Speakers

Valarie had a 27 year career as a restaurant owner in Toronto.  The brand, Tim Hortons, is the most recognized and iconic franchise in Canada. The Wafer’s operation was best known for its inclusive hiring practices and accessibility, especially in the area of employment.

Valarie was governor of District 7070, which covers the greater Toronto area, in 2013/14. Now residing in Collingwood, her home club is the Rotary Club of Collingwood South Georgian Bay, District 7010.  Valarie has continued to serve Rotary in a number of international roles.  She is an international trainer, a member of the international convention committee, representative of the Rotary International President, and most recently has been elected to serve on the board of Rotary International 2020-2022

 

During Valarie’s tenure as a Rotarian she has participated and led many initiatives including a recent mission to Kosovo with Gift of Life International.  She has also served as the Vocational Training Team leader to Australia in 2010 focusing on youth mental health, a national immunization day in India in 2012 and has travelled to Kenya and Tanzania to audit long term Rotary Foundation grant activity.

Valarie, and her husband of 33 years, Mark are Paul Harris Fellows, Bequest Society members and Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation.