Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. There are over 45, 000 Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in more than 180 countries.

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. We are truly a cross-section of the community’s citizens and are open to all cultures, races, and creeds.

In February of 1905 Paul Harris and three of his friends came together to form a new club, Rotary. It was named as such because to describe their practice of rotating their meeting location, taking turns to host in their various places of business.

This Chicago based Rotary organization grew rapidly, with the first International Rotary Club was founded in 1910 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The 55th club brought Rotary to Ontario. The Rotary Club of Toronto was organized in 1912 - they are our sponsor Rotary club. By 1921, Rotary International it had clubs on six continents. Part of what makes Rotary so special is that they are formed so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships… and we definitely do.

In order for such a large organization to function efficiently, there needs to be a lot of structure. Clubs come together to form Districts (we are a part of District 7070). Districts come together to form Zones. As of July 1, 2020 we are part of we will become part of Zone 28. Rotary International is the governing body for us all, their headquarters are in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of where Rotary was founded (Chicago). They have a ton of resources for Rotary/Rotaract members, check out their website: https://www.rotary.org/en.

District 7070 extends from Picton in the east to the west end of the Metropolitan Toronto, We go as far north as New Market and south to Lake Ontario. There are approximately two thousand members (but we are always growing) and over more than 50 Rotary and Rotaract clubs.