Three deserving community members have received the prestigious Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of Belleville.
The awards were presented last Thursday at the Belleville Club to Heather Smith, Sheri Meeks and Sarah Rozema-Seaton.
Smith, a retired fundraiser for several organizations, remains a dedicated volunteer and is currently president of the Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary and remains a member of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation board.
Heather Smith (centre), 2023 Paul Harris Award winner. (Photo: submitted)
When presented with the award, Heather commented, “Community service has always been important to our family, giving back means so much, and we are grateful to be part of this loving community. To be recognized is a real honour.”
Meeks, an inspector with the Belleville Police Service, has been involved in 25 different organizations as either a volunteer or a board member.
Sheri Meeks (centre), 2023 Paul Harris Award winner. (Photo: submitted)
Her involvement includes the responsibility of board member for Big Sisters, Mental Health Support Network, Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee, United Way HPE Campaign Cabinet, Special Olympics Polar Plunge Chair, Pedal for Hope participant, 100 Women Who Care Quinte, Kids Got Talent judge, Victim Services, Children’s Safety Village, and the Enrichment Centre for Mental Health.
Rozema-Seaton, CEO Big Red Bow Marketing & Graphic Design, is actively involved in volunteer efforts through many boards and fundraising events that support the Children’s Foundation, YMCA Central East Ontario, Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, United Way HPE, and Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Hastings.
She said, “The impact of small acts of kindness, compassion and service can create a ripple effect, transforming lives and fostering a sense of unity and empathy in our community.”
The Paul Harris Fellow was established by Rotary International in 1957 and is the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow to a non-Rotarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
The Belleville Rotary club has honoured about 50 recipients over the years.
