City of Burlington Dignitaries, Representatives from each club. Left to right: President Susan Jasper (RCBC), Mayor Marianne Ward Meed, Nelson Borges,
Meaghan Richardson, President Wm Pugh (RCBL), Peter Jakob, Miller, daughter of Dorothy Brownhill,
Meaghan Richardson, President Wm Pugh (RCBL), Peter Jakob, Miller, daughter of Dorothy Brownhill,
Councillor Bentivegna, Councillor Kearns, Shannon Shuell, President Nancy Sumaruk (RCB)
Local Burlington Rotary Clubs recognized the outstanding service and community leadership of five individuals at their annual Paul Harris Community Service Awards Breakfast.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition, established in 1957, is one of the highest honours awarded by Rotary clubs to individuals- both Rotarians and community members- who exemplify “Service Above Self”.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition, established in 1957, is one of the highest honours awarded by Rotary clubs to individuals- both Rotarians and community members- who exemplify “Service Above Self”.
Left to right- Nelson Borges, Meaghan Richardson,Peter Jakob, Daughter of Dorothy Brownhill, Shannon Shuell.
Special recognition was also awarded to the first club, the Rotary Club of Burlington, on its 75th Anniversary. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward praised their exemplary service and unwavering commitment to bringing lasting change to our local and international communities.
Keynote speaker Fareen Samji inspired the room with insights on the importance of finding a way to balance Rotary with family, work, and personal passions. It starts with just “showing up“ and learning not to treat Rotary as a sprint, but a lifelong commitment. “To our award recipients: You are more than leaders. You are catalysts. You are bridge-builders. Problem-solvers. Hope-creators...So let today be more than a celebration. Let it be a call forward. To continue to unite for good. To continue creating lasting
impact. To continue building a Burlington—and a world—that reflects the very best of who we are.”
Sheila Welham, Paul Harris Community Service Breakfast Chair and Rotary Club of Burlington Central Past President, remarked, “We are so proud to express our appreciation and gratitude to these community leaders who are living by the spirit of Rotary through their actions every day. Their contributions, kindness, and humanity make a difference”.
About the Five Recipients:
Shannon Shuell, Director of Outreach Services - Open Doors
Shannon joined Open Doors in 2021 as the Good Food Coordinator, stepping into the role during the uncertainty of COVID. They adapted quickly to takeout orders and scheduled appointments, doing their best to meet people where they were. Being part of an organisation that has supported individuals and families for over 20 years has been both eye-opening and grounding for Shannon. In her role as Director of Outreach Services, Shannon has worked tirelessly to build relationships with partner agencies that support the needs of our community.
BY: ROTARY BURLINGTON
Shannon joined Open Doors in 2021 as the Good Food Coordinator, stepping into the role during the uncertainty of COVID. They adapted quickly to takeout orders and scheduled appointments, doing their best to meet people where they were. Being part of an organisation that has supported individuals and families for over 20 years has been both eye-opening and grounding for Shannon. In her role as Director of Outreach Services, Shannon has worked tirelessly to build relationships with partner agencies that support the needs of our community.
BY: ROTARY BURLINGTON
Peter Jakob, President, Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club (BOHC)
Peter Jakob is the President of the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club. The Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Peter exemplifies the spirit of the club’s motto of “Balance, Fair Play and Community”. BOHC has grown from 8 teams in 1975 to 72 teams today, playing daytime and evening hockey all year. Peter is active on these teams, and as President of this volunteer organisation, has sat on the Board for Directors for the past 5 years. Members have said, “ask Peter to assist or resolve a problem, the response is ‘leave it with me’, and a resolution is always forthcoming”.
BY: ROTARY BURLINGTON LAKESHORE
Meaghan Richardson, Director of Development and Marketing at Food for Life and Co-Founder of Mabel May Farms
Meaghan is a Professional Agrologist with a deep passion for local food systems and community well-being. Meaghan has spent more than a decade at Food for Life working to ensure neighbours facing food insecurity have access to fresh, healthy food – helping strengthen a food system that is more responsive, more connected and more compassionate.
BY: ROTARY BURLINGTON CENTRAL
Meaghan is a Professional Agrologist with a deep passion for local food systems and community well-being. Meaghan has spent more than a decade at Food for Life working to ensure neighbours facing food insecurity have access to fresh, healthy food – helping strengthen a food system that is more responsive, more connected and more compassionate.
BY: ROTARY BURLINGTON CENTRAL
Nelson Borges, Co-Founder and CEO of Capillary Wave
Nelson brings both lived experience and professional insight to his work, creating spaces where men can speak openly, heal authentically, and rebuild with purpose. What began as a small idea has grown into a thriving community of nearly 350 male members and 150 female members, offering weekly in-person support groups, a variety of workshops and impactful awareness initiatives.
BY: ROTARY BURLINGTON NORTH
Dorothy Brownhill, Volunteer
Dorothy has spent a lifetime serving others in quiet and meaningful ways to help those in need. During COVID, Dorothy began volunteering with Gore Park Community Outreach, where she packed potato chips and candy every single week. Anyone who stopped by to visit Dorothy didn’t just have a nice chat; they quickly discovered they would be packing too!
BY: ROTARY BURLINGTON GORE PARK
Story Submitted by:
Susan Jasper
Rotary Club of Burlington Central
Mayor presenting certificate of appreciation to RCB President, Nancy Sumaruk