News From RD7080
Brampton Cluster Celeberation
Attended the Brampton Cluster Meeting arranged by Fionna Ferguson AG Brampton Cluster where all the clubs were represented.
The food and the presentations were excellent. It was very interesting presentation from Heart Lake Turtle Trooper an organization dedicated to the protection and monitoring of the local turtle population. We also heard updates from each of the Club Presidents of the five clubs in Brampton.
Successful Participation in PELS 2 – Preparing for Effective Leadership
Attending PELS 2 (President-Elect Learning Seminar 2) was a valuable and insightful experience, reinforcing the essential skills and knowledge required for effective leadership within Rotary. This session provided an in-depth exploration of strategic planning, membership engagement, Rotary’s key priorities, and the responsibilities of club presidents as they prepare to lead in the upcoming Rotary year.
One of the highlights of PELS 2 was the opportunity to engage with fellow President-Elects from across the district, sharing ideas, challenges, and best practices to strengthen our clubs and communities. The interactive discussions and hands-on learning sessions provided practical tools that will help guide us in fostering club growth, enhancing service impact, and promoting Rotary’s vision.
A special thank you to the District Leadership Team for organizing an impactful session and for their dedication to equipping future leaders with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. The collaborative spirit and mentorship provided throughout PELS 2 truly reflect the strength of our Rotary family.
As we move forward, the insights gained from this seminar will serve as a foundation for strong, dynamic, and innovative leadership, ensuring that our clubs continue to thrive and make a lasting difference. Looking ahead, the next steps involve taking these learnings back to our clubs, engaging our members, and preparing for an exciting and impactful Rotary year ahead!
Congratulations to the PEL team for successfully hosting PELS 2! A special shoutout to PDG Bill Proctor for leading the effort and ensuring its success. Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference. Well done!
District Governor's visit to RC Kitchener
During the District Governor's visit discuss the concerns of increasing membership and how to engage members. DG presented awards to Kitchener club for RY 2023-24 .
District Governor's visit to RC Kitchener Conestoga Open House
Visited the open house of the Club showcasing their international and local project within the community.
DG visit to RC Heart Lake Brampton MOCK Trials in Brampton Court
During my recent visit with the Rotary Club of Brampton-Heart Lake, I was deeply inspired by the club’s meaningful involvement in supporting youth development through Mock Trials for Peel high school students. This initiative empowers students to engage in simulated court cases, where they take on both Crown and defense roles in front of real judges — a powerful exercise in advocacy, inquiry, and critical thinking.
I was proud to witness how Heart Lake Rotary plays a crucial role in this program by providing prize money for the first, second, and third place teams, fostering motivation and recognition for these young future leaders.
District Governor visit to RC Burlington for presenting Adventure in Citizenship program.
Rotary District 7080 Burlington Cluster is proud to announce the selection of five of our outstanding youth ambassadors to participate in a prestigious national youth leadership and civic engagement program in Ottawa. This enriching experience, supported by Rotary and celebrated by District Governor Sohail Naseer, offers a rare and inspiring opportunity for students to witness Canadian democracy in action and connect with diverse voices shaping the future of our country.
District Governor Sohail Naseer shared his thoughts at the recent presentation, saying:
“This program embodies the essence of Rotary — leadership, service, and global citizenship. It’s more than a trip to Ottawa; it’s a journey into the heart of what it means to be an engaged, thoughtful Canadian. Our student will not only learn about democracy, justice, and culture — they will return as a more empowered changemaker, ready to lead in their community and beyond.”
District Governor visit Peace Builder Club to Conrad Grebel College Waterloo
I attended meeting at Conrad Grebel College for update on the college activities and heard from peace scholarship and PDG Kathi Dick renewed the RD 7080 Clubs commitment to raise scholarship funding for the next year.
Saturday's Tree Planting at Forks of the Credit!
Attended the Tree Planting event along with DGN Uche Okugo. The event was organised by District Environment Committee Co- Chait Jaz Samra and members of Brampton Clubs including, RC Flower City and Brampton.
Tree planting is more than just digging into the earth. It’s about restoring ecosystems, protecting our watersheds, improving air quality, and bringing our communities together. By showing up, you’re helping Rotary fulfill its promise to create a more sustainable future while connecting in fellowship with fellow members.
The goal is to plant no less than 300 trees subject to supply. It was anticipated that this could be done over 2 sessions, (April 26th and May 3rd).
District Governor – Official Charter ceremony of RC Burlington Gore Park
Attended the meeting of official presentation of charter to RC Burlington Gore Park in Hamilton,
Accompanied by DGE Susanne, DGN Uche and DGND Rob, PDG John Stairs also was there to celebrate this occasion
The ceremony was also supported by AG Ralph and Presidents of All Burlington Clubs,
The Charter was presented and the Burlington Clubs donated banners to new club. It was also announced that RD will provide $ 500.00 to the club for supporting in the establishment of club.
Rtn, Bruce, Rtn Romeo and Rtn. Scott were also there as they have joined the club as honorary members.
All Kudos to Rtn, Jeffery – Charter President and his team of Rotarians and volunteers.
District Governor – Official Celebrations of 100 years of Rotary Service in Oakville
FLAG RAISING At Oakville Town Hall with Mayor
The 100 Years of Rotary in Oakville celebration kicked off on June 28 at the Oakville Town Hall. Members from the Oakville Rotary Clubs were joined by the mayor and other dignitaries in a flag raising ceremony at Town Hall.
Celebration Gala and Awards
This gala celebration was held to commemorate 100 years of Rotary providing service to the community of Oakville and beyond. Many Rotarians, friends and members of our community will come together in fellowship to observe the occasion.
For almost 100 years, Oakville Rotarians have raised funds through special events to support local area charities and not-for-profits, dispersing financial aid to many deserving organizations and their very worthy projects and initiatives. As well, funds are donated and leveraged to support Rotary International projects that impact the global community in a meaningful way.
District Governor – Official Welocome to RC Milton YE student RY 1977-778
A Heartfelt Rotary Welcome — Reconnecting Across the Decades
District Governor Sohail Naseer had the honor to extend an official and heartfelt welcome to Mitsumata-san, the Rotary Youth Exchange student who was hosted by the Rotary Club of Milton during the Rotary Year 1977–78.
After more than four decades, Mitsumata’s return to Milton was nothing short of extraordinary — a testament to the lasting bonds, friendships, and life-changing experiences made possible through Rotary Youth Exchange.
Rotarian Mitsumasa Nishimura and his wife Yuka came to visit us after 47 years being an exchange student from Japan to Milton, Ontario in 1977-78!
Him and his wife joined us for our Rotary meeting on Monday evening. Adult children of the Thompson and McNeill families, which were two of the families that hosted "Mitsu" almost 50 years ago, also attended the Rotary meeting to greet him and his wife.
Earlier in the day, they visited Rotarians Bill and Margaret Hamilton at their home. Bill joined Milton Rotary in 1978 and had taken a young Mitsu to a Canadian hockey game. Bill and Margaret have hosted many, many exchange students in the 1980s and 90s.
Then Carolyn and Ries took them to the town hall and introduced them to our longest serving mayor in Canada! He also visited his former high school, Milton District.
Since 1968 Rotary has hosted in Milton, or sent out from Milton, over 100 students through its signature program.
District Governor Sohail Naseer remarked:
“Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program is one of the most powerful tools we have to promote peace, understanding, and lifelong connection. Welcoming Mitsumata-san back after nearly 50 years is not just a celebration of her journey, but also a beautiful reminder of Rotary’s magic to transform lives — across borders and generations.”
As we continue to celebrate the legacy and future of Rotary Youth Exchange, moments like these remind us that Rotary truly creates hope in the world — one student, one club, and one lifelong friendship at a time.
Welcome back, Mitsumata. Your Rotary family will always be here for you.
DG Rtn. Sohail Naseer, PHF
District Governor RY 2024-25
Rotary District 7080