Our Board of Directors 2026-27

We are People of Action

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.

 

 

Our club meeting is held on the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 

Please check the calendar for all scheduled meetings.

For further details, please contact 

John Simpson at 

905-477-3013

 

 

Meeting Venue- 

Granite Club 

2350 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M2L 1E4

https://www.graniteclub.com

Club Executives & Directors
President
Shawn Tahririha
Secretary
Heather Graeme
Treasurer
Margaret Adat
Past President
Howard Back
Community Service
Laurie Back
International Service
Hesam Mirzaei Rafsanjani
Rotary Foundation
Peter Vanek
Membership
David Graeme
Fundraising
Eric Azeez
Club Administration
John Simpson
Sergeant-at-Arms
Al Warren
Youth Services Chair
Jobson Easow
Public Image Chair
Jobson Easow
Speakers
Steve Rutledge
Clean Water Laos project
Oct 29, 2026 6:30 PM
View entire list...
Links
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Eric Azeez
    September 14
  • Hesam Mirzaei Rafsanjani
    September 19
  • Mahdieh Fetrati
    September 22
Spouse/Partner Birthdays:
  • Anita Filipe
    September 12
  • Mahdieh Fetrati
    September 22
Anniversaries:
  • Howard Back
    Laurie Magee
    September 3
  • Eric Azeez
    Anita Filipe
    September 17
  • John Simpson
    Terry
    September 24
  • Vern Barney
    September 28
  • Mike Butler
    Ann Butler
    September 30
Join Date:
  • Margaret Adat
    September 1, 2015
    11 years
  • Mike Butler
    September 1, 1983
    43 years
  • Hesam Mirzaei Rafsanjani
    September 2, 2019
    7 years
  • Eric Azeez
    September 5, 1991
    35 years
  • Roger Basu
    September 27, 2024
    2 years
Upcoming Events
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  As RI president, Babalola wants to help restore members’ emotional connection to the organization and their sense of belonging.

“We do things for others, but Rotary is also our own,” he says. “When something is your own, you want to fight for it. ‘It is my duty to help it thrive.’ When you see how Rotary has made a lasting impact on your life, then you can tell that story.”

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Click on this link to make donations to this project.
https://willowdalerotary.org/page/donate/
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Our Rotaract club receiving the District Award
 
 
Rotarian Bin Liu visited us from the Tokyo Chuo Rotary Club.
 
 
At the Food Bank in December 2022 with two of our newest members.
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Service Above Self as the principal motto of Rotary because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service.
Rotary Logo for Salvation Army after school computer Lab project
Our Board of Directors for 2024-25
A Note From Our President
Together, let us embrace the ideals of Rotary, build upon our rich legacy, and create a brighter future for all.
"CREATE LASTING IMPACT"
Shawn Tahririha
At the Toronto East Rotary Blues Fest 2023. 
We were happy to assist the Rotary Club of Toronto with their Tree of Remembrance in Dundas Square in December 2022.
 
Willowdale Rotarians in Action.
Helping out at Global Medic to pack hygiene kit including water filters to be sent to countries which were recently faced with war, earthquake, and disaster in many other ways. Global Medic, is a registered Canadian charity that has provided disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid since 2022.
Receiving Paul Harris +1
Receiving the most new membership award for the District
2025-26 Rotarian of the Year - Vern Barney
 
 
 
 
Laurie Back, Margaret Adat & Heather Graham receiving distinguished service certificate for 2025-26
 
 
 
 
Mark Young receiving the service award to the board as Youth Director
 
 
 
 
Eric Azeez receiving the Paul Harris award
 
 
Home Page Stories
District Award 2025-26

District Awards were presented to individual clubs for various achievements during the past year. Rotary Club of Willowdale received three awards, one of only two Clubs that achieved this number of awards. We received the following:

  • The Devon & Linda Biddle Annual Fund Certificate - this award recognizes the Club with the highest per capita contribution to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund in the category of Clubs with 25-50 members.
  • The Bill and Delphine Patchett Polio Plus Certificate - this award recognizes the Club with the highest per capita contribution to the Rotary Foundation PolioPlus Fund in the category of Clubs with 25-50 members.
  • Norm Simpson Award for International Service -this award is given annually to the Club(s) in the District that made the most outstanding contribution to the International Service of Rotary during the preceding year.

 

President's Night 2026

An evening of gratitude, fellowship, and celebration as we honor our President and the incredible members who make Willowdale Rotary Club so special.

Read more...
Taste of North York

A taste of North York- Our club members volunteering along with North York Rotary Club

Tyler-Snure
Tyler Snure is a young man who published his first novel while still in high school. During our meeting, he spoke to us about encouraging children to read and finding the books that catch their attention.
 
IN THE NEWS: Rotary International
Beguiled in Barcelona
Beguiled in Barcelona
To discover the 2027 Rotary International Convention host city of Barcelona, start by getting lost.
Pennsylvania club's tourney is the reel deal
Pennsylvania club's tourney is the reel deal
The Oil Creek Classic, a fly-fishing tournament held each May, has been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Titusville, Pennsylvania, since 2014 to raise money for youth programs and scholarships.
Volunteers root out an invasive plant with a fiery nature
Volunteers root out an invasive plant with a fiery nature
In California, volunteers root out an invasive plant with a fiery nature
From the soul: Otis Redding's legacy
From the soul: Otis Redding's legacy
Otis Redding’s family is fulfilling the singer’s legacy by lifting up today’s young musicians
Indian Rotarian Bharat Pandya confirmed to lead Rotary in 2028-29
Rotary International has confirmed Dr. Bharat Pandya of the Rotary Club of Borivali, Mumbai, as its president-nominee for 2028-29.
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