In her August 2026 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor Liz Compton talks about her club visits in July, the urgent request for assistance for families displaced by the northern Ontario wildfires and the immediate and tremendous response by so many clubs in our District - Rotary Responds. Our District Governor urges us to welcome prospective members with open hearts, and also on care for the members already sitting beside us as we celebrate August as Membership and New Club Development Month—a topic that is especially close to her heart. DG Liz asks us all to share our Rotary Story—why we joined Rotary and why we stayed. She encourages all of us to join her for our District Conference, The Power of Love, October 23–25 at the Novotel North York . Please register today. ….. Please Read more. .........
District 7070 is Creating Lasting Impact
What an amazing start to our Rotary year!
July was beautiful, full of energy, connection, and service. It truly set the tone for what I know will be an incredible year. As we move into August, we celebrate Membership and New Club Development Month—a topic that is especially close to my heart.
For me, membership has never been about filling chairs; it's about filling hearts. It's about creating a place where people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to make a difference. That is exactly what I see happening across District 7070. In just one short month, we have already accomplished so much, and everywhere I go I feel an incredible sense of care, compassion, and belonging.
July was certainly a busy month! I had the pleasure of attending the Trenton Changeover, visiting the amazing Whitby Sunrise Ribfest (where I even had the chance to meet the famous Riblet!), my first District Governor visit with Cobourg, celebrating the 11th Installation of the Toronto Danforth Club, attending the Changeover at my home club of Leaside, District Governor visit with Belleville, and opening the 25th Anniversary of the Scarborough Ribfest.
These visits are truly the highlight of my role. I love experiencing firsthand what each club is doing. Whether your club has 15 members or 150, every club is strong in its own way, making a meaningful difference in the community and around the world. Every visit has left me inspired, and yes...I've had a lot of fun along the way!
We received an urgent request for assistance for families displaced by the northern Ontario wildfires. Within hours, the call went out to our club presidents, and almost immediately our District sprang into action. Three collection hubs were established in Whitby, Cobourg, and Belleville. Donations poured in—skid after skid of clothing, supplies, and essential items. It was remarkable to witness.
Then came another challenge. We were advised that donations had reached capacity, and we needed to pivot. Once again, our presidents and clubs responded without hesitation. Watching our members, our communities, and our leaders come together with one heart and one purpose made me incredibly proud. This is Rotary. This is District 7070. When people need us, we show up.
As we move into August, I encourage every club to focus not only on welcoming prospective members with open hearts, but also on caring for the members already sitting beside us.
How are they doing?
Do they feel connected? Do they feel valued? Do they have a sense of purpose?
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply ask, listen, and have a genuine conversation. Everyone wants to belong. Everyone wants to know they matter. Rotary has the opportunity to be that family for so many people.
One of the things I've been asking each club president to do is share their Rotary Story—why they joined Rotary and why they stayed. Those answers are often very different, and every story matters. By sharing our own stories, we give others permission to share theirs. Stories connect us, inspire us, and remind us why we continue to serve. I can't wait to hear more of your Rotary Stories as I visit clubs throughout the year.
I am looking forward to many more District Governor visits, club events, and opportunities to meet even more of you in the months ahead.
If you haven't already registered, I encourage you to join us for our District Conference, The Power of Love, October 23–25 at the Novotel North York. It promises to be an inspiring weekend filled with learning, laughter, friendship, and plenty of Rotary magic.
Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment to your communities and to each other. To say I am proud, is truly an understatement.
Together, with The Power of Love, we will Create Lasting Impact.
With gratitude,
Liz Compton
District Governor 2026-27
c. 416.802.2497
