May 2026 Message from the DG

DG Message Million Dollar Gala Rotary District 7080 Rotary Youth Services Month
 
 

A Message from the District Governor

Dear Fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Friends of Rotary in District 7080,
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As we begin the month of May, Rotary around the world, and therefore our District
as well, celebrates Youth Service—one of the most powerful and hopeful areas of
Rotary service. Investing in young people is not just about supporting the next
generation; it is about building a brighter, more compassionate, and peaceful
world. Through Youth Service, we empower youth to become confident leaders,
active community change-makers, and global citizens who carry forward Rotary’s
ideal of Service Above Self.

The clubs in District 7080 are already living this commitment in several inspiring
ways:
  • Interact clubs are where service begins early. High school students, guided by dedicated Rotary advisors, design and lead their own projects—from environmental clean-ups and food drives to mental health awareness campaigns. The recent District 7080 Interact Conference 2026 at Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville brought together energetic young leaders from across the district, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and passion for making a difference in their schools and communities.
  • RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy) continues to transform lives every year. This intensive leadership program brings together outstanding youth and young adults (ages 18–29) for an unforgettable experience of personal growth, skill-building, and Rotary immersion. Participants return home with renewed confidence, fresh ideas, and a deeper understanding of ethical leadership—many go on to become Rotaractors, Rotarians, or influential voices in their communities. Recent RYLA sessions in our district have left participants energized and ready to lead with purpose, and I am certain that this year’s RYLA will again inspire a new group of young people to become leaders in whichever field of studies or work they may choose.
  • Rotary Youth Exchange opens doors to the world like no other program. Every year, talented young people from District 7080 (typically aged 15½ to 18) embark on life-changing year-long exchanges, living with host families, attending local schools, and immersing themselves in new cultures. In return, we warmly welcome inbound students who enrich our communities with fresh perspectives. Many former exchange students from our district maintain lifelong friendships and continue to champion global understanding long after their “Beaver Tales” year abroad. From the interviews to become a selected student, to the country announcement day, to receiving the (still undecorated) famous red jacket, to spending almost a year abroad and then returning home with the fully decorated and heavy jacket, Rotary Youth Exchange is an experience full of excitement, joy, some homesickness that will change every participants life.
  • While not a worldwide Rotary Youth program, I would like to mention Adventures in Citizenship, the annual program hosted by the Rotary Club of Ottawa. Each year in May, selected high school students from across Canada—including participants sponsored by clubs like those in Brampton, Bolton, Ingersoll, Orangeville and Mississauga—travel to Ottawa for an unforgettable experience. They meet political leaders, explore our democratic institutions, and engage in meaningful discussions that deepen their appreciation for Canada’s diversity, privileges, and responsibilities of citizenship. Many District 7080 participants return inspired, eloquent, and eager to contribute more actively to their communities.
These programs are more than activities—they are investments in our youths and therefore in our future. Every Interact project completed, every RYLA participant
inspired, and every Youth Exchange connection created plants seeds of peace, understanding, and service that will bear fruit for many years to come.

This May, I would like to encourage every club in District 7080 to celebrate Youth Service with intention. Nominate outstanding young people for next year’s RYLA. Strengthen or start an Interact club at a local school. Consider hosting or sponsoring a Youth Exchange student. Share stories of your youth initiatives in your club meetings and on social media. Let our young people see that Rotary believes in them—and that together, we can help them achieve extraordinary things.

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank all district members who are actively involved on the Youth Service Committee for their dedication, energy and time. Thanks to your hard work and commitment we have successful Interact, RYLA and Youth Exchange programs. The future of Rotary and our communities depend on the leaders we nurture today. Let us make May a month filled with energy, hope, and action as we celebrate and support the incredible young people of District 7080.
 
Yours in Rotary,
Susanne Zbinden
District Governor 2025-26
 
The Unite for Good Million Dollar Gala
There is still time to make your donation towards the District’s Million-Dollar-Campaign. There are many options to be part of this amazing campaign, you can give a cash donation to the Annual Fund, the Polio Plus Fund or the Endowment Fund. Or you can leave a lasting legacy by leaving a bequest to The Rotary Foundation in your will. No matter where you contribute and no matter how much, just know that your donation will help to improve, change or save lives.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to learn more about the campaign and how to contribute.

The celebration of the completion of a successful Million-Dollar-Campaign is now confirmed for Friday, May 22, 2026 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley Golf Resort, the home of the 2026 RBC Canadian Open. The keynote speaker is Past RI President Jennifer Jones who will be there to inspire attendees and to celebrate the successful conclusion of our campaign.

While our annual giving fuels the life-changing projects we see today, the Endowment Fund serves as the cornerstone of Rotary’s future. Often called our "permanent fund" the Endowment is invested in perpetuity, ensuring that only a portion of the earnings is spent each year. This unique financial model means that a gift made today becomes a legacy that never stops giving—growing over time to provide a steady, reliable stream of funding for generations of Rotarians to come. By reaching our million-dollar goal, we aren't just hitting a number; we are securing the "promise of Rotary" and ensuring that our work in peace, health, and community development will continue long after we have finished our own years of service.
 
Upcoming District Events
For a full list of upcoming events, please visit the District 7080 website events calendar.