President Karen Baker welcomed everyone to the Community Paul Harris Fellow Recognition evening. What a great crowd! The gift of Rotary was very evident in the room with friends all around with special gifts to share. A toast to each person present in our daily routine to come to know the joy of caring and sharing with others. To friendship, fellowship, the gift of giving and to Rotary! Since 2003, the Rotary Club of Belleville has honoured local members of the community for their "Service Above Self", a Rotary motto. At that time, the Club decided that on an annual basis, we could present up to three (3) "Paul Harris Fellow" recognitions based on the criteria set by the Board of Directors of the day, community people who most reflect the spirit of Rotary.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening and Past President Peter Malone provided a little background on what it means to be a Paul Harris Fellow. Named after Rotary's founder, Paul Harris who started Rotary with three business associates in 1905. The numbers grew and Rotary became a global organization of over 1.4 million members in 200 countries. In the words of Paul Harris "if you have the love of your fellow men in your hearts, my friends, you are a potential Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Belleville is very proud to say that some 58 Community Paul Harris Fellows have been recognized for a lot of good they do and that says a lot about the great and generous people around us.
Past President Tracy Bray introduced the first CPHF Recipient - Ryan Turcotte. For the past thirteen (13) years, Ryan has been the person behind the Belleville Fire Fighters Toy Drive. He has spent countless volunteer hours filling a need in our community so that all children can have a very happy Christmas. Ryan has built a community around this mission, raising funds through community partnerships, welcoming and thanking numerous volunteers, working with students to earn community hours and fostering relationships in the retail sector, like Giant Tiger. Ryan works 60 hours a week from the end of October until the stockings are all hung Christmas Eve, tirelessly giving of his own time to ensure no child goes without on Christmas morning.
Director Brenda Snider introduced Shannon Bellemare, who began her volunteer career with the Food for Learning program, supporting children and youth in the community. She has been a long-standing volunteer for VIQ, always willing to lend a hand to an event such as Dancing with the Stars, Rockfest, Big Brother Big Sisters Ribfest, The Children's Foundation and BGH Foundation. Even when relaxing during the summer months, Shannon and her husband, Jared are the Entertainment Directors at their trailer park. She has supported Rotary at both Camp Merrywood and at Rotary Loves Kids golf tournament, providing guidance and support to anything she is involved with, always with a smile and encouragement, building strength and unity through her leadership.
Past President Kristin Crowe and Rotarian Cassandra Bonn introduced Julie Lange, described as giving extensive, quiet and continuous support across countless initiatives. Julie lives and breathes Service Above Self, impacting the lives of individuals across generations and sectors, creating ripples of kindness and compassion. Her legacy is told in the voices of family members, colleagues, friends and even strangers, who have all been deeply touched by her dedication. Kristin and Cassandra shared a number of reflections from the community from an array of people who have seen Julie's unwavering kindness to many. She creates a unique sense of belonging and warmth, bringing comfort and accountability to her role(s), shining brightly in all that she does.
Peter Malone thanked those who sought out these incredibly worthy Community Paul Harris Fellow recipients and for sharing these inspirational stories. Peter passed on Rotary's congratulations and sincere thanks for their commitment to our communities. Very happy to have them, their friends and family as a part of the Rotary family. (Pictured L to R Past President Peter Malone, recipient Ryan Turcotte, Past President and Director Tracy Bray, Director Brenda Snider, recipient Shannon Bellemare, Rotarian Cassandra Bonn, recipient Julie Lange, Past President Kristin Crowe, President Karen Baker).