Meet Our Members
Neil Chesworth
Profession/position: Corporate Finance/Self Employed
Hobbies/interests: History, brass collection, soccer
Member since: 2003
Past positions in club: Assistant Secretary & Secretary
Why I joined Kiwanis: 1) To assist with administration of the club to improve its effectiveness, 2) To assist in the community where needed.
The benefits of being a Kiwanian: 1) Help where help is needed, 2) To see where Kiwanis involvement really makes a difference. Some kids really need a help up.
Bob Coffey
Profession/position: CA CMC
Hobbies/interests: cottaging and gardening
Member since: 1964
Past positions in club: Varoius, including president
Why I joined Kiwanis: To help out others and meet people of like mindedness
The benefits of being a Kiwanian: Did some business with some members and met many great people
Joseph H. Dandele
Profession/Position: Real Estate Royal Le Page Partners Consultant DanTech Building Technologies Inc.
Hobbies/Interests: Photography, boating, exploring, historical research.
Member since: Nov.1961 Montreal Club till Dec.1971. Toronto Club January 1972 till Present. Served in numerous positions. Toronto Club. served as follows
Past Positions in the Toronto Club: Past Lt. Governor Division 9-1983- Past President Awarded Distinguished Presidents Pin. 1979-1980.Vice President 1978-1979 Camp Chairman 1978 Advisor Ryerson Circle K Club. Director three terms.
Why I joined Kiwanis: To help make the lives of others better with my fellow Kiwanis Members.
I was impressed that Kiwanis accomplished in 1948 in Toronto with the Toronto Police Department in a Safe Driving Program.
The Benefits of being a Kiwanian: Life long friendships and satisfaction!
Seeing that we in Kiwanis can make a difference in lives of children and the lives of our veterans and elderly citizens.
Lisa K. Edward
Profession/Position: Social:
(Social Worker) – Director of Programs & Services
Hobbies/Interests: Jogging, reading, playing sports, movies, traveling, music.
Member since:
2002
Past Positions in Club: Board member of the Foundation, Board member of the Executive Board of Directors, Vice –President, Kiwanis Representative serving as President of the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club, Sergeant
of Arms, Chair of Membership Committee, Chair of Scholarship Committee, Special Events committee member, Investment committee member, etc…
Why I joined Kiwanis: I first became aware of Kiwanis as a staff member of The Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club and then later learned more about the service club and became interested in the people and the work that could be accomplished as a member of the club on many levels within our Boys and Girls Clubs and other mainstream non-profit organizations.
The Benefits of being a Kiwanian: I have been very fortunate in meeting and establishing many friendships that I believe will be life long ones.
I have also been provided with the opportunity to expand on my leadership and interpersonal skills with a diverse range of professionals from both the non-profit and corporate sectors.
As a Kiwanian I have also had the benefit of meeting other Kiwanians on an international level through conventions and other events.
I am truly blessed to be part of a service club where I have met many of my mentors that have and will continue to be a part of my life that both gives and receives to better my life and that of others around us.
John Hermant
Profession/position: Business Owner
Hobbies/interests: folk/bluegrass music; sailing/boats; carpentry/project management; cars; cycling.
Member since: 1979/2005 (broken service)
Past positions in club: President; Director
Why I joined Kiwanis: Legacy through my Grandfather & Father: a good combination of business networking, and community service.
The benefits of being a Kiwanian: Early in my career days, the business contacts were valuable – more an education – fostering organizational skills. In time, Kiwanis has turned out to be a grand community of fellowship: more like a second family. The work in the community is a constant challenge, and keeps me involved, now that the peak of business activity has passed, and children grown up and away. The larger national and international organizations provide an expanded context for meeting others and comparing service notes. These days, being a member of a service club is the more challenging – so there is great satisfaction in giving meaningful service in a very complex modern society which seems to allow less room for pure volunteer effort.
Bill Hines
Profession/position: Banker
Hobbies/interests: Military History, Literature, Commemmorative Memorabilia
Member since: 1985
Past positions in club: President (club & foundation), Treasurer, President Kiwanis Music Festival
Why I joined Kiwanis: To serve the community
The benefits of being a Kiwanian: Assisting Canadian youth in building and bettering our community and in developing a better world for tomorrow.
Deborah Knight
Profession/position: Owner/Princial DKPR Public Relations Inc.
Hobbies/interests: Skiing, traveling, singing, hiking, antiques, history
Member since: 2003
Past positions in club: Foundation Board Member, Membership Committee Member, Building the Kiwanis website and writing copy on it
Why I joined Kiwanis: I was introduced by a friend and thought I could be more involved than I was with community projects.
The benefits of being a Kiwanian: The benefits are learning about how we can all help those who are less fortunate than us in life and make an impact in their lives. I have also made valuable, lifelong friendships and been introduced to new business opportunities.
Elliot Melamed
Profession/Position: Auctioneer/Appraiser, Empire Auctions Inc. Vice-President
Hobbies/Interests: I am an avid running enthusiast. I train daily, thanks largely to the patience and understanding of my dear wife Elaine, and love to participate in several of the local competitive events, from 10k to half marathon distances. As with most things in life, it shows us there is always room for improvement in ourselves. I also enjoy northern angling getaways, which are rare treats in today’s hectic world.
Member since: 1996
Past Positions in Club: Chair of several fundraising committees
Why I joined Kiwanis: Kiwanis offers a high-profile opportunity to get involved in fundraising projects, from a grassroots level, to those of a global nature. Additionally, the friendship and camaraderie elements are also wonderful benefits. Members can give back to their communities, and actually have fun doing it.
The Benefits of being a Kiwanian: When I first joined Kiwanis in 1996, I was immediately impressed by how well organized and well run the club was on an organizational level. Kiwanis allows its members to participate in meaningful and worthwhile projects, allowing for a strong sense of self-accomplishment and belonging.
Donald Schaefer
Profession/position: Investment Advisor
Hobbies/interests: Golf, curling
Member since: 1988
Past positions in club: Kiwanis Club of Toronto – Director and President. Boys and Girls Clup – Director
Why I joined Kiwanis: To meet and socialize with other businessmen in the downtown area of Toronto
The benefits of being a Kiwanian: Have the opportunity to volunteer along wih other Kiwanians in Boys and Girls work, and serve the children of the world.
Philip J.W. Smith
Profession/position: President, Hutchinson Smith Inc. Executive Search Consultants
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy taking time to spend on my kids, going to games, concerts, the movies and just enjoying PS3 time with them
Member since: 2006
Past positions in club: Club Executive, Foundation Treasurer
Why I joined Kiwanis: I saw an opportunity to reach out and make a difference in our community through an already well established channel. I also saw a value in the quality of the members that Toronto Kiwanis represents, some exceptional leaders in business and philanthropy.
The benefits of being a Kiwanian: Being a Kiwanian has allowed me to get involved in some exciting projects on a direct level, to actually see change occur and know I had a small part in that action. It has also allowed me to develop substantial relationships with some of the leaders that have worked diligently to make Toronto such a great place to live.
Charles Sweetman
Profession/position: Funeral Director
Hobbies/interests: Reading self-help books, cycling (fitness), travel, yoga, movies, photography, cooking
Member since: 2000
Past positions in club: Board member of both Kiwanis and Boys and Girls Club, Event Planning
Why I joined Kiwanis: Invited initially, looking for a means to give back to the community, association with kids and their special needs.
The benefits of being a Kiwanian:
- Ability to interact with like-minded members who realize their kids and youth all deserve a chance and with just a little help and encouragement, their lives could be changed, hopefully for the better.
- A kind, caring and very giving organization with a rich history and exciting future.
- Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces at our social events.
Ron Caulfield
Profession/Position: C.A./Retired Automobile Dealer
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Travel
Member since: 2008
Past Positions in Club: n/a
Why I joined Kiwanis: To replace son Thomas who transferred out of town
The Benefits of being a Kiwanian: Still learning