President's Message​

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It is truly an honour and a privilege to be the President of the Rotary Club of Barrie. I have accepted the trust the members have placed in me and pledge that with our board that is the leadership team, we will steward the club’s resources and represent the Rotary mission in an exemplary fashion.

As Rotarians we believe that by giving, we receive.  There is something very powerful in the act of providing service above self.  It fulfils us.  There are so many examples of this – you see it, you feel it -- whether it is delivering a cheque to someone in need, building a wheelchair ramp, digging in the dirt, serving the patrons at Kempenfest or pancakes at Spring Tonic – people appreciate what we do.

Rotary International President Jennifer Jones’ theme for this Rotary year is “Imagine Rotary”.  Jennifer told the incoming RI governors about a chance she took when a fellow member asked for assistance in getting a young peace activist out of Afghanistan during the U.S. troop withdrawal last year. At first, unsure how she could help, she relied on “that certain Rotary magic.” She contacted a former Rotary Peace Fellow she had met a few years earlier. Less than 24 hours later, the activist was on an evacuation list, and soon she was on her way to Europe.  

The message is that the connections we have in Rotary extend around the world. It is awe-inspiring when you think of it.

My personal project for the year is the Children’s Health of Ukraine.  With the help of District 2231 in Poland and with the coordination of Rotary Clubs in Ukraine, we are identifying children who have lost their fathers in the war and we will be sending them to summer camp, where they will hopefully forget the pain of war and heal to some degree at least for a short while.  

The Rotary Club of Barrie is made up of extraordinary people – individuals who are committed to doing their part to make the world a better place, individuals who act with integrity, and individuals who give of themselves so generously on a regular basis.  I’m truly excited about serving the club as President. I want to invite you to join us, learn what we do and share in the gift that is Rotary!

Chuck Boldt

President, Rotary Club of Barrie 

2022/2023

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