The Paul Harris Fellowship is one of Rotary’s most meaningful recognitions, awarded to those who donate $1,000 USD to the Rotary Foundation and embody the spirit of service that Paul Harris himself championed when he founded the organization in 1905. This year, the Rotary Club of Barrie is proud to recognize four individuals whose contributions to community, both locally and internationally, reflect exactly what the award was built for.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Bill Sergeant has spent nearly 40 years in service, first as an Aerospace Engineer in the Canadian Armed Forces, and then as a dedicated volunteer with organizations including the RCAF Association 441 Wing, the Veterans’ Club of Barrie, and the Royal Canadian Legion. Most recently, Bill played a key role in revitalizing the Club’s mass CPR training initiative in partnership with St. John Ambulance. He has also given internationally through the Sleeping Children Around the World program, travelling personally to distribute bed kits to children in need. Mark Mulder’s recognition is anchored in one extraordinary chapter: his work on the Youth Haven build project throughout 2025, where he dedicated upwards of 30 hours a week on site, working alongside trades, sourcing materials, and doing whatever it took to ensure vulnerable youth had a safe place to live before Christmas. Beyond that, Mark has a long history of stepping up for Redwood Park Communities, the Busby Centre, and his church, consistently showing up when leadership was needed most.
Kate Venn was recognized with her first Paul Harris Award, and Paul Markle received his Paul Harris Plus One. Congratulations to all four recipients, and thank you for the example you set for this Club and this community.