Virginia O'Reilly, Rotary Club of Toronto East, has been selected as the Rotary International District 7070 District Governor for 2024-2025.Congratulations Virginia.

Let's Meet Virginia ........Please Read More ......

Let's Meet Virginia O'Reilly:

Virginia L. O’Reilly hails from Cape Breton Island and in her heart is a Down Easterner with a deep love for the ocean.  Her early exposure to community service came by example of her parents’ involvement with local boards, fundraisers and charitable events.

In 1979, Virginia arrived in Toronto pursuing a career in Consumer Research and Consulting, becoming a partner at Burak Jacobson Research Partners in 1989.  In 1990, Virginia volunteered at Spring Festival, an annual fundraiser for Providence Villa (now Providence Healthcare) and thereafter co-chaired the event for several years.  It was there that Virginia first learned about Rotary and in particular, the Toronto East Rotary Club and its charter President Bill Phelan.  Bill has since left us, but for those who met him, you know when he set his mind to something it was almost impossible to change.  He was determined that Virginia would join Rotary and in 1998, Virginia joined the Toronto East Rotary Club (TERC) - it is her Rotary home.

In Rotary, Virginia found the community feeling she grew up with.  It is her door to exposure to circumstances in her local community and the global community.  Rotary provides her the opportunity to connect with other people who believe that together we can take action to create lasting change in our communities, across the globe and in ourselves.

Virginia was the first female President of TERC in 2001-2002 and was president again in 2022-2023. In addition to being President, Virginia has served as Club Secretary, Chair of Membership, Chair of Foundation and Chair of Youth during her 25 years with the Club.

Her Rotary District 7070 roles have included Assistant Governor, Youth Chair, Membership Chair, promoter of Grow Rotary Workshops, a member of the Rotary Foundation Committee and on organizing committees for two District Conferences.  She has also worked at the Zone level on a number of Membership Projects, no surprise there!

Virginia is a Sustaining Member of The Rotary Foundation, a Rotary Foundation Benefactor and a member of the Bequest Society.  Virginia has given to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) including the Polio Plus campaign most years since 2003.  TRF is her charity of choice.        

Virginia and her husband Bob (Robert) live in East York with one big dog Maxi and two busy pussycats.  She is the proud Aunt G of niece Grace, who joined Rotaract at the University of Victoria in B.C.

Virginia retired from Burak Jacobson at the end of 2020, leaving more time for Rotary!!