I am deeply humbled and honoured to announce my selection as the recipient of the Rotary Club of Hamilton’s Paul Harris Award for 2023. This award represents a milestone in my Rotary journey, which began in 1998 with my involvement in Rotary Box. My love for service, camaraderie, and the persistent pursuit of “Service Above Self” took root in these formative years.

Since then, my journey has been filled with invaluable experiences, enriching interactions, and the privilege of contributing to the work of Rotary in ways I could only have dreamed. I officially joined the Rotary Club of Hamilton in 2012, and it is a decision that I hold as one of the most rewarding of my life.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve in various capacities, from assisting at numerous fundraisers like the Rotary Auction on Cable 14 to proudly assuming the role of MC at many public events. The diversity of experiences and the myriad ways we, as Rotarians, reach out to serve our community has always been a source of deep satisfaction and joy.

In 2016, I was honoured to join the Board of Directors as the Director of Communications. The role of overseeing the communications of the Rotary Club with Hamilton has been a fulfilling one, often challenging me to innovate and adapt our messaging in an ever-evolving world. It was about ensuring that our commitment to service, our successes, and our call to action resonated with every citizen of Hamilton and inspired them to join us in our journey.

At the heart of all these experiences is my work as the President of Vacu-Man Furnace and Duct Cleaning, a 40-year-old family-owned and operated company. It has taught me the importance of strong work ethics, community connection, and continuous learning. These principles have equally informed my role as the host of TechTalk on 900 CHML, where I strive to bring interesting and relevant discussions to our audience every Friday at 11:30 am.

As I stand at this juncture, gratefully accepting the Paul Harris Award, I am reminded of the countless individuals who have shaped my Rotary journey. I am thankful for every Rotarian who has guided, supported, and worked alongside me, for it is the collective spirit of Rotary that makes us who we are.

To those who are considering a journey with Rotary, I encourage you to take that step. Visit our website at Rotaryclubhamilton.ca and explore the possibilities. You will find not just a club, but a community of individuals committed to making a difference. It is a journey of personal growth, of life-long friendships, of service, and of belonging. It’s a journey well worth embarking on.

Receiving the Paul Harris Award is not just an honour but a reminder of the responsibility we carry as Rotarians. It reinforces my commitment to our shared mission and our community of Hamilton. I look forward to continuing this journey, to serving our community, and to promoting the ideals of Rotary. For in the end, it’s all about ‘Service Above Self’.