MAY 10, 2017

Michele Guy and Michael Cooksey, Co-Chairs of the Rotary International Convention Toronto 2018 were on board to verse Rotary Toronto Eglinton in the excitement mounting around Toronto's 5th hosting of Rotary's annual International celebration.

 

Michele is a Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Club of Toronto, and Michael is a Past District Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Scarborough.  Together with a presentation filled with humour and enthusiasm, it became obvious why they are Co-Chairs of this event!

 

Armed with a new tourism Toronto video, a pumped up overview of Toronto's highlights, they set the stage  describing what will be involved in hosting 25,000+ Rotarians from around the world (http://www.seetorontonow.com/explore-toronto/this-is-toronto/#sm.00000wfcz30kdwevfwg3avvubrqw8 ).  Planning is well underway with the assistance of Rotary International, the International Convention Committee and the Host Organizing Committee (the City of Toronto and surrounding Rotary Districts).  Highlights will include a House of Friendship, 2 major cultural events and the traditional Monday evening Host Hospitality.  Venues such as the ACC, the CNE grounds and the Toronto Convention Centre have all been booked with plans for a Rib Fest, Symphony in the Park at Casa Loma and an event in the Distillery District. Toronto is known as a safe and diverse city which will allow all Rotarians to join in the celebrations as well as the Rotary conference sessions.

 

The upcoming Atlanta Convention 2017, scheduled for June 10-14, will be the next big opportunity to spread the news to International Rotarians. Toronto will host an information booth to highlight both our city and next year's Convention. The possibility of the Stanley Cup Hockey final making it to Toronto (it is possible in our lifetimes!!)has pushed back the date for next year's Convention to June 23-27th. A discounted registration for the Toronto Convention in 2018 will be available online during the dates of the Atlanta convention. Besides  registering as an attendee, the need for volunteers will be huge. 1200-1500 local Rotarians will be required to be ambassadors for our city and country, and fill roles as greeters, guides, hosts for the Host Hospitality and many other on-site positions. The huge economic benefit for our city and province has brought both levels of government on boards as partners.

 

Jackie Davis, Co-Chair of Host Hospitality for the 2018 Convention, was present and met with RTE member Sandy L to initiate conversations as to how RTE can be involved. Get ready and be amazed with a most exciting opportunity for all Rotarians at the Rotary International Convention Toronto 2018!