Breaking the Intergenerational Cycle of Poverty Through Early Prevention
Addressing poverty, violence, and youth crime often means responding after harm has already occurred. Our guest speaker believes we also need to ask a different question: what can we do earlier to change the outcome?
At our October 7 dinner meeting, the Rotary Club of Toronto welcomed David Lockett, President and Co-Founder of the PACT Urban Peace Program and author of Survival of the Kindest. A long-time Rotarian, social entrepreneur, and community leader, David brings more than three decades of experience working with vulnerable youth, families, survivors of domestic violence, and communities facing complex social challenges.
His journey began with work addressing domestic violence and eventually led him to a deeper question: rather than only responding to the consequences of violence, poverty, and youth crime, what would it take to intervene earlier and break the cycle before it is carried into the next generation?
David spoke about the realities faced by young people growing up in unstable homes, experiencing poverty and violence, and becoming involved with the justice system. One of his central messages was that these challenges often do not begin with the individual child. They can be part of long-standing intergenerational patterns shaped by family circumstances, trauma, and a lack of support.
Through PACT, David and his team focus on early intervention, coaching, education, and long-term support, with the goal of reaching young people before these patterns become more difficult to change. He described how this work has increasingly expanded into school-based prevention, where vulnerable youth can be identified earlier and supported through structured coaching and wraparound programs.
David also introduced the vision behind the PACT/Rotary Global Urban Peace Initiative, an effort to expand an early-prevention model to communities around the world.
For David, Rotary is uniquely positioned to help make that possible. Rotary clubs understand their local communities, but they are also connected through an international network capable of sharing ideas, resources, and promising solutions. He challenged Rotarians to think about how local programs addressing poverty, youth crime, violence, and social inequity could create a much broader impact.
Throughout the presentation, one idea stood out: lasting change comes not only from responding to problems, but from addressing their roots.
David’s message was a powerful reminder of what Rotary can accomplish when community knowledge, partnership, compassion, and action come together.
Written by Vedant Modi
Photos by Diego Ribeiro Galbiati
The Rotary Tree Returns
The Rotary Tree is coming back, and we need your help to make it a success.
This year, we’re excited to partner with Epilepsy Toronto for a 10 day holiday celebration in Sankofa Square. Building on the success of Winter Glow, our 35 foot illuminated Rotary Tree of Remembrance will become part of Epilepsy Toronto’s Holiday Fair, bringing the two events together for an even bigger holiday experience in the heart of Toronto.
We’re asking members to help secure sponsorship support, whether through your own business, a personal contribution, or an introduction to a company in your network.
Would you become a sponsor or connect us with a potential sponsor?
Think of clients, suppliers or business contacts who would welcome the opportunity to support a local charity while gaining exposure at a major downtown Toronto holiday event.
Sponsorship will play an important role in the success of the Holiday Fair and help us maximize the funds raised in support of Epilepsy Toronto.
Have someone in mind? Please reach out to Jason Phelps, Fabio Ventolini or Anny Sandra Hamel. We have a sponsorship deck ready to share, and an introduction is all we need to get the conversation started.
We’re also looking for a few more members to join our Sponsorship Team and help us reach out to the community.
This is a wonderful opportunity to build on a Rotary tradition, bring people together and make a meaningful contribution to our community. We hope you’ll help us make it happen.
Welcome New Members!
Gordon King
Gordon King was born in Morocco, studied at the University of Quebec and has continued his education which includes IBM AI Engineering with Coursera and CFI Investment Banking Analyst Programs.
Outside of work, Gordon enjoys reading, golf, horseback riding, basketball, hockey, sailing, theatre, comedy, and especially trying new things.
Victor Lamba Bio
Victor Lamba, lives in Whitby and received his Honour’s Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry in Los Angeles.
He is a Wealth Advisor with Caliber Wealth Management and has over 24 years in wealth management experience; Victor worked for TD Canada Trust up until February 2025.
He loves to travel, play ball hockey, watch NHL hockey, NBA basketball and NFL football.
A Call to Action from The Member Engagement Committee (MEC)
Bring a guest, build our club!
One invitation can make a difference.
Invite a guest to lunch or dinner meetings.
Together, we can grow our membership.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Club Meetings
Friday October 23, 2026
12:00 to 1:30 pm
The National Club
303 Bay Street, Toronto
SOLD OUT
Keynote Speaker
Premier Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
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Wednesday, November 4, 2026
6:00 to 7:15 pm
The National Club
303 Bay Street, Toronto
Keynote Speaker: Dr. John Walsh
Other Events
Club Events
International Dinner Series - Nigeria
Tuesday November 10
Join us for a visit to the dynamic Parkdale area, where adventure awaits as we travel to west Africa and the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria.
We start with appy plates of wings, meat pies and tostones. (Do they do them better than Nicaragua? Time to decide!) For the mains, shared family style at your table, jollof rice with chicken or plantains, veggie fried rice, steak suya and egusi. Haven't sampled egusi? Well then - sign up! Dessert is puff puffs.
When registering, if you want a vegetarian option please say so.
How special is this evening? So special, the restaurant, usually closed on Tuesdays, is opening just for us. Not only that, but there are amazing Nigerian cocktails - both of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety. You know you want to try a Zobo Zombie, their best-seller. Or maybe you want a hot ting, in the form of a Heartbreaker. For those looking for something more sedadate, perhaps Palm Wine is your thing?
Located in the west end, the evening cost is $48pp including gratuity and tax. Drinks, as always, on your own. Dinner starts at 18.30.
As is often the case with these dinners, space is limited, so sign up soon. (This one moreso than many - 20 max.) Family, friends, Rotaractors, prospective members and only those out for a good time welcome. :-)
This is a small space, we're filling it, and the only thing louder than Rotarians in good spirits will be the Nigerian music.
To sign up for this exciting culinary excursion, Send an email directly to Kai at: kai.devonish@rotarytoronto.com You are only registered when you get a confirmation.
NOTE: In fairness to the restaurant, late cancellations or no-shows will be charged $48 by the RCT Office. No exceptions. (And you are responsible for your guests.)
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In many rural areas, including Consuelo in the Dominican Republic, girls face a monthly challenge: lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. This affects their health, well-being, and causes them to miss school, limiting their education and future opportunities.
On Saturday, October 31st, 2026, join us for the International Service Pads Sewing Project as we assemble 250 reusable menstruation kits for girls in the Dominican Republic. Each kit includes flannel liners, shields, underwear, and hygiene supplies, helping girls continue their education with dignity and confidence.
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Children's Holiday Party
Sunday December 13, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (volunteers arrive/ leave earlier, depending on their team)
Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre, 11 Bay Street, Toronto
Each year we host children with disabilities and their families, together with our partners:
Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf,
CNIB,
Easter Seals Ontario,
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and
Starlight Children's Foundation Canada.
The day includes Santa, live music from the 3D Band, face painting, photos, gift bags for every invited child and the famous snowball fight with the Toronto Police Service.
As usual, we need volunteers!!! Last year more than 80 Club Members and Rotaractors made the day happen, and there is a job for everyone: greeting families, face painting, gift bags, Santa's line, coat check, balloons, setup and more.
If you are a newer member, this is one of the best ways to see Rotary in action and to meet many of your fellow members while doing something that matters. You will not be left guessing. Every team has an experienced leader who will show you exactly what to do.
How to sign up: Sign-up sheets will be available at every Club meeting between Oct 23rd and the event. Just add your name and choose a desired team.
Please note this is a Rotary Club of Toronto event, and volunteer spots are for Toronto members and Toronto Rotaractors.
District & International Events
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District Conference
October 23–25, 2026
Novotel North York, Toronto
Join Liz Compton (DGE) and her Committee for an inspiring weekend celebrating service, connection, and community impact. Meet fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors, learn from engaging speakers, and enjoy time together in the heart of North York.
For all members who have joined or want to join the WhatsApp Group, please note that we will use your first name & last name - no business name or acronym please. Thank you.
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