Posted by Thomas Crowhurst on Oct 02, 2017
Len Kennedy introduced Thomas Crowhurst, today's guest speaker.  Len met Thomas through Hastings CAS.  Thomas was a bursary recipient and graduate of the Reach for Success Program, a program supported by Rotary Loves Kids.  Thomas is now married and working at Albert College as an Assistant House Director.  He is responsible for promoting Albert College on an international basis, recruiting international students.
 
Thomas admitted he was a little uncomfortable talking about himself versus his work at Albert College.  He thanked Connie Reid for inviting him to speak today.  As a former foster child, he was 11 years old when he had his first interaction with foster care in Belleville.  The hardest thing for him was to explain why his name was different and who was family.  He has three sets of grandparents as well as his foster family who he considers his "real family", his mom and dad who welcomed him into their home.  At a young age, Thomas had to adjust to a new home, new people, new school and had to learn how to avoid bad behaviours.  He had great support from his family and teachers and obviously is thankful for all that support.  He was enrolled in the Reach for Success Program and at the time, didn't know what Rotary was.  A very humbling experience.  The Children's Foundation and Reach for Success Program made education a reality for him.  He received an award in 2009, went on to study kiniesiology where he was in the top ten average of the graduating class, was student leader during all four years at university, managed one of the residences, got married, moved back to Belleville and now works with a fantastic staff at Albert College.  Without the support of Rotary, none of this would have happened.  His journey continues.  Thank you to everyone.
 
Thomas was thanked by Sam Brady on behalf of the Club.  Sam acknowledged Thomas' contributions to Rotary Loves Kids and his participation on the Board for Quinte Foundation and the investment he has made to children in our community.