held on May 12, 2023, at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Center, in Etobicoke was an outstanding success
Many District 7070 members form about 25 clubs were in attendance to not only sample some Tibetan dishes but also enjoy the entertainment they have arranged. Take a look at the new photo album on the District website. Thanks to Assistant Governor Korshed for many of the photos .  There is more.....you can still support the new Toronto Tibetan Rotary Club.....

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Ian Riseley's June 2023 Newsletter, Ian looks back on the accomplishments if the Rotary Foundation this year - the $2.6 billion pledge towards polio eradication, and he urges all clubs to keep raising awareness and funds; the repsonse to the earthquake in Syria and Turkey; the doantion for the creation of another Rotary Peace Centre;the clubs involvement in the grants program; and our giving to the Rotary Foundation. But we cannot rest. He adds, "Changing the world is indeed in no one else’s hands but our own, and helping those in need is what defines and will continue to define Rotary and its Foundation in the years ahead. I wish incoming Trustee Chair Barry Rassin, the Trustees, and our staff continued success in making a difference through The Rotary Foundation".........

Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help.  Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto   If you have a good news story, please send it to Bill. Here are some highlights .........

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32 the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" June 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, available on June 1, 2023 in the June 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website or on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ...... OR see it right here .... Please Read more...

Congratulations to Charter President Deki Shukla and all of the members of the newly chartered Toronto Tibetan Rotary Club. 

The Charter Night , held on May 12, 2023, at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Center, in Etobicoke was an outstanding success
Many District 7070 members form about 25 clubs were in attendance to not only sample some Tibetan dishes but also enjoy the entertainment they have arranged. Watch for a photo album on the District website coming soon.  There is more.....

In President Jennifer Jones'  June 2023 Message, she thanks all of us for the moments they have shared and for our efforst to Imagine Rotary. She says that we looked past what we are today and reached for what we could be tomorrow. "We imagine a Rotary that will continue to tell our stories in impactful ways, work to reduce our carbon footprint, and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that lift every voice in our organization and beyond" ....... "we look forward to continuing these efforts as we Create Hope in the World. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with each of you." .........

The Rotary Citation awards recognize the hard work clubs do throughout the year. Taking action toward achieving the citation goals helps clubs engage their members, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. A welcoming and engaging club also reflects the values of Rotary. When clubs achieve citation goals, they contribute to the overall health and culture of Rotary for generations to come. Your Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact club can earn a Rotary Citation for achieving goals that strengthen Rotary and your club. Goals include increasing club membership, developing sustainable service projects, giving to The Rotary Foundation, and building awareness of Rotary in your community. 

Here's how.......

Rotary Club of G.O.A.L.S. is hosting its first annual Rotary Softball Tournament fundraiser to raise funds for Global Medic's work in Ukraine and local projects on Saturday, July 29, in Whitby.  Rotarians, their family, and friends are encouraged to participate in this day of fun, fellowship, and exercise all to raise funds and awareness for a great cause!  It's an inclusive experience where rules are geared for participation and fun - no previous playing experience needed!  Teams and individual registrations are both welcome!

Please email Rotary Club of G.O.A.L.S. at RotaryClubOfGoals@gmail.com or call/text at 905 626 8742 to make inquiries!

May 31, 2023 was the deadline for Clubs to apply for a District Grant for the 2023-24 Rotary year.  The application must be made on the application form found on the District’s website, www.rotary7070.org

One requirement for Clubs that want to apply for a District or Global Grant is that they must be qualified.  The qualification is valid for one year; a rule set by The Rotary Foundation.  The process is quite simple.  To become qualified, Clubs must

• have at least two of its members take the online training and/or attend a District-run grant seminars such as the one held on November 19, 2022, and

• submit an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to the District, signed by the Club President and President-Elect.

We hope you had the opportuinty to access to the two training modules incl. related quizzes, the MOU form and the District Grant Project Application form can be found by using the following link

https://www.rotary7070.org/sitepage/rotary-foundation-grants-information

For more information and questions, please contact District Foundation Grant Sub-Committee Chair PDG Lars Henriksson, pdglars.henriksson@gmail.com

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

In his June 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

Rotary International's five-part webinar series, designed to support you as you cultivate effective and sustainable projects, is now available on demand. Watch any of the five sessions for tools and strategies to help you plan, implement, and evaluate your projects.

Over 13,000 Rotarians attended the convention from May 28-31, 2023.

Speeches and reports

• RI President Jennifer Jones (PDF, watch, download)

• RI General Secretary and CEO John Hewko (PDF, watch, download)

• Rotary Foundation Chair Ian H.S. Riseley (PDF, watch, download)

• RI Treasurer's Report (PDF)

• RI General Secretary Report

Take a look at some of the photos in the photo ablum on the District Website.  Thank you to many who took some great photos. Thank you Sonya Chouljian for many of the District 7070 contingent at the convention.... 

All of your friends in Rotary District 7070 say HAPPY 80th  ANNIVERSARY to the Rotary Club of Picton

Dear Rotary Friends: Greetings from Rotary Club of Whitby

Congratulations! On behalf of Rotary club of Whitby, I am pleased to inform you that the Surgical Table in Mechnikov hospital in Dnipro, Ukraine has been installed, see the attachments. This equipment will make a difference to the civilians and those fighting in the battle in the Ukraine as Dnipro is the largest city close to the action in eastern Ukraine. In the end the resourcefulness and persistence of Rotarians prevailed, after many bumps in the process along the way. Thank you so much all for your support on this worthy project.

Regards,

Shahsi Bedi

Editor's Note: Many Rotary Clubs in District 7070 assisted. Please read more for the rest of the story....

The massive Kartarpur Sahib complex in Pakistan near the border of India is a holy site for Sikhs in both countries. In March, leaders in Rotary District 3080 in India organized a large meetup there with counterparts in Pakistan District 3272, creating twin club connections in advance. The day of the event, more than 200 Rotarians from both countries shook hands, exchanged club banners, and forged new foundations for peace between the two countries. Read more in Amrit Pal Singh’s blog post for Rotary Voices.

Taylor Randall has been a participant in Interact, Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotex (Rotary Youth Exchange alumni) and the National Youth Science Forum, founded by Rotarians in Australia. She is the fourth generation of her family to be involved in Rotary, as her great grandfather was the charter president of the Rotary Club of Nerang, Queensland, Australia. In celebration of Rotary Youth Service Month, Randall, a member of Rotary’s Youth Advisory Council, shares how youth programs have shaped her life.

Since 1962, generations of young people have discovered the power of Service Above Self through Interact, all while having fun along the way. The first Interact Club was certified on November 5, 1962 at Melbourne High School, in Florida, USA. A year later, Interact numbered 177 clubs in 24 countries. Today, there are approximately 14,900 clubs in 145 countries. The current generation of Interactors channel their enthusiasm and ideas into projects with remarkable impact. As Rotary celebrates Youth Service Month in May, read about the past, present, and future of this dynamic leadership and service program for teens.

In the past three years, District 7070 has received letters from a company representing a major wire service pointing out specific  images ( i.e. photos or videos) that have been copyrighted by the wire service.One photo was from the Rotary International Instagram account and the other was from Shekterbox Canda's Newsletter. The company, in question, ask us to prove that we have or had a license to republish the photo. If not we may pay a service fee to them or we can resolve the issue with the wire service directly (likely in court) . This is just a small sample of 2 incidents from one of many companies doing the same thing.  As a precaution, we encourage your club to use only images (photos and videos) that are in the Rotary Brand Center or that you create yourself.  

Congratulations to the "Profile" of Past District 7070 Governor Mary Lou Harrison and her family, in the June 2023 edition of Rotary Magazine. She talks about her father Don, and her daughter Rachel and Mary Lou being a longtime champion of women in Rotary and  working to ensure that the Rotary family is as diverse and inclusive as possible, inclding District 7070’s first and now annual appearance in Toronto’s Pride Parade.

Be sure to read all about Mary Lou in June's Rotary Magazine.  

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor Iosif Ciosa's May 2023 Newsletter
• Rotary International President Jennifer Jones' May 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Ian Riseley's May 2023 Newsletter
• The May 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32 

• May is Youth Services Month
• Toronto Tibetan Rotary Club Charter Night - May 12 - YOU Are Invited - REGISTER TODAY
• 2023-24 Club Presidents Trip to Rotary International Headquarters
• Save The Date May 11 - Rotary Club of Toronto Joins Forces With Homes For Heroes Foundation Lunch
• Membership and Marketing Apprenticeship Program - 17 Attendees at the First Two Sessions - Next Session on May 18 - Register TODAY 

In his May 2023 Newsletter, District Governor Iosif Ciosa talks about May being Youth Service Month and how proud we are in District 7070 as members of Rotary clubs, Rotaract, Interact, Earlyact and those involved in Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) and Rotary Youth Exchange celebrate the opportunities Rotary provides to connect, grow through service, develop leadership skills, mentor or be mentored, and have fun. He also talks about the extraordinary Youth To Youth National Truth and Reconciliation Experience that was held in Winnipeg in April and Iosif thanks everyone who participated in the third annual 2023 Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup in April. He reminds us to register by May1 for the District 7070 Assembly on May 6 and he encourages everyone to register for the Charter Night of our newest club, The Rotary Club of Toronto Tibetan (on May 12)......

Our 3rd Annual Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup Event (GLWC) was another great success as many clubs in District 7070 helped the clean ups on Saturday April 22 (Earth Day).  Thank you to Rotary District 7070 GLWC Chair Dan Coombes and Nilam Bedi of the District 7070 Environmental Action Committee. Be sure to see the New photo album of the District website ( https://rotary7070.org/PhotoAlbums/great-lakes-watershed-cleanup-april-2023 )  and be sure to Check out all of posts from clubs on the Rotary District 7070 Facebook page for Rotary Clubs in Action ....Please Read more .......

Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help.  Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto   If you have a good news story, please send it to Bill. Here are some highlights .........

In her  May 2023 Newsletter, Jo-Anna Black at ShelterBox Canada, provides an update on how Rotararact  and Shelterbox are working in Turkiye. Here's more of her newsletter.....

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32 the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" May 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, available on May 1,, 2023 in the May 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website or on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ...... OR see it right here .... Please Read more...

In his May 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Ian Riseley's May 2023 Newsletter, Ian says that through the Rotary Foundation, by doing what we can, we do quite a lot of good, serving people around the world in myriad ways, and we are in it for the long haul. He adds, "Not only do we, the volunteers, fund most of our projects, but we often contribute significant volunteer hours in organizing and executing them." He reminds us that through the Rotary Foundation, we solve problems in a sustainable way. Before we lift a shovel to start any Foundation project, we conduct community needs assessments and work closely with members of the community. The Foundation also acts quickly when needed, such as through our disaster response grants, as we did with the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria.  ......

In President Jennifer Jones'  May 2023 Message, she talks about the comfort and care of our members being the single greatest driver of member satisfaction and retention. She adds that we need to ensure that it remains a priority. Jennifer is so heartened by President-elect Gordon McInally’s wonderful vision to help improve the global mental health system, not only for Rotary members, but for the communities we serve. She says, " our new focus on mental health will take some time to do right, and yet it builds on something that has been part of who we are for 118 years. We are People of Action, and behind that action is care, compassion, empathy, and inclusion."..........

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It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

The Rotary Club of Woodbridge, brought the Brush-A-Mania to the Monsignor Fee Otterson Elementary and Junior High School in SW Edmonton, through our new Club's Member Dr. Gina Agbulu. Here is just part of the "thank you" letter....

Dear Raffy Chouljian, CP Giri and Jennifer Boyd,

Thank you for providing an excellent opportunity and platform for our latest member, Gina,  to demonstrate  her passion for service to the community through the BRUSH-A-MANIA 2023. Gina was inducted into our club about 2 weeks ago and she was able to pull this event off with her dedicated team of the Principal and the Dentist + Gina's hubby  in Edmonton, Alberta. We are proud of you Gina.

We are delighted with the smiles of the 330 kids as they benefited from this program. Thank you Gina! Thank you Dentist! Thank you Principal! Thank you Kids! 

Thank you Renata Pancini for sharing and spreading the good deeds from the Rotary Club of Woodbridge.  please read more for some photos.....

This past January, the International Assembly featured a video message from Bill Gates in which he thanked Rotary members for our efforts to eradicate polio and urged us to work harder than ever to get the job done. Collaboration increases our impact, and together, we can eradicate polio. Donations to End Polio Now are matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Watch the video: https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/19OGrZEpYDXKSHqXHI4acr6efrzg7

This is a critical year for the global effort to eradicate polio. According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s current eradication strategy, our goal for 2023 is to fully interrupt all remaining poliovirus transmission globally. So, what is the program’s focus for this year? It is to reach zero-dose children in the most consequential geographies — that is, the areas that have the greatest impact on the global eradication effort. Learn more right here: https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/19OGrRyZeuGhGRxo1uw8NasnQs4LS

The Women’s Initiatives Committee are holding a Virtual Wine Tasting Spring Event on Friday, May 12 at 7:00 pm. The proceeds will be going to Women's Initiatives and Charities in the community. The cost of the event is $125 per household. This includes 4 - 750mL bottles of Inniskillin Wines provided by Arterra Wines Canada which will be delivered to your home prior to the event.  There is more.....

The Doctor Bob Scott Disease Prevention Award was inaugurated following Bob’s retirement as Chair of Rotary’s Polio Eradication program.

It was commissioned to honour him for his significant leadership in efforts to reach The Rotary Foundation’s primary goal, namely the eradication of polio from the face of the earth. Rotary clubs in District 7070 are invited to forward nominations for this award on an annual basis.

Nominees can be Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, friends of Rotary, or organizations in our district.

Submissions should include a biography of the individual or group, and answers to the following in as much detail as possible: .....

The Wilf Wilkinson Peace Award was inaugurated following Wilf’s year as President of Rotary International. It was commissioned to honour him for his specific efforts in supporting the 4th Object of Rotary, namely the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.

Past winners include the late Jack Layton, War Child, and The Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Health Care. Rotary Clubs in District 7070 are invited to forward nominations for this award on an annual basis. Nominees can be Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, friends of Rotary, or organizations in our district.

Submissions should include a biography of the individual or group, and answers to the following in as much detail as possible: ......

Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world. 

HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH

NEWSLETTERS:

• District Governor Iosif Ciosa's April 2023 Newsletter
• SPECIAL EDITION - DISTRICT 7070 MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER - Spotlighting Clubs Working Together To Do Good In The World
• Rotary International President Jennifer Jones' April 2023 Message
• Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Ian Riseley's April 2023 Newsletter
• The April 2023 video from Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director, Zone 28 & 32 and the entire Leadership Team

• Exciting News - New Rotary Club in District 7070 - Rotary Club of Toronto Tibetan
• April Is Environment Month & April 22 is Earth Day
• NEW - District 7070 Polio Plus Society
• NEW - Rotary District 7070 Paul Harris Society
• Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) – We’re Zooming in 2022-23! - REGISTER TODAY for PART TWO & Three in 2023 - Part THREE First Session Starts APRIL 5, 2023
• Wilf Wilkinson Peace Award - Nominations Due In April 28, 2023
• The Bob Scott Disease Prevention Award - Nominations Due in April 28, 2023
• Save The Date May 11 - Rotary Club of Toronto Joins Forces With Homes For Heroes Foundation Lunch
• Insurance Is Fun 101 - A New March 9, 2023 Club Insurance Presentation - RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE
• District 7070 International Women's Day - March 8, 2023 - EMBRACE EQUITY - LIVE from the Rotary Global Classroom - OUTSTANDING SUCCESS
• Membership and Marketing Apprenticeship Program - 17 Attendees at the First Session on March 23 - Next Session on April 13
• Public Image & Technology Team Workshop for District 7070 Clubs - POSTPONED TO THE FALL OF 2023

In President Jennifer Jones'  April 2023 Message, she talks about her good friend Anniela Carracedo who turned her panic attack into a Rotary Youth Network when she turned project ideas  during the pandemic into action by inspiring and connecting with 5,000 youth in 80 countries during the quarantine period of the covid -19 pandemic ...........

To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32 the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the In The Zone April 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, available on April 1,, 2023 in the April 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website or on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ......

In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President)  Ian Riseley's April 2023 Newsletter, Ian talks about protecting the environment , especially on Earth Day, April 22 and he asks clubs to partner with other clubs and districts on a larger-scale project funded through The Rotary Foundation. Ian says, "The more our clubs work together on larger projects, the more we accomplish." He encourages us to Act big which is also one of the main ideas behind the Rotary Foundation’s Programs of Scale. Programs of Scale grants are among the most exciting developments of Rotary and its Foundation in recent years. They will have a big impact on the world. Remember that Programs of Scale grants take nothing away from your Foundation grant projects; the money invested is a relatively small portion of the Foundation’s total. In addition, The Rotary Foundation designed Programs of Scale to foster greater partnerships, which can include co-funding the initiative......

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

In his Arpil 2023 letter to Rotarians,  Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......

It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....

In his April 2023 Newsletter, District Governor Iosif Ciosa talks about protecting the environment during Rotary's Environment Month, and encourages us to plan events to protect the environment and to participate in the third Annual Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup along with hundreds of Rotary Clubs on both sides of the border that surround the Great Lakes .......... 

With Environmental Sustainability taking root within Rotary as the 7^th Area of Focus, Rotary has designated April 2023 as the Environment Month. Check the link below to see what Rotarians around the world are doing to improve the health of planet.

https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-and-earth-day

Within District 7070, most clubs are participating in the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup. On Saturday April 22, 2023 (EARTH DAY), thousands of Rotarians & Non-Rotarians alike, on both sides of the Canadian and U.S. border will roll up their sleeves to collect refuse along the shoreline, and innumerable waterway tributaries to the Great Lakes basin......

New Webinar Series! Cultivating Effective Projects

Do you have events or fundraisers that you want other clubs to know about?  Perhaps a project with which you need their assistance?  Here are just three ways you can get your event, your message , a story about your club, or your "ask for help" out to your neighbouring Rotary Clubs, RIGHT HERE IN THIS NEWSLETTER:........

A Night of Magic, Illusion and Entertainment:

Due to the SELL OUT of our last very successful Rotary event featuring Joshua Jay at Jokers in Richmond Hill, we are doing it again on Thursday, May 4th with new (and better, is that possible?) talent. The funds raised will go to the North York food bank and help in paying for the trees our club plants every spring along the Don Valley IN Willowdale. Rotary is our community.

The event will be at Jokers in Richmond Hill and start at 6 pm for those that want to have dinner and a drink (not included in the ticket price) before the show that starts at 8:30 pm. See the attachment and the video link below. The ticket price for the show is $60 each and you can NOW purchase them online!!

Here is the link to purchase tickets... https://www.showclix.com/event/magic-mind-reading-laughter

Here is a link to a short 3-minute video of the feature act… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDSY2F5rVsw

Any questions: email Al Warren at al@alcomenterprises.com

During World Immunization Week, April  24-30, join us in advocating for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines. As one of the greatest advances of modern medicine, vaccines are safe, effective, and save millions of lives each year. Our progress in the fight to end polio is proof that vaccines work. 
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates that the polio vaccine has saved more than 20 million children around the world from paralysis. However, approximately 12.5 million children are totally unvaccinated. They are known as zero-dose children, and vaccinating them is critical to stopping polio for good. We need to continue vaccinating the world’s children against polio, because polio anywhere is a threat everywhere....

Here are a few ideas from Rotary International for strengthen Rotary's brand...

Early in the new year,  Rotary International sees a big increase in inquiries about joining Rotary. District and club leaders: Remember to follow up with these prospective members to ensure that they have a positive experience. You can gain a better understanding of how to turn leads into members by taking the Online Membership Leads course. Use the Refer a new member form if you know someone who might be interested in joining. The updated form allows all Rotary members to refer a prospective member to their own club or to a different club.

Many clubs face challenges related to three things: attracting new members, keeping members engaged, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. Use the Club Planning Assistant to get tailored advice for addressing your club’s challenges. Club leaders, you’ll receive an instant response with links to the resources we recommend to help you address your club’s most pressing challenges. You can then build these suggested strategies into your club’s membership plan.

Imagine communities where every child has access to quality education.  In many countries, across all education levels, children with disabilities are more likely than their peers to be out of school.   World-wide, an estimated 1 of 3 children not attending school have a disability.  Throughout Africa, less than 10% of children with a disability are enrolled in primary school (WHO, World Bank)  School access and participation can be hindered by factors such as a lack of understanding of student needs, trained teachers, absence of classroom support or accessible facilities (UNICEF)  

Rotarians are mobilized to ensure that all children in their communities do have access to education - no mater their abilities.   In this issue of the BELRAG newsletter, learn about Rotarians in Brazil who are providing an innovative therapeutic approach to enable children with Downs Syndrome learn to read.  Rotarians in Medellin Colombia are using distance education to provide access to learning for students with Spina Bifida.  Travel with Rotarians from Tasmania as they support blind and deaf students in Nepal.    It is inspiring to learn of the variety and the scope of BEL programs that Rotarians support to ensure that every child can go to school and learn to his or her fullest ability.

Enjoy this  BELRAG Newsletter and let it inspire you to Imagine Rotary's Impact for Learning!