2022 New Member Induction Ceremony Ron Miller 2022-07-11 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotary Etobicoke sponsors short film festival Romulo Orlandini 2022-04-13 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotarians help GlobalMedic to pack essential items Gillian Dugas 2022-03-05 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Delivery to St. Felix House Gillian Dugas 2022-02-23 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Valentine’s Day/Family Day Cupcakes Gillian Dugas 2022-02-18 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotary support Elisa House Women's Shelter Gillian Dugas 2022-02-18 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Message from President Sharon Lee Sharon Lee 2021-12-24 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Food Hampers to support families Gillian Dugas 2021-12-11 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotary Etobicoke Team activities at GlobalMedic Romulo Orlandini 2021-11-27 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Register to Beaujolais Noveaus 2021 Romulo Augusto Orlandini 2021-11-14 05:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
2021 Iosif Ciosa 2021-10-08 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Donating food for Stonegate Community Romulo Orlandini 2021-09-12 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Helping Anduhyaun and Nekenaan Shelters Romulo Orlandini 2021-09-07 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Donations for the Women's Habitat Shelter Romulo Orlandini 2021-08-21 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Presidential inauguration Romulo Orlandini 2021-08-19 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Hands-on activities Romulo Orlandini 2021-08-15 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Donations bring joy and help for Hospice Romulo Orlandini 2021-08-15 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotary helps students with school supplies Romulo Orlandini 2021-08-07 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotarians and friends donates to women's shelter Romulo Orlandini 2021-08-06 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotary Etobicoke provides meal to shelters Romulo Orlandini 2021-06-28 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
New Members Induction Romulo Orlandini 2021-05-03 04:00:00Z 0 #joinrotary,#rotary,#rotarycanada,#rotaryetobicoke
Rotary Lunch Meeting - Jennifer Jones Romulo Orlandini 2021-04-15 04:00:00Z 0
Rotary Lunch Meeting - Canadian Economic Landscape and Outlook Romulo Orlandini 2021-04-06 04:00:00Z 0

Impact of COVID - 19 on Commercial Real Estate

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Our February 24th, 2021 lunch meeting featured veteran Commercial Broker Jim Brown with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. Brokerage, speaking about the impact on the Commercial Real Estate market since COVID-19. Very interesting and informative topic!
Impact of COVID - 19 on Commercial Real Estate April Esteves 2021-02-26 05:00:00Z 0

Christmas Advent Food Baskets

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The Etobicoke Rotary Club members came together to drop off Christmas Food Baskets on Saturday, December 12th for distribution to the local Women's Habitat Shelter.
Christmas Advent Food Baskets 2020-12-13 05:00:00Z 0
Rotarian values 2020-06-03 04:00:00Z 0
Mother's Day gift bags to the Ernestines Women Shelter. 2020-05-08 04:00:00Z 0

Supporting Rotaracts' “Small Acts of Kindness” campaign

Michael handing off 50 toothbrushes and 50 toothpaste, this morning (while observing proper social distancing measures :) ) to Iosif for delivery to the Rotaract “Small Acts of Kindness” campaign.
 
The donation supplies came from Rotarian dentist, Dr. Raffy Chouljian. 
 
Supporting Rotaracts' “Small Acts of Kindness” campaign 2020-05-06 04:00:00Z 0
Donating Lysol wipes during Covid19 pandemic 2020-05-06 04:00:00Z 0

Pasta bakes and food donations

Third contribution of pasta bakes and food items from Rotarians on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke's COVID 19 Committee.
This program takes place every second Tuesday.
 
 
Pasta bakes and food donations 2020-05-04 04:00:00Z 0

Hand Sanitizer drive

Thank you Sean O'Neill (in image) of Canadian Liquids Processors, Barry Friesen and Emterra Group who donated 4L jugs and 600 ml bottles hand sanitizers for distribution to our community partners. 
 
Hand Sanitizer drive 2020-05-01 04:00:00Z 0

Giving back during Covid-19

Highlight photos of projects for Women's Habitat, All Saints Kingsway and Elisa House Women's Shelter. 
 
 
Giving back during Covid-19 2020-04-15 04:00:00Z 0
In support of Women's Habitat Shelter of Etobicoke 2020-04-08 04:00:00Z 0

Club gatherings postponed until end of April

Dear club members,
 
As you know, the COVID-19 situation is fluid. Earlier, public health officials have asked Canadians to limit gatherings in an effort to slow down the spread of the disease. Practice Social Distance – person to person contact of any kind should be stopped. Whenever possible, maintain two meters between yourself and others to avoid contamination.
 
As leaders in Etobicoke, we think it's important to lead by example. So, in keeping with the best advice of the experts, out of an abundance of caution and with due concern for some of our members, it was decided to postpone all in-person club events that have been scheduled until the end of April.  This includes our twice a month lunch meetings, committee meetings, the 90th Anniversary Celebration, the Rethink Plastics Event and Hands on Projects.
Club gatherings postponed until end of April 2020-03-14 04:00:00Z 0
90th Anniversary celebration postponed 2020-03-14 04:00:00Z 0
Rotary Etobicoke Sorting Donated Hockey Gear for First Nations Communities Ron Miller 2020-01-18 05:00:00Z 0

Hockey Drive News

Rotary Club Hockey Drive has donated over 50 tonnes of new and gently used hockey equipment to remote First Nations. 

Hockey Drive News Gerald Lue 2019-12-27 05:00:00Z 0
Bowling @ Strikes for STEM 2019-12-03 05:00:00Z 0
Rotarians Sharing Halloween with Local Youngsters 2019-11-08 05:00:00Z 0

Second Annual Food Drive - Thanksgiving

Second Annual Food Drive - was completed on Sunday the 6th of October – 141 food bags were collected with a value of approximately $2900 plus three cheques 1)50,2)40,3)$40 , the money will be sent to the Salvation Army Food Bank. The Food collected was distributed to the North and South Salvation Army Locations.
About a 35% return an increase from last year of 23%. DUCA was our sponsor and provided us with 400 bags.
Thank you for all who participated, this year we had Toronto Police Service, CPLC Community Police Liaison Committee, YIPI Youth In Policing Initiative, the Auxiliary Police (Samantha created the video, Thank You).
 
Second Annual Food Drive - Thanksgiving 2019-10-09 04:00:00Z 0

Thank you for the Backpacks!

After the successful packing of the Backpacks for kids in need, Rotarians distributed the Backpacks to the community organizations.
Gill, Andre, Lincoln and Samantha went around to drop off the backpacks, while there Samantha video taped their reactions.
Please see video below:
 
 
Thank you for the Backpacks! Iosif Ciosa 2019-08-27 04:00:00Z 0

Kids Going to Camp! ET Blaze Camp 2019

For the second year our Community Service Committee provided a cheque for $1,000 to cover the transportation costs.
The Salvation Army Kipling Temple's rented bus leaving to take the youngsters to ET Blaze Camp in August.    
Many children were Happy to take part in the Camp!
Kids Going to Camp! ET Blaze Camp 2019 2019-08-26 04:00:00Z 0

Backpacks Packing Project

Posted on Aug 15, 2019
On Thursday, August 15th, Rotary Etobicoke members,  family and friends packed 130 backpacks and 10 binders to support students returning to school.    The bags and binders will be delivered to community partners for distribution to families across Etobicoke.
 
 
 
 
Backpacks Packing Project 2019-08-15 04:00:00Z 0

Cheque Presentation at Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School

Rotarian Kester Trim is presenting a cheque for $1,700 to Michelle White and Peter Miller at Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School. The money will be used to provide transportation and accommodation support for the more than forty athletes going to the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Associations track and field meet scheduled for June 6 - 8 this year.
 
Michelle is a Child and Guidance Counselor and is one of the coaches for the track program. Peter is teaches at the school and is head coach for a very active track and field program.
 
The Rotary Club of Etobicoke wishes them every success for the upcoming meet in Guelph this June!
Cheque Presentation at Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School 2019-05-29 04:00:00Z 0

The Salvation Army Cheque Presentation

The Salvation Army is sending eighteen children to summer camp this year and will give them a week of fun and learning.  In this picture Rotarian Kester Trim is presenting a cheque for one thousand dollars to Community Services Coordinator Rosemarie Bryan to fund transportation for the children to and from camp in Jackson's Point on lake Simcoe.
The Salvation Army Cheque Presentation 2019-05-28 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke Support for St. James Food Basket

Rotary Etobicoke provided a cheque for $1,000 to Marie Truelove, Director of the St. James Food Basket, to support their many programs that provide for a large number of  community families in need.      In 2018 St. James' Food Basket provided food to an average of 202 families or 700 people weekly.  
Rotary Etobicoke Support for St. James Food Basket 2019-05-23 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke provides a Bursary for a Young Musician

On Saturday, May 11, Gillian, on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke,  presented a $1,000 bursary to a young Etobicoke musician in the Ontario POPs Orchestra.   Carlos Bastidas, Director and Principal Conductor of the Ontario POPs Orchestra is seen holding up the cheque for all to see.    The presentation took place at a performance of A Present for Mom - The Best of Ontario Pops Concert.    This was the second Rotary Etobicoke bursary for a young musician in the Orchestra.     To gain concert experience Keimo, Apprentice Conductor, took over to lead the orchestra for one performance much to the delight of the audience and her family.  
Rotary Etobicoke provides a Bursary for a Young Musician 2019-05-11 04:00:00Z 0

Cheque Presentation to Michael Power Drum Line

On Tuesday, May 7, Gillian, on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke, presented $1,500 to Mike Fanning, Director of the Michael Power Drum Line, for the acquisition of a Quad Drum Set.  The mission of the Michael Power St. Joseph Drum Line is to develop young people into outstanding adults through the performing arts.     Its seeks to create young people who are engaged and contribute in their community in a positive way.    The Michael Power St. Joseph Catholic High School Drum Line performs for upward of 100,000 annually.     They will be performing at Rotary Etobicoke's Ribfest, Music and Food Festival on Canada Day.
Cheque Presentation to Michael Power Drum Line 2019-05-07 04:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Helping Dorothy Ley Hike for Hopsice Fundraiser

On Sunday, May 5th, for the fifth year,  The Rotary Club of Etobicoke provided a team of club members to support the annual Dorothy Ley Hike for Hospice Fundraiser.  
Club members conducted the 50/50 lottery and raised a record amount of almost $1,700.     Other club members set up a refreshment table at the route's mid point location and served walkers with water, juice, fruit and energy bars and didn't forget water for the many dogs that joined in the hike.  
 
The Dorothy Ley Hike was almost at its fundraising target of $160,000 by the end of this very successful and always popular event.  
Rotarians Helping Dorothy Ley Hike for Hopsice Fundraiser 2019-05-05 04:00:00Z 0

Etobicoke Rotary and the Interact Clubs Clean Up James Garden

 
On the Windy Sunday, 28th of April  Rotary Etobicoke and Rotary Toronto West members joined with students from Etobicoke Collegiate Institute Interact Club and Richview Collegiate Institute Interact Club spent the morning collecting and dividing trash from the grounds of James Garden.   
Gill and Andre were joined by their daughter Samantha and grandson Lincoln and friends also supported this important project.
Many James Garden walkers, bikers and joggers greeted and thanked us for our commitment to clean up our community garden.
Etobicoke Rotary and the Interact Clubs Clean Up James Garden 2019-04-28 04:00:00Z 0

The Interact Club of Richview Collegiate Institute  - Kids  Against Hunger Project

On Thursday, April 16 the Rotary Clubs of Toronto West and Etobicoke (Greg, Andre, Gord, Tom, Iosif and Gillian) joined with students from RCI to pack 50 boxes of food destined to be shared with churches and orphanages in Haiti and Etobicoke  community food banks and shelters.      68 students with RCI advisor Andrea Brozyna and RCI teachers made a formidable team to bring about a very successful project.     .     Rotarians from both clubs worked alongside the students and later transported the food boxes to 5 locations around Etobicoke.      Two representatives from the Toronto Argonauts were also packing with our group.  Special thanks to RCTW Patti Wright and photographer extraordinaire John Stevenson.   
The Interact Club of Richview Collegiate Institute  - Kids  Against Hunger Project 2019-04-16 04:00:00Z 0

The Period Purse

On Friday, April 12, Gill delivered, on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke,  6 attractive bags filled with hand towels, face towels, packets of new underwear and socks, soaps, toiletries, wipes and hundreds of tampons, pads and liners along with chocolates to The Period Purse for their April blitz to provide free menstrual products to marginalized women in Toronto.      All donated products are packed with a TPP comforting, motivational note and given to shelters and centers in Etobicoke and the GTA.      
Anyone wishing to donate items may let Gill know as she will be doing up more bags for delivery before April 26. 
      
The Period Purse 2019-04-16 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Etobicoke presents a cheque for $1,000 to the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League.  

The Rotary Club of Etobicoke presented a cheque for $1,000 to support the league which provides a hockey league for power wheelchair players from across the Toronto region. In this photo Rotarian Kester Trim is presenting the cheque to Esther Dzura, President and Co-founder, Ron Celsie, the General Manager and Matt De Costa a player from the league. The teams scheduled for the morning watched in appreciation of the support offered by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke.

Rotary Club of Etobicoke presents a cheque for $1,000 to the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League. 2019-03-31 04:00:00Z 0

After the February Winter Wonderland the Community Service Members were out in full force in early March delivering cheques

After the February Winter Wonderland Cancellations, Rotarians were out in force presenting cheques to  community healthcare institutions.
 
St. Joseph’s Health Centre:

Gill met with Darlene Kingsborough, Community Campaign Officer, to present the Community Service Committee's cheque for $2,500 to be put toward Emergency Department improvements.

St. Joe's Emergency Department has a significant space challenge and they are streamlining systems to make sure visitors see a doctor as soon as possible. Follow the link for more info about St. Joe's Emergency Department’s Super Track Program:

https://hospitalnews.com/emergency-department-supertrack-n…/

St. Joseph’s Health Centre has among the highest number of programs for mental health. Annually their Mental Health Emergency Services Unit (MHESU) cares for more than 6,600 emergency visits for mental health and/or addiction care. They have been fundraising to renovate, expand and improve the space where mental health patients come when they are in crisis and need emergency care. Darlene said that this unit will be ready for patients by mid-April and Rotary Etobicoke will be invited to the opening of the MHESU where we could tour the unit and learn more about the Supertrack system.

 

Osler Health Foundation - Etobicoke General Hospital

Anne Wood presented a cheque to William Osler Health Foundation - Etobicoke General Hospital for $2500 from the Community Service Committee. These funds will be used to provide a specialized feeding pump.

An enteral feeding pump is an electronic medical device that controls the timing and amount of nutrition delivered to a patient. Enteral feeding is a procedure in which the doctor inserts a tube into the patient’s digestive tract to deliver liquid nutrients and medicines to the body. This is administered to patients who cannot eat normally due to oral cancer, surgery, injury, or another condition that affects the normal ingestion and digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract. The enteral feeding pump ensures that the right amount of liquid is administered to the body over the course of a day. Rotary Etobicoke is on the Donor Wall at Etobicoke General Hospital.

 
Trillium Health Partners Foundation:
Gill presented $2500 from our Community Service Committee to Kathleen Cymek from Trillium Health Partners Foundation, to support the purchase of a new x-ray machine. They are currently using old, equipment which is expensive to maintain and ergonomically outdated. The vital new unit will bring new technology to reduce exposure and help handle expected increases in Urgent Care year over year.
Our club has been supporting Trillium since construction began which means that our donations have been mounting up for a long time and we hold a distinguished position on the Donor Wall under "Community Gift of $500.000 to $999.999". Kathleen pointed out that Rotary Etobicoke is also on the Donor Walls of all the three Trillium Hospital sites; Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre.
She also spoke about the impact of community donors and the impact donations, big and small, have on Trillium hospitals and patients. Five Mississauga Rotary Clubs appear on the donor wall AND Rotarian, Ralph Chiodo appears in the $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 donation group! Makes us all proud to be Rotarians.
After the February Winter Wonderland the Community Service Members were out in full force in early March delivering cheques 2019-03-12 04:00:00Z 0

2018 Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration

On November 15, The Rotary Club of Etobicoke hosted the third annual Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration at the Mimico Cruising Club. The evening included delicious food, live music, and a raffle with dozens of fabulous prizes! Sponsors for the evening included DUCA, Wise Riddell Financial Group, Northwest Protection Services, Active Green + Ross, Peter Dusek Photography,  Cobs Bakery,  Taissa,  Gabby's Grill + Taps, and many more. All funds raised will go to support CUSO International, providing birthing kits for mothers in Ethiopia. Rotarians from many clubs and guests came out to support the great cause while enjoying the 2018 Beaujolais Nouveau! Have a look at the fun evening: Photo Album or Peter Dusek Photography.
2018 Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration Iosif Ciosa 2018-11-21 05:00:00Z 0

Meet Your Neighbourhood Officers

On Saturday 20th of October 22 Police Division held a community Meet Your Neighbourhood Officer at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate. Unit commander, Inspector Riyaz Hussein introduced the new Neighbourhood Officer Program to residents of East Mall & West Mall. The event was organized by the CPLC (Community Police Liaison Committee), led by Sylvia Kwan, with support from the Rotary Club of Etobicoke.   Community members were introduced to the Neighbourhood Officers, Officers of 22 Division, Police Auxiliary volunteers and YIPIs (Youth in Policing Initiative).
 
 
Meet Your Neighbourhood Officers 2018-10-25 04:00:00Z 0

October Neighborhood Food Drive

 
The Rotary Club of Etobicoke in partnership with DUCA Financial Services and supported by Illumineer conducted the first Neighborhood Food Drive. 
Rotary volunteers  from our club with the help of  Interact Volunteers from Richview Collegiate and Etobicoke Collegiate Institute , distributed on the 17th of October approximately 500 DUCA shopping bags in the neighborhood with a flyer printed by Illumineer asking for non perishable food donation that will be taken to a food bank. On the 21st of October the volunteers gathered to pick up the filled bags left by the front doors.
 
October Neighborhood Food Drive 2018-10-20 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke Support for Young Musicians

On Saturday, April 14, Gillian Dugas on behalf of Rotary Club of Etobicoke and Dr. Robert Sexton on behalf of Rotary Club of Toronto West each presented a cheque for $1,000 to Carlos Rastidas, Conductor of POP Orchestra.   Each bursary will support a promising young student and recent graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music for the performance season 2018/19.   Awards are made annually based on the recommendation of the student's teachers and examiners at the Conservatory.     The POP Orchestra hopes to ignite the potential in youth to bring high quality music to their community.     The program included music from Star Wars, E.T., The King's Speech, Space Odyssey 101, Jurassic Park and Star Trek.    Humber Valley United Church was full in spite of the challenging weather and the orchestra received a much deserved standing ovation.         In the orchestra were several music teachers from Etobicoke schools as well as violinist Rotarian Paul Collier.    Also POP provides a wonderful opportunity to young  musicians from different local high schools  to rehearse for 4 weeks with the orchestra and play with them in a concert.    Last night's performance had 5 violinists from Martingrove High School. 
   
Rotary Etobicoke Support for Young Musicians Gill 2018-04-15 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke and Chartwell' Residence

Posted on Mar 13, 2018
 

Rotary Etobicoke is pleased to be partnering with Chartwell Scarlett Heights Residence's Knitting Group to provide hats, gloves and scarves for families and homeless in Etobicoke.

Rotary Etobicoke and Chartwell' Residence 2018-03-13 04:00:00Z 0


Rotary Etobicoke provides funding for a Marimba

Posted on Mar 01, 2018
 
 Under the leadership of Mike Fanning the new drum line at Michael Power is developing fast but only has a limited number of drums, cymbals and sticks and is seeking funding to provide instruments for the many more students enrolled in the group.     Rotary Etobicoke was pleased to provide funding for a Yamaha Marimba to expand the bands' melodic percussion section.   This was a much desired instrument that was needed to enhance the performance of the band at parades, festivals and concerts and at national competitions.  Mike added that students who participate in extra curricular programs like the drum line show better grades, a more positive outlook and the development of important life skills.    Gillian presented the cheque for $3,400 to John MacDonald from Michael Power High School.         
Rotary Etobicoke provides funding for a Marimba 2018-03-01 05:00:00Z 0

Team Rotary Etobicoke Ribbers walk for Haven on the Q Community Centre

Posted on Feb 25, 2018
 
On February 24, our Team Rotary Etobicoke Ribbers got a hint of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and hardship during the winter.    We joined with 20 other community teams to raise funding and awareness for Haven on the Queensway Community Centre who provide services for the hurting, hungry and homeless in our community and programs for families, youth and seniors.     We raised $1,450 with thanks to all who walked and donated.   
 
Team Rotary Etobicoke Ribbers walk for Haven on the Q Community Centre 2018-02-25 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke fundraises for Youth Without Shelter

Posted on Feb 06, 2018
 
Gillian reports that on Friday, February 2, Rotarians and community friends once again braved the bitter cold to fundraise for 12 hours in support of Youth Without Shelter's Token 4 Change Campaign.   Working with YWS,  Rotary Club of Etobicoke took over the fundraising role at Islington Subway Station.   
Rotary Etobicoke fundraises for Youth Without Shelter 2018-02-06 05:00:00Z 0

Luke Anderson (Parkdale-High Park-Humber Rotary) –StopGap and New Member Inductions

Posted on Jan 10, 2018
 
Luke Anderson is the founder of StopGap, and the executive director of the StopGap Foundation. Luke got a job in B.C. shortly after graduating in Engineering from Waterloo U. During his first year out in the work force, he had a terrible mountain bike accident leaving him a quadriplegic. He returned to Toronto where he continued to work in his field for 5 years and lived in the Roncesvalles/Junction community where he became frustrated with the lack of access to local shops. This is when he designed the StopGap ramp that you see through-out Roncesvalles, the Junction, and Toronto.
Luke Anderson (Parkdale-High Park-Humber Rotary) –StopGap and New Member Inductions 2018-01-10 05:00:00Z 0

Women's Habitat Drop In Centre's Celebration

Posted on Dec 18, 2017
 
Hands-On Etobicoke's team made pasta, chicken and vegetables with a mixed salad and dessert to over 190 guests (women and children) at Women's Habitat Drop In Centre's Celebration on Wednesday, 13 December.    Also, Rotary Etobicoke donated toys and games for their Santa Claus distribution. Photos shows  Andre, Samantha, Lincoln, Bex and Gillian with the Man in Red and Bex and Andre busy with the 10 trays of pasta before turning their talents to cutting up and serving the desserts.      
Women's Habitat Drop In Centre's Celebration 2017-12-18 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke's Annual Kids Against Hunger Project

Posted on Dec 18, 2017
 
On November 25th Rotary Etobicoke funded and led their annual Kids Against Hunger Food Packing Project.   Rotary Etobicoke members along with their families and partnered with Rotary Club of Toronto West  invited youth volunteers from Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, Richview Collegiate Institute, Air Cadets from Squadron 700, Rotaract Club of York University, Rotaract E-Club and many community families and friends to join together to pack food for local food banks and outreach programs. Over 120 volunteers filled 70 boxes each containing 36 packets of nutrious rice. Distribution of the boxes of rice to eleven agencies was completed within the week to allow our rice to reach Christmas programs and hampers.  
Rotary Etobicoke's Annual Kids Against Hunger Project 2017-12-18 05:00:00Z 0

Rotarians support St. Matthew's Church and St. Margaret's Church Out of the Cold Programs for homeless men

 
Rotary Club of Etobicoke is pleased to report that on Sunday, December 3 Rotarians Gillian and Andre prepared and delivered 30 sandwiches, 30 bags of oranges, and 30 bags of cookies and cakes, along with bottled water for St. Matthew's Church Out of the Cold Program for homeless men.   This was followed on December 10 by Rotarians Samantha and Lincoln Dugas providing 30 sandwiches, bags of oranges, bags of cookies and bottle water also to St. Matthew's Church to support their OOTC program.    Today, Monday, December 11, Lynda Ryder and her team provided 54 sandwiches, oranges and cookie treats/beverages to St. Margaret's Church Lakeshore to support their OOTC program.   Rotary Etobicoke's Hand on Etobicoke members supporting our community partners to help those in need during the winter months.  
Rotarians support St. Matthew's Church and St. Margaret's Church Out of the Cold Programs for homeless men 2017-12-12 05:00:00Z 0

Shakti Holiday Party - Rotary

 
Saturday December 9th, 2017 Major Kester Trim a member of The Rotary Club of Etobicoke presents a cheque for $1,000 to Malini Sattan of the SHAKTI Association, which stands for Sharing Hope and Kindness through Involvement. The Rotary Club of Etobicoke's grant supports the SHAKTI Associations Holiday Jamboree for neighbourhood children to be held December 17th at the Legion Hall on Irwin Street in North Etobicoke.
Shakti Holiday Party - Rotary 2017-12-12 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke Snowflake in St. Joe's Hospital

 
 
Darlene Swinton, Community Campaign Manager,  forwarded a photo of our Rotary Etobicoke snowflake which recognizes our $2,500 donation in support of the renovation to St. Joe's Emergency Department.   Our snowflake is on display in the main entrance of St. Joe's.   

 

Rotary Etobicoke Snowflake in St. Joe's Hospital 2017-12-12 05:00:00Z 0

2017 Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration

 
On November 16, The Mimico Cruising Club was host to the second annual Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration hosted by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke. The evening included a delicious buffet, live music, and a raffle with dozens of fabulous prizes! Some of the sponsors for the evening included DUCA, Wise Riddell Financial Group, Cobs Bakery, Active Green + Ross, La Veranda Osteria, Simply Chic, Gabby's Grill + Taps, and many more. In addition, they celebrated the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a wine from France that is making quite a splash worldwide! All funds raised will go to support the victims of the devastating storms that are rampaging through the Caribbean. Everyone came out to support a great cause while enjoying the Primeur Vin of the Season!
 
2017 Beaujolais Nouveau Fundraising Celebration 2017-12-05 05:00:00Z 0

Kids against Hunger Delivery

 
Lisa Neilson of Rexdale Community Health Centre receives 2 boxes of nutritional rice mix packed at our Kids Against Hunger Canada HANDS ON day at The Salvation Army Etobicoke Temple.  These 2 boxes will provide 432 meals in support of the Pre and Post Natal program. This group provides social and nutritional support to women and teens during pregnancy and in the first year of their child's growth and development.  Teamwork at it's finest to help in the community!
Kids against Hunger Delivery 2017-12-03 05:00:00Z 0

Support for St. Vincent De Paul Society Christmas Program and Rotary Food for Christmas Hampers

Posted on Dec 01, 2017
 
André presented Community Services Committee cheque for $1,000 to President Mike McGinnis, Vice President John Menary and Secretary Jolanta Galazka to support St. Vincent de Paul's Christmas Program.     Rotary Etobicoke also provided over 200 rice packets to go into St. Vincent de Paul's Christmas Hamper for their clients and to assist in their Christmas Dinner for singles alone at Christmas.    A donation of ladies clothing and bed linen was given to their Community Store.
Support for St. Vincent De Paul Society Christmas Program and Rotary Food for Christmas Hampers 2017-12-01 05:00:00Z 0

St. Matthew's OOTC presentation

Posted on Nov 30, 2017
 

Outstanding Service Award.  Cheque and Food Presentation to St. Matthew's Anglican Church OOTC Program

On Sunday, November 26, Rotary Etobicoke presented a $1,000 cheque to St. Matthew's Anglican Church to support their Out of the Cold Program.    As shown in the photo, The Rotary Club of Etobicoke was presented with an Outstanding Service Award as a "Thank you for your faithful and committed service on behalf of all the volunteers and guests of the Out of the Cold Ministry".by William Hampton, Coordinator of OOTC.     At this time,   Gillian also presented St. Matthew's with 144 packets of rice from Rotary Etobicoke/Kids Against Hunger food packing project to support their community pantry and Christmas distribution. 

St. Matthew's OOTC presentation 2017-11-30 05:00:00Z 0

$500 for Women's Habitat - Holiday Hampers
Inboxx

Posted on Nov 27, 2017
 

Theresa presented a $500 cheque to Lina Almazan in support of Women's Habitat Holiday Hamper program. Every year they collect items and funds for women and children in need of support. Last year over 300 families benefited from the Holiday 

Hamper program which provides clothing, toiletries, non perishable food and toys to our current and former service users.

$500 for Women's Habitat - Holiday HampersInboxx 2017-11-27 05:00:00Z 0

$1000 for Out of the Cold at St. Margaret's

Posted on Nov 27, 2017
 
Reverend Mark Gladding receives a $1000 cheque from Rotary Etobicoke in support of the Lakeshore Out of the Cold program. St. Margaret's provides a hot meal and emergency overnight accommodations to people who are homeless or hungry. Monday evenings at 6:00 pm from November until April.
This program is 100% volunteer run. Each week many volunteers participate to prepare and serve dinner, prepare bagged lunches for our guests and team handle the breakfast shift.
$1000 for Out of the Cold at St. Margaret's 2017-11-27 05:00:00Z 0

Rotarians and students to write 700 letters from Santa Claus to children in Bay Bay Elementary School in Mindanao, Philippines

Posted on Nov 23, 2017
 
On Thursday, Patti Wright organized and led Rotarians and students to write 700 letters from Santa Claus.  Children in Bay Bay Elementary School in Mindanao, Philippines had written letters to Santa at the North Pole wishing him and Mrs. Claus a Happy Christmas and asking for a small gift on Christmas Day.    Many of the letters asked for shoes, balls, a new dress or something to eat.     Writing the letters, on behalf of Santa,  with personal words of encouragement and best wishes were 50 students from Etobicoke Collegiate Institute and Richview Collegiate Institute, teachers and Rotarians from Toronto West and Greg, Duncan, Lynda, Gillian and Andre from Etobicoke. The letters will be hand delivered by Rotarian Phillip Barker. 
Rotarians and students to write 700 letters from Santa Claus to children in Bay Bay Elementary School in Mindanao, Philippines 2017-11-23 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary donates $1,000 to The Salvation Army Community and Family Services

Posted on Nov 23, 2017
 
Major Kester Trim (left) presents a cheque from the Rotary Club of Etobicoke for $1,000 to Rosemarie Bryan, the coordinator of The Salvation Army's Community and Family Services in north Etobicoke.
The Salvation Army serves families in north Etobicoke who require food support and other basic needs. Approximately three hundred families a month receive assistance with food and additional support during the holiday season with toys for children.
The money raised by Rotary goes directly to support families in need during the winter months.
Rotary donates $1,000 to The Salvation Army Community and Family Services 2017-11-23 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Presented an Important Checque to Marie Truelove, Chair of the St. James Food Basket

Posted on Nov 22, 2017
 
On Wednesday, November 22, Rotary Etobicoke's Community Services Committee presented Marie Truelove, Chair of the St. James Food Basket, with an important cheque to support their children's  Christmas gift card distribution.    St. James Food Basket provides food baskets to 195 families or 647 persons every week of which 34 to 38% are children 15 years or younger. Distributions include many other items for those dealing with health challenges, as well as diapers and baby formula, along with employment, housing and counselling support. December distributions usually see an increase of  up to 40% in families accessing their food basket. Rotary Etobicoke is pleased to report that we will be providing 216 bags of rice next week to be added to St. James' December hamper distribution.
Rotary Presented an Important Checque to Marie Truelove, Chair of the St. James Food Basket 2017-11-22 05:00:00Z 0

CSC Cheque Presentation to St. Joe's Hospital

Posted on Nov 13, 2017
On Friday, November 3, Community Services Committee members presented a cheque for $2,500 to Darlene Swinton, Community Campaign Officer at St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation.      Our funding will be used to fund the redevelopment of their emergency department which will include Kid’s and Pediatric Emergency (19,000 visits last year), Mental Health Emergency (where 7,500 adults and children turned for mental health care), and General Emergency areas.   It will support the expansion of the emergency area as St. Joe's are currently seeing over 100,000 visits every year in a space built for 65,000.  Including embedding innovations inpatient care such as Super Track.   Super Track allows patients with less acute conditions to be seen faster, so they can go home sooner. The average patient who comes through Super Track goes home within two hours. Currently Super Track operates in a space adjacent to the Emergency.    In the new space, Super Track will be embedded to allow for even more efficient patient care.   
CSC Cheque Presentation to St. Joe's Hospital 2017-11-13 05:00:00Z 0

CSC support of FEET for FEAT

Posted on Nov 10, 2017
CSC is proud to have donated $2000 to FEET for FEAT - Fostering, Empowering, Advocating, Together in support of children affected by parental incarceration.  Jessica Reid, the founder of FEAT for Children and consistent Toronto Ribfest volunteer has walked from Queen's Park to Ottawa to raise funds and awareness for the past 2 years.  This year she invited others to participate in a relay and we were happy to help.  The relay started from Queens Park on World Mental Health Day, Tuesday, October 10th 2017.  They raised over $15,000 in total and had about 70 participants at the beginning and another 100 along the way! The attached photos are of Laura Latham delivering the cheque and of the FEAT bus that takes children to visit their parents.  Rotary Etobicoke also sponsored the purchase of the bus.
CSC support of FEET for FEAT 2017-11-10 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke's Annual Student Backpack/School Supplies Project Underway

Posted on Aug 07, 2017

For the fourth year, Rotary Etobicoke's Hands-On Group is purchasing and packing items for student backpacks to be distributed to women's shelters, youth shelters, community centers, Salvation Army, refugee/newcomer families, health centers, police backpack fundraisers and community partner outreach programs    Gillian, Andre, Samantha, Lincoln and Louise have already started delivering over 320 filled bags across Etobicoke.     Each bag is colour coded according to grade and has a label "Proudly Provided by Rotary Etobicoke".

Rotary Etobicoke's Annual Student Backpack/School Supplies Project Underway 2017-08-07 04:00:00Z 0

Farewell Message From our President Greg Dobson

Thank you everyone,

As I pass the torch to new leadership, I sit back and ask myself “how did the year go by so fast?”

The answer lies within the members of the club, and the many hands on activities that occurred within the community. This would also include the many many hours members volunteer to ensure that the club’s “major fundraising” activity is successful.

As the year winds down, the truth is, I only facilitated the hard work and generous outpouring of selflessness behaviour by members that made my role easier. 

The Etobicoke Rotary Club is a gem of a club, and I now have a better understanding of why. I hope everyone else feels this too.

Thank you.

Greg

Farewell Message From our President Greg Dobson 2017-06-29 04:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Recognition

Posted on Jun 14, 2017
Past President Jack is receiving Paul Harris recognition from President Greg for his contribution to Polio Foundation
Paul Harris Recognition 2017-06-14 04:00:00Z 0

Welcome to Rotary!

Posted on Jun 14, 2017
Past President Jack, Membership Committee Chair Liz and President Greg are with the newest member Swaroop Rangam after the Induction Ceremony. Welcome to the Rotary family, Swaroop!
Welcome to Rotary! 2017-06-14 04:00:00Z 0
Darlene, the guess speaker, speaks about the Promise Campaign 2017-06-14 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke Funding Children to Attend Summer Camp

Posted on May 23, 2017
 
 
On Tuesday, May 23, Andre and Gillian, on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke's Community Services Committee, presented a cheque for $2,500 to Mike McGinnis, President of St. Vincent de Paul Society.     Our funding comes at a most opportune time to ensure that more children from disadvantaged homes, single parent families or challenged financial home environments will find themselves on the list of attendees for summer camp.    St. Vincent de Paul's goal is to send over 1,600 children to camp this year.   Marygrove Camp for girls aged between 5 and 13 is located in Penetenguishene.     The previously rented but recently purchased Camp Ozunam for boys aged between 7 and 12 is located in South River, north of Huntsville.     The  number of children who will benefit from attending camp is always growing and St. Vincent de Paul is hoping to extend the boys camp for one extra week.    Many of the children selected to attend summer camp have phoned St. Vincent de Paul's help line themselves.    After a home assessment visit with the children and families , as well as offering other forms of support, St. Vincent de Paul seeks community funding to help send the children to camp.   Most are city children who have never been able to participate in the camps' programs such as canoeing, fishing, swimming,  hiking, BBQs,  team challenges and games along with campfire songs and making new friendships.      In the photo are St. Vincent de Paul's President Mike McGinnis, Vice President John Menary,  Secretary Jolanta Galazka,  Youth Camp Director Alan and Etobicoke Warehouse Manager Stephen.
Rotary Etobicoke Funding Children to Attend Summer Camp 2017-05-23 04:00:00Z 0

Dorothy Ley Hospice

Posted on May 19, 2017
On Thursday, May 18,  Rotary Etobicoke's Community Services Committee was pleased to present a cheque for $1,000 to Dorothy Ley Hospice to support their annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser.    Melody Courtney, Senior Fund Development Officer, was very grateful to receive our financial contribution and commented how important and active Rotary Etobicoke is in our community.  Melody confirmed that with our cheque the total amount raised for their May 2017 fundraiser was $115,000. Hands on Etobicoke also provided a 17 member team of volunteers to assist at this important community fundraiser and Rotarian Mark's team raised another $1,000 doing a 50/50 lottery during the event.
Dorothy Ley Hospice 2017-05-19 04:00:00Z 0

Serenity

Our Club member and International award-winning Canadian photographer Peter Dusek presented Serenity his second art exhibit at Abbozzo Gallery on the 17th of May. Serenity is inspired by the philosophies of Japanese Zen and Chinese Tao, Serenity is an exhibition of contemplative minimalist photographs distilling the elements of Ontario’s Muskoka and Georgian Bay region into their purest form. Like slowly sinking into a warm bath, the exhibition will remove the viewer from the chaos of modern life and instill a feeling of Serenity in the heart and mind.
Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends came out to this wonderful evening of art, wine, food and fellowship. Peter talked about his art and took the visitors on the journey of his work.
From the proceeds of the evening we purchased two bed kits for Sleeping Children Around the World.
Serenity 2017-05-17 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke Celebrates Canada's 150th Birthday with Schools and Community Center

Posted on May 16, 2017

On 16 May, on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke's Community Services Committee, Gillian presented a cheque to Tiffany Jay from Suitcase Theatre Arts and Education Outreach.     Our funding will provide six performances of Suitcase Theatre's "All Aboard - An Adventure Across Canada" at schools and community centers in Etobicoke.     The fun, interactive, educational show celebrates Canada's 150th birthday and takes children on a journey by train, canoe and dog sled to learn about the people, the different cultures and the beautiful geography that make up our incredible country.     The original musical production  carries messages of friendship, co-operation and overcoming obstacles while helping children safely explore themes such as inclusivity, bullying and acceptance.    With  Rotary Etobicoke as a community partner  Suitcase Theatre will be able to bring the All Aboard educational show to children and their families in low-income, high priority neighbourhoods in Etobicoke who would not normally be able to enjoy a live coast to coast adventure showing the diversity of our people through song and dance.   

Rotary Etobicoke Celebrates Canada's 150th Birthday with Schools and Community Center 2017-05-16 04:00:00Z 0

Cookies for Mother's Day

In celebration of Mother's Day on Sunday, Hands on Etobicoke team of Gillian, Andre, Samantha and Lincoln made and delivered bags of assorted cookies and decorated cupcakes to Ernestine's Women's Shelter, Anduhyaun First Nations Emergency Shelter, Nekenaan Second Stage Housing Shelter and Salvation Army Kipling Temple and extra cupcakes to Youth Without Shelter.
Khajija Kathy Ali, Ernestine Coordinator, Engagement and Volunteers received the items from Gillian while standing in front of the portrait of Ernestine who inspired the first women's shelter in Toronto.     Jannies Le, Program Coordinator received the bags of cookies and cupcakes on behalf of Nekenaan and Anduhyaun Women's Shelters.     Rosemarie Bryan, Coordinator at Salvation Army Kipling received 30 bags of goodies and distributed to clients ahead of Sunday.  

Cookies for Mother's Day 2017-05-12 04:00:00Z 0

Donation in memory of Maxine Hartry

Posted on May 10, 2017
At this afternoon's luncheon at Old Mill Toronto, longtime club member Doug Hartry (pictured here with his three daughters, Rotary Etobicoke president Greg Dobson and guest speakers Rector Stephen and Ted Hampton) presented a donation in memory of his late wife Maxine to St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Islington - Toronto's Out Of The Cold program. Over the past year, the program gave overnight accommodation to 430 men and shared food with more than 700 men. These men in need were also given winter clothing, boots, shoes, toiletries, medical attention, laundry and shower facilities. 
Donation in memory of Maxine Hartry 2017-05-10 04:00:00Z 0

Hands-On Etobicoke Team Support for Dorothy Ley's Hike for Hospice Fundraiser

On May 7, Rotary Etobicoke for the third year, provided an important support team of 17 volunteers to assist at Dorothy Ley's annual Hike for Hospice Fundraiser.    Gillian is grateful for all the Rotarians, family and friends that donated their hard work and dedication to ensure this special event was successful.    Gillian was able to divide up our Rotarians to provide water bottles from our Rotary Etobicoke tent along with Ribfest volunteer information; volunteers to transport and set up a booth to provide water, fruit, hot chocolate and energy bars at the mid way point at Alderwood United Church; volunteers to assist with general set up for the courtyard BBQ and Closing Ceremony;  a team to cover 7 Route Marshal locations and a team to conduct a 50/50 lottery campaign.  Special thanks to Mark Winson for transporting and set up of our Rotary Etobicoke tent and for again leading the 50/50 lottery campaign which resulted in $1,000 in donations.  At the closing ceremony,   Melody Courtney, Dorothy Ley's Senior Fund Development Officer and Organizer of the Hike for Hospice Fundraiser, thanked Rotary Etobicoke for again providing a much needed team of volunteers and gave encouragement to all the hikers in the audience to consider volunteering at our Rotary Ribfest this summer.    Thanks again to our Hands on Etobicoke team of  Mark, Andre, Hugh, Fern, Roman, Laura, Sandra, Steve, Tiffany, Maggie, Samantha, Lincoln, Vaughan, Michael, Megha, Iosif and Gillian.  

Hands-On Etobicoke Team Support for Dorothy Ley's Hike for Hospice Fundraiser 2017-05-10 04:00:00Z 0

Congratulations to the new Interact Club Of Richview Collegiate Institute

On Tuesday, May 9, the sponsoring Rotary Club of Toronto West and Rotary Club of Etobicoke celebrated the charter of The Interact Club Of Richview Collegiate Institute. Rotarian Patti Wright organized and lead the induction of the 21 founding members along with District 7070 Governor  Jim Louttit and Interact Chair Andrea Tirone and introduced the new Interact Executive Committee and their members.    Each new member was presented with a certificate and pin.   The guests included representatives from 8 Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs and families of the new interactors.    

Gillian and Andre assisted with the preparations of the event along with members from the Toronto West Rotary Club and newly inducted Richview Interactors.  Andre delivered left over salad, dessert, snacks and vegetables from the charter dinner to Judy Leroux, manager of development, at Youth Without Shelter .  

Congratulations to the new Interact Club Of Richview Collegiate Institute 2017-05-09 04:00:00Z 0
Congratulations to the 2017-18 Executive Team of Rotaract Club of York University 2017-05-05 04:00:00Z 0

Goodies for LAMP

Posted on Apr 27, 2017
On Wednesday 26 April, Hands on Etobicoke's team of Gillian, Andre, Samantha and Tiffany provided cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, cream, chocolate and caramel sauces plus goodie bags for LAMP CHC's Drop In lunch for the community.    All the treats along with bananas, oranges and apples were a big hit.     LAMP's Drop In Center provides services for homeless and those living in poverty along with other community programs.     LAMP's Drop In Kitchen provides lunch every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to 80 to 120 clients and breakfast every Thursday and Saturday. 
 
 
Goodies for LAMP 2017-04-27 04:00:00Z 0

Easter goodies for LAMP

Posted on Apr 24, 2017

Andre and Gillian got a head start on the purchasing and packing of 120 bags of  goodies for LAMP CHC's belated Easter Lunch on Wednesday, April 26 for guests attending the Drop In Centre lunch and for their youth programs.    Hands On Etobicoke Team of Andre, Samantha, Lynda and Gillian will also be cooking and decorating all the desserts for this Community Lunch and helping, along with LAMP's own volunteers, with the set up, serving and take down for this Easter event.      LAMP's Adult Drop-In Center serves between 40-150 individuals who are homeless or living in poverty every day.  

Easter goodies for LAMP 2017-04-24 04:00:00Z 0

Earth Day and Global Youth Service Day

Posted on Apr 22, 2017
On April 22nd approximately 40 people from Toronto West Rotary Club, Etobicoke Collegiate Institute Interact Club, (the brand new) Richview Collegiate Institute Interact Club and our Rotary Etobicoke joined forces to clean up James Gardens. It was a spectacular sunny day to tidy up and remember how important our parks are to our wellbeing!! THANKYOU to all who helped and in particular Patti for organizing an event to celebrate both Earth Day and our youth.  Also thanks to Gill Dugas for coordinating pizza lunch and bringing fruit from our partners at Rexdale Health Centre and grandson Lincoln! See more pictures...
Earth Day and Global Youth Service Day 2017-04-22 04:00:00Z 0

Furniture bank

Posted by Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu on Apr 09, 2017
 
On Friday April 7th Hands On Etobicoke volunteered to help clients at the Furniture Bank select furniture they need for their homes.Furniture Bank is a charity & social enterprise that collects gently used furniture from the community and transfers them to families transitioning out of homelessness or displacement.The Furniture Bank helped create homes for nearly 11,000 people in 2016 and provides work for individuals facing barriers to employment. Rotarians Greg Dobson, Hugh Williams Anna Kuzmenko, Iosif Ciosa, Anthony Kasenda, Craig Ripley, Donna Cansfield, Anthony Kasenda, Fern Duarte, Theresa Sherwood and Rhena Fleming all took part. It was an educational experience. Families who are pre-approved to select various furniture pieces arrive for their appointment and are given 40 minutes with 2 volunteers to select the items they are allotted based on the size of their family, from what's available. Thank you to all who volunteered!!
Furniture bank Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-04-09 04:00:00Z 0

Anduhyaun and Nekenaan First Nations Women's Shelters

Posted on Apr 04, 2017

On Tuesday, April 4, with funding from Community Services Committee and support from our Hands on Etobicoke team Gillian, Andre and Samantha, 11 bins of  requested "most needed items and sizes" were delivered to Anduhyaun and Nekenaan First Nations Women's two shelters.     The requested items were sweaters, coats, blouses, tops, jeans, underwear, shoes, sweatpants, nightwear, personal hygiene items and towels.     A letter of thanks was received by Gillian  " It is with great joy that we receive these 11 large bins of clothing and essentials specifically purchased and packaged items for our women.  We can never express enough gratitude for your support.    We are proud to have you as our allies and supporters.  

Being a WAV agency, essentials are something that every client needs when coming into our organization.  In the last 12 months, over 400 women and children accessed Anduhyaun's services.   Your generous contributions help us to continue to provide so much to these women and children who have experienced violence.   With your help, Aboriginal women and children will always have a safe space at Anduhyaun where they can build and maintain their cultural identify, self-esteem and economies, physical and spiritual well-being."    Jannies Le, Program Coordinator.   Anduhyaun Inc.   

Anduhyaun and Nekenaan First Nations Women's Shelters 2017-04-04 04:00:00Z 0

Support Ernestine's Women's Shelter

Posted by Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu on Apr 03, 2017
Rotarian Theresa presents the cheque ($2,500) to Kathleen O'Gorman the smiling Manager of Development and Engagement at Ernestine's Women's Shelter, which is an organization run by women that provides support and shelter for women and children escaping violence.
Ernestine's assists both women and children in rebuilding their lives by providing crisis intervention and a range of holistic support services. The Rotary Club of Etobicoke is proud to provide funding in support of the summer day camp program for the children again for this year.
 
Support Ernestine's Women's Shelter Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-04-03 04:00:00Z 0

Supporting Etobicoke Arts

Posted by Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu on Mar 26, 2017
 
Rotarian Arnold Denton (center) with Louise Garfield (left. Executive Director of Etobicoke Arts) and Ruth Cumberbatch (Right, Development Manager). On behalf of Rotary Club of Etobicoke, Arnold presented a cheque of $1,460 to support an Art Exhibition at Etobicoke Arts to display the work of local artists who will attend the Queer Media Arts Project series of workshops. Etobicoke Arts' mission is to support local artists and develop accessible, meaningful arts experiences for the residents of Etobicoke and beyond. Rotary Club of Etobicoke actively supports the local community.
Supporting Etobicoke Arts Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-03-26 04:00:00Z 0

Member News

Posted by Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu on Mar 19, 2017
Our Club member and International award-winning Canadian photographer Peter Dusek (www.peterdusek.com) presents Serenity: Inspired by the philosophies of Japanese Zen and Chinese Tao, Serenity is an exhibition of contemplative minimalist photographs distilling the elements of Ontario’s Muskoka and Georgian Bay region into their purest form. Like slowly sinking into a warm bath, the exhibition will remove the viewer from the chaos of modern life and instill a feeling of Serenity in the heart and mind. Serenity is part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival and will take place at Abbozzo Gallery at 401 Richmond St. West, Suite 128, Toronto from April 29 to May 27 with the opening reception with the artist on Saturday, April 29th, from 1 to 4pm.
Member News Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-03-19 04:00:00Z 0

St. Margaret's Lakeshore Community Dinner

Posted by Gillian Dugas on Mar 17, 2017

On Friday, March 17 Rotary Etobicoke's Hands-On Etobicoke provided a team to sponsor and volunteer at St. Margaret's Lakeshore Community Dinner.    Gillian organized our sponsorship and participation along with Rotarians Andre and Theresa.    Every month St. Margaret's provides a community dinner for 120 plus guests at 5 p.m. on the third Friday.     Gillian arranged for 6 large trays of chicken penne to be made at a local restaurant and included her own 3 large cakes and three dozens muffins and bagels which Andre collected and delivered to St. Margaret's at 4 p.m.   Theresa purchased mixed salads, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers and salad dressing and brought her great cupcakes.    The dessert table was extremely impressive with 10 or more choices.    Many folks

St. Margaret's Lakeshore Community Dinner Gillian Dugas 2017-03-17 04:00:00Z 0

New Member Inductions

Posted by Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu on Mar 15, 2017
5 new members were inducted as Rotarians in Rotary Club of Etobicoke during the evening club meeting on March 15th. In picture there are new members Vicki Malo (2nd from right), Sandra Ornella (4th from left), Steve Ellero (5th from left), Jon Bozdogan(3rd from left), and Jerry Podgorski (3rd from right) along with Past President Jack Fleming, President elect Donna Cansfield and Membership Director Liz Read. Welcome to Rotary!
New Member Inductions Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-03-15 04:00:00Z 0

"Life is sales"

Posted by Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu on Mar 09, 2017
A fun lunch meeting with guess speaker Garry Ford on topic of "Life is Sales". Photo courtesy of Peter Dusek 
"Life is sales" Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-03-09 05:00:00Z 0

Canadian Friends of Aniquem

Posted by Gillian Dugas on Mar 09, 2017

Rotary Etobicoke has again helped sponsor CAFA (Canadian Friends of Aniquem) camp for 50 youth ages 10 to 18 all of whom have suffered significant burns in Lima, Peru.     As CAFA has reported in addition to physical recovery, children who have suffered burns need support to address physiological trauma, social isolation and loss of self-esteem.    The camps are integral to supporting this part of their recovery.    We are proud to continue our support for the third year as we know these camps promote play and the building of friendships and to create opportunities to build self-confidence.     We are also delighted to provide Rotary Etobicoke t-shirts every year for the youth and camp counsellors.     Gillian sorted and delivered the Rotary t-shirts and CAFA Vice President Murray Jones took the t-shirts to Lima in time for the February camp. "Notice the sea of blue and white".      One of the many wonderful projects around the world that Rotary Etobicoke supports.      

Canadian Friends of Aniquem Gillian Dugas 2017-03-09 05:00:00Z 0
Lieutenant Governor's reception in honour of Honouring Indigenous Peoples Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-02-27 05:00:00Z 0

Coldest Night of the Year

Posted by Gillian Dugas on Feb 25, 2017
On Saturday, February 25, Haven on the Queensway "Coldest Night of the Year" fundraising walk took place.  Walkers were taking part to experience the conditions of the homeless and needy in Etobicoke during the winter months.      Rotary Etobicoke is proud of our club members that walked to raise money for Haven's Community Center in cold temperatures and high winds.     Gillian, Michael, Joann, Jon, Laura and Hugh took on the 2 km route while Vicki did the full 10 km walk.     Vicki also did a wonderful job of raising pledges totalling $400 from her many supporters.    Many thanks to club members who personally pledged money to our team.   Gillian believes the total amount, after all pledges are received, should exceed $1,300.      Rotary Etobicoke was acknowledged and thanked several times during the event from Haven organizers for our ongoing support over three years.     
Coldest Night of the Year Gillian Dugas 2017-02-25 05:00:00Z 0

Government and Community Services Fair

Posted by Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu on Feb 11, 2017

Rotarian Liz Read and Ron Miller are working at the Government and Community Services Fair on Saturday Feb 11 at Cloverdale Mall.  This fair is co-hosted by Yvan Baker MPP and Peter Milczyn MPP and features over 110 exhibitors from the provincial government, along with community agencies and organizations. 

Government and Community Services Fair Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-02-11 05:00:00Z 0

91 Pallets of hockey equipment for 10 Northen Indigenous Communities

Posted on Feb 07, 2017
Feb. 7 2017,  Gerald Lue from Rotary Club of Etobicoke (First picture, Left) , Susan from Palgrave Rotary club (First picture, Right), Laura Latham from Franklin Horner Community Center (2nd picture,Left)  and Toronto City Councellor Mark Grimes (Third picture, Center) are at Sandy Lake First Nation community as part of the Hockey Equipment Drive initiative this year, which have supplied 10 northen communities with 91 pallets of hockey equipment, toys and other sundries. 
Thanks to all the volunteers. See more pictures...
91 Pallets of hockey equipment for 10 Northen Indigenous Communities Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-02-07 05:00:00Z 0

Token 4 Change

Posted on Feb 05, 2017
On Friday, February 3, a number of Rotarians  (and family) from our club, friends from Franklin Horner Community Centre and John Muto from the Rotary Club of Toronto West canvassed for Tokens4Change in support of Youth Without Shelter. John also enlisted 10 students from Etobicoke Collegiate Institute who were a big help!!
Tokens4Change took over the city...youth supporting youth, creating awareness about youth homelessness!
 
Together with all participants $97,614.26 was raised for essential youth transit needs and empowering support programs at Youth Without Shelter (YWS)
 
 At the Rotary Etobicoke canvassing location, Islington Station a total of $1,877.84 was raised! $230.77 of this was raised Single Handedly by our secret weapon Lincoln, Gill and Andre Dugas' grandson. Thanks Sam for bringing him!
 
Click "Read More" button to see the Thank you letter from Youth With Shelter...
Token 4 Change Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-02-05 05:00:00Z 0

Supporting Out of the Cold program

Posted on Jan 29, 2017

Every year St. Matthew's Church and St. Margaret's Church provide overnight accommodation, dinners, showers, winter clothing, breakfasts, lunches, friendship, comfort and compassion to  30 homeless men during the winter months.    And every year churches in Etobicoke reach out to Rotary Etobicoke to request our assistance in support of their Out of the Cold Program to provide the above services.   Along with financial support,   Rotary Etobicoke's Hands-On group has been responding with the provision of lunches through November, December and January to both Etobicoke churches.  

Today, January 29,  lunches were provided to St. Matthew's for their OOTC Program.    30 sandwiches of bologna, cheese and lettuce, along with bags of cookies and chocolates, oranges and apples and tins of orange juice were prepared and delivered by Gillian and Andre.   
 

Supporting Out of the Cold program 2017-01-29 05:00:00Z 0

York U Rotaract Case Competition

Posted on Jan 21, 2017
Social Think Tank – Me to WE – focusing on social entrepreneurship in a third world country
Held On Saturday January 21, 2016 at York University
Rotarian Greg Dobson, Gord Duncan, and Iosif Ciosa attended
Also present were Brian Spencer, Patti Wright and Liegton Reid from Toronto West club
York U Rotaract Case Competition Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-01-21 05:00:00Z 0

Sending 18 tonnes of gear to indigenous communities-More Volunteers Needed
 

Posted on Jan 05, 2017
 

Volunteers are needed to help us sort through the equipment before being shipped out to the remote northern Ontario communities.

 
Saturday, 14th January 10am - 5pm
Illumineer warehouse
6503 Northam Drive
Mississauga, ON  L4V1J2

If you need further info you can reach us at: 416 251 2226 Thank you for your help! 
 
Original news from By Alexandra Sienkiewicz, CBC Newshttp://www.cbc.ca/1.3922503 posted on Jan 05 2017.
 
That giant pile of hockey equipment you're looking at? Here's what's in it:
  • 18 tonnes of miscellaneous gear
  • 5,000 jerseys
  • 1,000 pairs of skates
That's a lot of gear. And the Etobicoke group that plans to donate all of it to indigenous communities in northern Ontario say they hope it will make a lot of kids very happy. 
Anyway you put it, it's a lot of hockey gear — and it's going to make a lot of kids, very happy.
That's a whole lot of hockey gear that's destined for northern Ontario. (CBC)
 
Gerald Lue is making his second annual hockey gear delivery. (CBC).
Gerald Lue, a member of the Etobicoke Rotary Club, came up with the idea after visiting Fort Hope, Ont., a community some 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
Sending 18 tonnes of gear to indigenous communities-More Volunteers Needed  Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-01-06 00:00:00Z 0

Support First Care Program for pregnant women and parents of newborns and infants up to age one

Posted on Jan 05, 2017

On Thursday, January 5, Rotarian Gillian presented Rotary Etobicoke's cheque for $1,500 to Haven on the Queensway's  Director Bev Hynek and Director of Development Susan Carbone.   The funds were provided to support Haven's First Care Program which meets the material and nutritional needs of pregnant women and parents of newborns and infants up to age one by providing food aid, clothing, diapers, formula and moral support. 

Support First Care Program for pregnant women and parents of newborns and infants up to age one Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2017-01-05 05:00:00Z 0

Happy Holidays

Posted on Dec 24, 2016
The Rotary Club of Etobicoke would like to wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season!
Happy Holidays Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2016-12-25 00:00:00Z 0

Spread holiday joy to Refugee families

Posted on Dec 24, 2016
Rotarians helped Rexdale Alliance Church put together a Christmas Dinner Party for 60+ refugee families from Syria and other countries. Rotarian Gillian Dugas (Back row Right), Andre Dugas (Back row Left) and the Syrian family they sponsored are in the second picture. Clink "Read More" for more pictures
 
Spread holiday joy to Refugee families Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2016-12-25 00:00:00Z 0

Salvation Army's toy drive

Posted on Dec 19, 2016

 

 

On Monday, December 19, Rotarians Gillian and Andre Dugas, along with daughter Samantha and grandson Lincoln did a volunteer shift at the Salvation Army Kipling Temple to assist in the distribution of Christmas toys.   Every year Rotarians join with Salvation Army and community volunteers in sorting and displaying the thousands of donated toys, games and other items.     Volunteers also greeted and assisted each parent in selecting gifts from the many tables of new  toys, games, sport equipment along with stocking stuffers, toiletries, clothing, books, gift cards and food.     A really great way to spend a morning as part of a team of wonderful volunteers and to meet many  happy parents who left with Christmas gifts for their children.        In the photo is Major Kester Trim, Rotarian Gillian and grandson Lincoln.    

Salvation Army's toy drive 2016-12-19 05:00:00Z 0

Plaque of appreciation

On Monday, December 5, Reverend Mark Gladding and Cara Wigle, Co-Ordinator of Lakeshore Out of the Cold Program, an outreach ministry of St. Margaret's Anglican Church presented The Rotary Club of Etobicoke with a plaque for their continued generosity in support of St. Margaret's Out of the Cold Program. For many years The Rotary Club of Etobicoke has provided financial support, dinners and lunches and winter clothing to St. Margaret's OOTC program. St. Margaret's OOTC program provides up to 35 homeless men with overnight accommodation, friendship and compassion, snacks, dinner, shower facilities, laundry, medical advice, winter clothing, breakfast and take away lunch from late November to early April.  

Plaque of appreciation Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2016-12-18 00:00:00Z 0

Out of the Cold 

Posted on Dec 17, 2016
Rotarian Lynda Ryder, Laura Latham and Michael Lu and their organizations National Silicates, Franklin Horner Community Center and Nurse Next Door Home Care Services prepared and delivered lunches to Out of the Cold Program at St. Margaret's Lakeshore & St.Matthew's church for homeless people on the street to come in out of the cold and have a good meal
Out of the Cold  Yu-Qing (Michael) Lu 2016-12-18 00:00:00Z 0

Can you feel the warmth?

Posted on Dec 17, 2016
Reverend Mark Gladding "gladly" received 9 pairs of winter boots for the Lakeshore Out of the Cold program at St. Margaret's Anglican Church donated via Rotary Club of Etobicoke's Community Services Committee and Hands On Etobicoke. The LOOTC program provides hot meals and emergency overnight accommodations to people who are homeless or hungry from November - April each year at various churches in the area.  Our Hands On Etobicoke team also provides lunches for this program.   Heavy boots are a coveted commodity at this time of the year. Reverend Mark was also overjoyed to receive the grocery bags that the boots came in...apparently they could use these too!
Can you feel the warmth? Michael Lu 2016-12-18 00:00:00Z 0

Helping St.Vincent de Paul

Posted on Dec 17, 2016

On December 8, Rotarians Gillian and Andre Dugas presented a $1,000 cheque to St. Vincent de Paul's President Mike McGinnis. Along with the cheque Gillian presented  toys, children's clothes, household items and seniors gifts to support St. Vincent de Paul's many programs, one of which being the home visits that St. Vincent de Paul's volunteers make to shut-ins offering a compassionate ear and assistance to those challenged in our Etobicoke community. Gillian and Andre also toured the store and warehouse located in Lakeshore and visited with St. Vincent de Paul's Women's Shelter. Also in the photo are John Menary, Vice President and Jolanta Galazka, Secretary. 

Helping St.Vincent de Paul Michael Lu 2016-12-18 00:00:00Z 0

The joy of toys

Posted on Dec 11, 2016

On December 7, Rotarian Gillian Dugas delivered toys and beautifully knitted vests to Theresa Stewart, Volunteer Services Administrator for LAMP Community Health Center's Toy Room. The toys will be distributed on December 14 to LAMP families in need for 400 children aged newborn to 16 years. In the photo is Keddove Dias, Director, Community Programs and Shannon Ashman, Manager, Youth Programs. LAMP CHC is a multi-service, community based... 

The joy of toys Michael Lu 2016-12-12 00:00:00Z 0

Help kids learn science

Posted on Dec 11, 2016
Over the last two years, Rotary Club of Etobicoke had supported the Visions of Science by supporting the purchase of experiment equipment. Last year we helped purchase the MyScope microscope units. This year we helped purchase the Squishy Circuits! See photos of kids enjoying the new Squishy Circuits sets. It makes learning fun and engaging. 
Help kids learn science Michael Lu 2016-12-12 00:00:00Z 0

Gifts for seniors alone at Christmas

Posted on Dec 11, 2016

On Monday, December 5, Rotarians Gillian and Andre Dugas presented 25 beautiful baskets prepared by Gillian on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke to Laura Latham, Executive Director of Franklin Horner Community Center. The baskets filled with goodies will be given to seniors attending Franklin Horner's Christmas Day dinner for "Seniors Alone At Christmas".

Gifts for seniors alone at Christmas Michael Lu 2016-12-12 00:00:00Z 0

Keeping homeless "Out of the Cold"

Posted on Dec 11, 2016

On Monday, December 5, Rotarian Gillian Dugas presented a $1,000 cheque to St. Margaret's Lakeshore Church in support of their Out of the Cold Program for 30 homeless men.  St. Margaret's provides overnight accommodation every Monday night from November to April for the men along with shower facilities, laundry, dinner, winter clothing, breakfast and take away lunch. 

 

 

Keeping homeless "Out of the Cold" Michael Lu 2016-12-12 00:00:00Z 0

Partnership keeps "Sharks" swimming

Posted on Dec 05, 2016
"Partnerships play a pivotal role in the development of strong, healthy communities.  Community engagement is a vital part of a truly successful relationship and although financial contribution is important, engaged stakeholders makes for a happy, well-balanced partnership." said Rotarian Lynda Ryder (front row, center). Lynda, along with James Maloney (back row, 3rd from left) MP of Etobicoke-Lakeshore, visited "The Sharks", a Para-Olympian swimming team in Etobicoke servicing 18 swimmers with mental disability. Rotary Club of Etobicoke donated $2,500 to fund their pool rental for a year and partnered with National Silicates who funed some swimming suits. Happy swim Sharks!!
Partnership keeps "Sharks" swimming Michael Lu 2016-12-06 00:00:00Z 0

Gatehouse got the support needed

Posted on Dec 04, 2016

Last week, Rotary Club of Etobicoke Community Service Committee member Mary Grogan presented Maria Barcelos, Executive Director of The Gatehouse, with a cheque donation on behalf of the club. Rotary Etobicoke has a long history of supporting the services and programs of The Gatehouse, which is the only centre that provides peer support programs and services for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Gatehouse got the support needed Michael Lu 2016-12-05 00:00:00Z 0

Supporting St.Matthew's Church Out of the Cold Program

Posted on Dec 04, 2016

On December 4, Rotarian Gillian Dugas presented a $1,000 cheque to support St. Matthew's Church Out of the Cold Program. St. Matthew's volunteer team provides overnight accommodation for 27 homeless men along with dinner,  movie, good company and an early breakfast and take away lunch every Sunday from late November to early April.

     

Supporting St.Matthew's Church Out of the Cold Program 2016-12-05 00:00:00Z 0

Support Women's Habitat

Posted on Dec 04, 2016
Rotarian Theresa (Right) delivered 3 boxes (108 bags) of rice meals from our Kids Against Hunger food packing event last weekend to Lina Almanzan (Left) from Women's Habitat on Wednesday November 23rd.
Support Women's Habitat Michael Lu 2016-12-05 00:00:00Z 0

Division 22 Cram A Cruiser

Posted on Nov 25, 2016

Lincoln, the grandson of Rotarian Andre and Gillian Dugas, and Officer Quinn are in picture. On Saturday Nov 26 2016, on behalf of Rotary Etobicoke, Rotarian Andre and Gillian  Dugas along with their daughter Samantha and grandson Lindoln, were dropping off food to support Division 22's Cram A Cruiser Fundraiser for local food banks.

Division 22 Cram A Cruiser Michael Lu 2016-11-26 00:00:00Z 0

Used Hockey Equipment Drive for First Nations Children & Youth

Posted on Nov 24, 2016

The Rotary club of Etobicoke and Palgrave Rotary Club is preparing to send Hockey equipment to First Nations in remote communities in Northern Ontario.

Got something to donate? Please bring your used hockey equipment to MasterCard Centre. 400 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3L1 on Sat Dec 3rd 2016

Used Hockey Equipment Drive for First Nations Children & Youth Michael Lu 2016-11-25 00:00:00Z 0

Support St.James Food Basket

Posted on Nov 20, 2016

Rotarian Gill Dugas presented a cheque of $1,000 along with 6 boxes or 216 bags of rice, on behalf of Rotary Club of Etobicoke, to support St. James Food Basket. St. James Food Basket provides food and services to 205 families each week, that is 672 people per week or close to 29,000 in 2016.

Support St.James Food Basket Michael Lu 2016-11-21 00:00:00Z 0

Kids Against Hunger Packing

Posted on Nov 18, 2016
Rotary in action: A fun packing event happened on November 19 2016 at Etobicoke Salvation Army Temple. Rotarians, families and friends partnered with Kids Against Hunger and packed total 15,000 meals to be distributed to different organizations in need including Food Banks, in time for Christmas. Check it out from the video: https://youtu.be/p1v1nhEbmMg
 
 
 
Kids Against Hunger Packing Michael Lu 2016-11-19 00:00:00Z 0

Delivery of toiletries to Haven On the Queensway

Posted on Nov 06, 2016
Rotarian Gill Dugas (Left) and Bev Hynek, Director of Haven on the Queensway. Bev expressed her appreciation for the  13 shoe boxes of toiletries for their Hope on Wheels program that Gill delivered last week.  
Delivery of toiletries to Haven On the Queensway Michael Lu 2016-11-07 00:00:00Z 0
Support the development of St. Joseph's Health Centre's emergency room Michael Lu 2016-11-02 00:00:00Z 0
Painting rooms at Youth Without Shelter Michael Lu 2016-10-27 00:00:00Z 0

Getting Ready for Winter,

Posted on Oct 17, 2016
The Hands on Etobicoke committee organized another great opportunity for Rotarians to make a difference in our community.
On Saturday, 15th October the team of 15 Rotarians volunteered at Brands for Canada to sort and pack more than 1,946 pairs of shoes, boots and winter accessories for  people in need.
Getting Ready for Winter, 2016-10-18 00:00:00Z 0

Children are back at Silvercreek Park

Last year, Gill and Andre visited the Silvercreek children's park, the playground was empty of children, the equipment was broken and derelict. Something needed to be done to bring life back to this playground, bring the children back. Gill and Andre members of the Community Service Community got the club involved and the children are finally back.
Children are back at Silvercreek Park Iosif Ciosa 2016-08-28 00:00:00Z 0

Getting Ready For School

Posted on Aug 19, 2016

Members of the HANDS-ON-ETOBICOKE  committee came together on Saturday,  the 20th of August at the clubhouse to "Get Ready for School". It was a fun filled afternoon with laughter,  crafts, counting, fellowship, imagining the smiles on the children's faces on the first day of school as they carry their new backpacks filled with supplies ready to embark on  the new school year.

   
Getting Ready For School Iosif Ciosa 2016-08-20 00:00:00Z 0

Supporting the LAMPCHC/Division 22 School Supplies Drive

On Wednesday, August 17, Rotary Club of Etobicoke was pleased to provide at the Big Idea Forum held at Franklin Horner Community Center, Division 22 with the following items for their LAMPCHC/Division 22 school supplies fundraiser "Back to School" taking place on September 1 for the community. Constable Jamie Juhasz was on hand to receive the supplies.

 

Supporting the LAMPCHC/Division 22 School Supplies Drive Iosif Ciosa 2016-08-17 00:00:00Z 0

These Guys are Golden

On Wednesday, the Toronto Ribfest and Rotary Etobicoke won a ‘GOLD’ award from the Recycling Council of Ontario for its waste diversion efforts (recycling and composting) at Ribfest!  Congratulations to Barry Friesen for all the planning and coordination that went into this; and, to the many young and old volunteers who sorted and sifted to keep the festival clean and the waste properly disposed. 
(Lots more pictures below.  Click "Read more...")
These Guys are Golden 2015-10-23 00:00:00Z 0

MicroSkills - A Rotary "Legacy" Project

In partnership with Toronto West, Rotary Etobicoke funded a three year $300K project to build and furnish the new MicroSkills Rotary Youth Centre at Islington and Dixon which held its open house last week.  Club members were treated to a blast of colour and the realization that we are going to be making a lasting impact on thousands in the community.  
 
More pictures within!...
MicroSkills - A Rotary "Legacy" Project 2015-10-12 00:00:00Z 0

Premier Community Round Table

Last Thursday, Rotarians Jack Fleming (Club President); Yvan Baker (MPP); and, Bryan Pett (Toronto West club) met with the Premier and other community leaders to discuss issues such as seniors support, youth violence, mental health and more.  And, to get this great picture taken....!
Premier Community Round Table 2015-08-27 00:00:00Z 0
Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) Recognition for Peter D. 2015-08-26 00:00:00Z 0
Supporting Landmine Affected Families in Cambodia Gillian Dugas 2015-04-10 00:00:00Z 0
Team Ribfest at Haven's Coldest Night of the Year Gillian Dugas 2015-02-25 00:00:00Z 0

Children's Toys for St. Joe's

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We received this email from St. Joe's Hospital on Saturday...  More stellar work from Hands On Etobicoke!
 
Hi Gill,
It was lovely to meet you and Andre yesterday.  Thank you so much for dropping off the 245 toys for our pediatric patients (Children's Treasure Toy Chest) and the flowers/note cards for our seniors at St. Joseph's Health Centre.  We delivered them to the floors later in the day, and our team was thrilled.  Ellen was able to deliver the flowers/note cards and she said that the  patients on our seniors floor were very happy to receive these thoughtful gifts from Rotary Etobicoke.  Please pass along our thanks and appreciation to your Club and to Hallmark.
Children's Toys for St. Joe's 2015-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

Bearable Toys for Cancer Kids

At the request of Rotarian Lynn Manwar The Rotary Club of Etobicoke was proud to provide toys for The Children's Cancer Recovery Project.  The toys will be distributed in the Bear-Able Gift Program to "make children smile and take their minds off cancer treatments"
Bearable Toys for Cancer Kids 2014-12-04 00:00:00Z 0

Scholarships for Humber College

Maati and Jack providing a cheque to Humber's senior management team( Jason Hunter and Alister Mathieson) in support of the scholarships that Youth Service set up for Humber's students.  This year, three students with disabilities benefited from our scholarships as well as a student from the business school. See Etobicoke Guardian article!.

Scholarships for Humber College 2014-12-02 00:00:00Z 0

Best EVER!

According to Kids Against Hunger, the food packing event on Saturday, Nov 22 was their best EVER!  Thanks to all the volunteers and to Rotary's "Hand's on Etobicoke" crew led by Gill Dugas.  The pictures tell a great story, but read the full account below from Gill and find out just how much this amazing team accomplished!
Best EVER! 2014-11-28 00:00:00Z 0

Halloween Bags

Posted on Nov 14, 2014
Rotary Etobicoke's hands-on group, along with St. Margaret's Youth Group, filled 170 Halloween bags while participating in a cooking evening at St. Margaret's Church on Tuesday, October 28.

The Halloween bags were delivered to:
  •  Haven on the Queensway for their outreach program
  •  Anduhyaun and Nekenaan First Nations Women's Shelters
  •  St. James Food Basket for their outreach program
  •  Jean Tweed for their two Strengthening Families Program (see photo)
  •  St. Margaret's Youth Group
Thank you to all the fast hands that filled all those bags, especially Linda's husband who led the packing with St. Margaret's Youth Group, and to everyone that delivered the bags in time for Halloween
Halloween Bags 2014-11-15 00:00:00Z 0

CONGRATULATIONS Fellow Rotarians!

Posted on Oct 27, 2014
Congratulations to fellow club members Justin Di Ciano (Ward 5) and John Campbell (Ward 4) for winning the October 27 municipal elections and becoming councilors for the City of Toronto. 
 
Also congratulations to club members Tony Vella (Ward 6) and John Moskalyk (Ward 3) for running and doing a great job representing the Service Above Self ideals of Rotary in your campaigns.  
 
(click "Read more.." for pictures)!
CONGRATULATIONS Fellow Rotarians! 2014-10-28 00:00:00Z 0

BackPacks!

Posted on Sep 17, 2014
On Tuesday, August 26, Rotary Etobicoke's team of Theresa, Andre, Liz, Keith, Lynda, Kester, Hugh, Mark, Diane and Gill packed 144 backpack with school supplies.    
Those backpacks have been distributed to
  • Microskills Youth Center
  • Anduhyaun and Nekenaan First Nations Women's Shelters
  • Jean Tweed Center for Women and their Families
  • Haven on the Queensway for their Children's Outreach Program
  • YWCA's Native CAS
  • Albion Neighbourhood's Boys and Girls Club
  • Salvation Army Kipling Temple.
  • St. James Food Basket for their Families Outreach Program

BackPacks! 2014-09-18 00:00:00Z 0

90 Gallons of Something Fishy

Posted on Sep 15, 2014
Rotary Etobicoke provided $5,000 to the George Hull Centre for a 90 gallon aquarium for their reception area of their recently opened new centre.   An official opening ceremony will be held in November at which the club will have a plaque put on the tank as a thank you. 
 
Research has shown that watching fish in an aquarium reduces blood pressure, stress, anger and fear while increasing good feelings and calms children diagnosed with ADHD.  The George Hull Centre serves children from birth to age 18 and their families.  The Centre treats children and youth with mental health issues ranging from depression to separation anxiety to diagnosed psychiatric disorders and severe trauma.  
90 Gallons of Something Fishy Gillian Dugas 2014-09-16 00:00:00Z 0

St James Food Basket Growing

Posted on Sep 15, 2014
Thanks to Rotary​ Etobicoke, St James Food Basket now has a new shed for their community garden along with a new stone walkway, a gate that actually locks, an in-progress composter, new garden tools, replenished soil, and plants.  The Food Basket distributes the produce they grow to their clients and use it in their kitchen when they prepare the communal meals.
St James Food Basket Growing Gillian Dugas 2014-09-16 00:00:00Z 0

MicroSkills - Cheque THIS out!

Posted on Sep 01, 2014
100 Big Ones (there's another $50K from Toronto West Club not shown in the picture).  That's not bad!  And it's only a third of the amount our clubs have pledged to help build the new MicroSkills Youth Centre at Islington and Dixon.  
 
Although it may look like a studio, the picture was taken in front of one of the new blank walls in the centre as it is currently under construction.  A very exciting time for the MicroSkills team and the youth in the area who use their services.  In the photo are Jack Fleming and Theresa Sherwood from Rotary Etobicoke, with Hazel Webb of MicroSkills in the middle.
MicroSkills - Cheque THIS out! 2014-09-02 00:00:00Z 0
Hands on Etobicoke Delivers the St, Margarets Out of the Cold Program Gillian Dugas 2014-02-10 00:00:00Z 0

Kids Against Hunger meets Hands On Etobicoke

Posted by Gillian Dugas on Nov 29, 2013

Our Hands On Etobicoke program had a remarkable day on Saturday as club members were supported by Rotaractors from York U, Air Cadets, and the Salvation Army church (which hosted the event and provided some carolers for moral support!) as the team packages thousands of food packs for distribution in the community and around the world. Image

Kids Against Hunger meets Hands On Etobicoke Gillian Dugas 2013-11-30 00:00:00Z 0

Media Coverage of our Child Hunger Relief Concert

Posted by Hugh Williams on Jun 27, 2013

The Sweet Sounds of Summer               

The Toronto Sounds of Summer Child Hunger Relief Concert was the perfect way to build some excitement leading up to the famous annual Toronto Ribfest. On Thursday, June 27th, people of all ages enjoyed ribs, corn, cold beer and pop while sharing good...Read More... <http://snapd.at/eexz6v>
Media Coverage of our Child Hunger Relief Concert Hugh Williams 2013-06-28 00:00:00Z 0

Pasta and More for Light Patrol

Posted by Hugh Williams on May 21, 2013

Hands-On Etobicoke is back at it - this time providing an awesome meal for the youth at Light Patrol. 

According to Gillian Dugas, the kitchen there is so small (almost like a cupboard) that it was fortunate the team pre-prepared the food (sandwiches, cookies, and pasta!)

Here is what two huge trays of pasta, 70 sandwiches and 250 cookies looks like:    

pasta and more for Light Patrol Youth

Pasta and More for Light Patrol Hugh Williams 2013-05-22 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Etobicoke Contribution to Basketeers

Posted by Gillian Dugas on Nov 16, 2012
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The Rotary Club of Etobicoke is proud to have once again contributed $1,000 in purchased household and personal items to go into 5 baskets for women and families in shelters around Toronto and surrounding areas.
Rotary Etobicoke Contribution to Basketeers Gillian Dugas 2012-11-17 00:00:00Z 0

Remembering Our Friend Ken Bromley

A note from Lynda Ryder...

Ken was such a wonderful person.

It was my honour to be associated with Ken. His sense of humour; strong loyalty (he rarely missed a meeting); his concern for others (his many volunteer years with the Travelers Assistance at the airport); and his unbelievable humility. One of Ken’s greatest joys was receiving a Paul Harris Fellow. I can’t remember a Ribfest or Rotary auction where Ken wasn’t in attendance.

My last words to him, last Wednesday, were “Ken, you are on door next week” and Ken replied “I’m looking forward to it, it’s my favourite job”.

The Rotary Club of Etobicoke has lost one of its’ very finest.

(Ken Bromley passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012.) 

Remembering Our Friend Ken Bromley Hugh Williams 2012-03-13 00:00:00Z 0

Community Living Mississauga Honouring Ralph Chiodo

Posted on Feb 13, 2012

On Thursday, March 8, 2012 the Community Living Mississauga Foundation  at a dinner in his honour, Ralph received a letter from the Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulating him  and specifically mentioned his involvement with the Rotary Club of Etobicoke and the Trillium Health Centre

The proceeds were in support of the Community Living Mississauga Foundation which provides support to individuals who have an intellectual disability.

Over 400 people attended the dinner and approximately $140,000 was raised.  Congratulations Ralph!

 

Community Living Mississauga Honouring Ralph Chiodo 2012-02-14 00:00:00Z 0

Toronto Ribfest 2014

Posted by Hugh Williams
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A great team effort once again produced a fun, successful Toronto Ribfest.  

Some members, like Liz Read (Volunteers) and Michael Lu (Stores), took on leadership roles in existing jobs for the first time and did a great job; while others, like Theresa Sherwood (merchandise) and Stephen Mbonye (parking) had new jobs that had never been tried.  

Thanks to Peter Dusek, we again have a compelling and entertaining view of the festival through his creative lens.  Be sure to take look online at: http://www.peterdusek.com/#!/portfolio/C0000NOHw4jmv6Ww/G0000bk9_D6KT37g

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Toronto Ribfest 2014 Hugh Williams 0

Toronto Ribfest - June 27 to July 1, 2014

Club members and hundreds of volunteers put on the 15th Annual Toronto Ribfest fundraiser June 27 to July 1 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke.  The event raised a lot of money for community organizations, students, and the many international projects the club supports.  We are already gearing up for 2015!   Visit TorontoRibfest.com for more information.  

Last year's event was awarded the Festival and Events Ontario "Top 100 Festival and Event in Ontario" award for the third straight year! 

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Toronto Ribfest - June 27 to July 1, 2014 0

Comfort Stars - Opportunity for Our Direct Support

Posted by Hugh Williams

Rotarian Alice Otupiri is passionate about helping children and spends half the year in Ghana running the Comfort Stars Athletic Club for inner city at-risk boys and girls ages three and older.  Comfort Stars is situated at La-koo, a suburb of Accra in Ghana. Comfort Star's objective is to instill in the children a sense of self-worth and to encourage them to realize the potential they have to become responsible citizens and future leaders of their community. This is done by helping the children to stay in school. Since good quality education in developing countries is difficult to come by, funds are being raised by Rotary Etobicoke to support Alice's work and the children.

Please Donate Now online through CanadaHelps and select the "Comfort Stars" project to support these children who are determined to make something of their lives.Image

Comfort Stars - Opportunity for Our Direct Support Hugh Williams 0

Hands on at Youth Without Shelter - Painting Challenge!

Posted by Gillian Dugas
        On Tuesday, March 25 Rotary Etobicoke and Rotaract Club of York University teamed up to paint 4 bedrooms in Youth Without Shelter.       With the wonderful support of Judy Leroux, Mike Burnett and the always generous and encouraging staff at YWS, we spent a really fun day working on refreshing the rooms and coming up with the best designs.       The competition between the 4 teams resulted in excellent designs which can be seen on our club's Facebook.    First place ribbon went to Amir along with a super hero cup full of chocolates.  

         Thank you to everyone for giving your time, energy and passion to make a big difference to 8 of the homeless youth staying in YWS.       Keith and Drew are not in the photo, however, they contributed a big part to the project.      Lots of photos on our Facebook.    

Image 

Hands on at Youth Without Shelter - Painting Challenge! Gillian Dugas 0
Homeless Youth - Skills and Fun at Humber Arboretum Hugh Williams 0
Rexdale Hub Beautification Project Hugh Williams 0

Our Club's School in Liberia

Posted by Gillian Dugas
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Two years ago, Rotary Club of Etobicoke funded the building of a basic school building for 400+ students in the Township of Nimba, Liberia.  New funding from the club now approved for benches, floor, blackboards and more. 
Our Club's School in Liberia Gillian Dugas 0

Family Flood Recovery Fund

Posted by Hugh Williams

Rotary Etobicoke responds to the local floods and the hardships caused by partnering with Salvation Army - Etobicoke Temple and providing $10,000 with a challenge to the community to DONATE MORE! and help families in need. 

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Family Flood Recovery Fund Hugh Williams 0

Toronto District School Board - Partnering to End Child Hunger - Nutritiously!

Posted by Hugh Williams
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logotrans Image

The Toronto Sounds of Summer (SOS) Child Hunger Relief Concert happened on June 27!  A few hundred tickets were sold and the band was really great. 

Visit TorontoSOS.ca for more information. 

The partners included: Rotary;  Toronto District School Board; Toronto Foundation for Student Success; Angel Foundation for Learning; Second Harvest; PACT; North York Harvest Food Bank; Salvation Army (Etobicoke); LAMP Community Health Centre (CHC); Rexdale CHC; Stonegate CHC; St. James Food Basket. 

Toronto District School Board - Partnering to End Child Hunger - Nutritiously! Hugh Williams 0

Toronto Ribfest. Friday, June 28 to Monday, July 1

Posted by Hugh Williams

Members of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke and several other terrific volunteers pulled together to put on this year's Toronto Ribfest. 

Great food, music, and lots of things to see were the trademark this our 14th annual festival. 

Visit the TorontoRibfest.com web site. 

Winner of Top 100 Festivals and Events for two years in a row. 

 

Toronto Ribfest. Friday, June 28 to Monday, July 1 Hugh Williams 0

Rotary Etobicoke Recognized for Excellence in Communications

Posted by Hugh Williams

Rotary Etobicoke won the "Bulletin of the Year" award at this year's District Conference.

Communications is vital to the well-being of any organization - so it's fabulous to see our club being recognized for this.  Congratulations to Frederik and Ron for their continued dedication and work in ensuring our club members can easily stay informed of what's happening. 

Great job guys!Image

Rotary Etobicoke Recognized for Excellence in Communications Hugh Williams 0

Bag Packing at No Frills

Posted by Hugh Williams
ImageRotary Etobicoke was back out again at the No Frills at Rathburn and Renforth (hey, that's right beside the Toronto Ribfest site!) on Saturday, Sept. 15 for another hands-on fundraiser for Polio and our own International Committee coffers.  Just over $300 was the final tally - plus a lot of smiles. 
Bag Packing at No Frills Hugh Williams 0

Basketeers - A Great "Hands-On" Opportunity

Posted by Hugh Williams
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Gillian and Andre are coordinating a club Basketeer project with the club.  Basketeers is a powerful program and terrific young organization that "supports women in new beginnings".  By creating a laundry basket full of important things that moms need, Andre and Gillian are helping make a difference. 
Basketeers - A Great "Hands-On" Opportunity Hugh Williams 0
Regular Meeting Canceled July 18 - Moved to July 19 7:00PM at Kalamata. See News item and Event Item Hugh Williams 0
Rotary Food Initiative - Launched at Toronto Ribfest Hugh Williams 0
And Then They'll Grow - now on iTunes! Hugh Williams 0

Thank You Ron Miller

Posted by Hugh Williams
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At our Presidential hand-over meeting on Wednesday, July 4, Ron shared his thoughts about the year that was - outlining both the difficulties and the many successes for his year as President.

Everyone in the club says THANK YOU RON, for your leadership, for being a concensus builder, for helping implement a new set of club by-laws, for leading a strategic planning session, for holding the club together when the times were tough, and for demonstrating great patience in letting things work out. (For Ron's complete remarks at the meeting, please see the July 4 bulletin distributed by Frederik).
Thank You Ron Miller Hugh Williams 0
Toronto Ribfest - Another Great Success Hugh Williams 0
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