When disaster strikes, Rotarians don’t hesitate—they act. In the wake of the recent hurricane that tore through Jamaica, leaving widespread devastation in its path, the Rotary Club of Etobicoke demonstrated what “Service Above Self” truly means. Within hours of hearing the news, club members rallied together, coordinated relief efforts, and mobilized resources to bring aid to communities in desperate need.
On Saturday, November 8, members of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke—along with their families and friends—gathered at GlobalMedic’s warehouse in Etobicoke for a powerful morning of service. For three hours, the team sorted, packed, and labeled hundreds of emergency food boxes destined for Jamaica. .......
By the end of their shift, the group had achieved record-breaking results:
● 289 food boxes filled with lentils, chickpeas, and rice
● 148 buckets packed for GlobalMedic’s deployment team traveling directly to Jamaica
● Over 150 hygiene kits containing essential items such as soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
Each carefully packed box represented hope for a family facing unimaginable hardship. “It’s moments like these that remind us why we serve,” said Gillian Dugas, Director of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke. “We may be thousands of kilometers away, but the spirit of Rotary connects us. Every label we placed, every box we sealed—it all adds up to real help for real people.”
A Rapid and Compassionate Response
Beyond the warehouse, members were mobilizing in other critical ways. Gerald Lue, also a Director, coordinated the shipment of an entire ocean container filled with tents, non-perishable food, medicine, and clothing, working alongside his sister to ensure essential supplies reached communities most affected by the hurricane. “When I saw the images from Jamaica, I knew we had to act immediately,” said Lue. “This is personal for me. But more than that, it’s a reflection of who we are as Rotarians—people who step up when the world needs us most.”
Through Rotary’s international network, the Club leveraged its long-standing relationship with Rotary District 7020 in Jamaica to ensure aid would be distributed quickly and effectively. “Our partnership with Rotary clubs across the Caribbean allows us to get resources directly into the hands of those who need them,” said Lynda Ryder, Club Director. “It’s one of the most powerful aspects of Rotary—our ability to connect globally and act locally at the same time.”
The Club has also committed $5,000 in direct financial aid to be distributed among four Rotary clubs in Jamaica—Negril, Montego Bay, and Linstead among them—where members are already working tirelessly to rebuild and provide relief on the ground. Additional funds are being raised through outreach to other Rotary districts and community partners.
Service Beyond Borders
The Club’s motto, Service Above Self, continues to drive every effort. “When one community hurts, we all feel it,” said Ryder. “That’s why we show up—not just to provide material support, but to let people know they are not forgotten.”
As the immediate relief for Jamaica continues, the Rotary Club of Etobicoke is also preparing to extend assistance to the Philippines, which has been hit by a devastating typhoon. The Club’s ongoing efforts demonstrate the strength of Rotary’s international network and the compassion that fuels its members’ work.
A Call to Action
The Rotary Club of Etobicoke’s story is a reminder that meaningful impact begins with ordinary people choosing to act. Donations, volunteer hours, or even joining Rotary as a member—every contribution makes a difference. “When you give through Rotary,” said Dugas, “you’re giving through a global family that ensures help reaches where it’s needed most.” To learn more about how you can support Rotary’s disaster relief efforts—or to become part of a community dedicated to service—visit www.rotaryetobicoke.org .
Together, we can turn compassion into action—and action into hope.