May saw us host two in-person meetings; one for D7080 Presidents & President Elects, and also the District Conference.
 
We offered the Presidents’ dinner as a hybrid, with frankly mixed results.  Clearly we have a ways to go in working with the technology, but we will persevere as it offers an opportunity to get together and to be inclusive.
 
Talking of which, inclusiveness was one of the themes at the District Conference which was attended by 100+ Rotarians. Our opening speaker, Dr. “Bowtie” Todd talked about the importance of inclusivity, striving for everyone to feel included.
 
Our goal with the conference this year was to create a learning, fun experience rather than offer traditional training sessions, and I believe we achieved that. Pictures from the day can be found below. 
 
As always Neil Dunsmore delivered an inspiring keynote which motivated and empowered the audience to do more.  The Making Box got everyone to mix and mingle and develop a team approach to the group activity, with people working with new colleagues.
 
The entire day was very much a team effort, and I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank the people below for all their hard work behind the scenes to make the event happen.
 
  •    Susanne Zbinden, DisCon 2022 Committee Chair
  •    Sandhya Maini, District Governor Elect 
  •    Brenda Halloran, District Governor Nominee  
  •    Sohail Naseer, DGND    
  •    Bill Proctor, Conference Registrar 
  •    Katie Giddy, Master of Ceremonies
  •    Sally Litchfield, Event Management
  •    Dan Dubreuil, Event Communications 
  •    Paul Walman,  Facility Logistics and Signage
  •    Ahona Mutsuddi, Administrative Assistant
  •    Fionna Ferguson, Diversity Equity and Inclusion
  •    Kathleen Dick, Awards
  •    Timothy Whitehead, Advisor
  •    Pari Gujar, Rotaractor
  •    Uche Okugo, Invocation
  •    Louise Gardiner, Land Acknowledgement
  •    Rob Galloway, Guest Introduction
  •    Badar Shamim, Polio Plus
  •    Spiro Dracopoulos, Facilities
 
 
We also presented a special Dream Big Award to George Farrow for his vision and ongoing belief that when we work together, big things can happen.
 
June is going to be another busy month.  I encourage you all to attend the Changeover and Awards Celebration on June 29 at the Burlington Convention Centre. The awards presented at the event recognize the extraordinary effort of members throughout the district.. It's not be be missed, please register today!   And on July 5, we welcome Jennifer Jones as she stops in Toronto as part of her cross-country Imagine Rotary Tour.  Please check-out the event website for ways to get involved.