Maurice Campbell (L) and Maurice Rollins (R) cut the ribbon on the new Maurice Rollins Centre of Hope on Monday May 4, 2015. (Photo courtesy: Michael J. Brethour Photography)
A successful businessman and philanthropist with a generous heart is being recognized for his many contributions to the local economy.
On February 10, Maurice Rollins, 89, will receive a lifetime achievement award by the Belleville Chamber of Commerce at its annual gala at the Banquet Centre.
The lifetime initiative, the first of its kind, was developed from the Chamber’s incoming 2017 board president Derek Morgan.
Outgoing chamber CEO Bill Saunders says after some brief discussion it was very obvious Rollins was the appropriate person to receive the inaugural award.
Beaming with pride when thinking about his father’s accomplishments, Mark Rollins explained it’s his success has that allowed him to be extremely philanthropic.
“He loves the Quinte area and gives back to the community as much as he can,” said Mark Rollins also a local businessman. “I am very proud. He is a hard act to follow.”
Among his many charitable gifts the very humble Rollins, who is a champion for mental well-being, donated all the proceeds of his biography, “The Remarkable Journey of Maurice Rollins” to the Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Branch. The proceeds have allowed the CMHA to expand its programs for men such as depression counselling and anger management.
Also at next Friday’s gala Saunders said CEO Jill Raycroft will be introduced to chamber members. She officially takes the reins on Monday. He added the chamber will recognize board members and volunteers including: first vice-president Rene Veillette, second vice-president and treasurer Jon Tuer, third vice-president Greg Sudds, executive team human resource Suzanne Hunt, past president Tim Farrell and new member Sarah Hanna.
Saunders said there will be a ‘hot stove round table’ discussion with administrative members of the Ottawa Senators.
The sold out gala that is expected to have 250 members attend gets underway at 5:30 p.m.
