The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore will honour two local community leaders (Mike Burtnik and Justin Preston) with Paul Harris Fellowships at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre on May 7th. The Paul Harris Fellow is the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow, established by Rotary International in 1957. It is presented to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in the spirit of Rotary’s motto of "Service Above Self". The public is welcome to join in the festivities. Tickets are $50 per person (which includes appetizer buffet). Doors open: 5:30 p.m. Program begins: 6:30 p.m. Dress Code: Business Attire. Click here to purchase your tickets!
Mike Burtnik is a lifelong champion of community service in Niagara. For decades, Mike and his team at Burtnik Printing have quietly supported countless local organizations by often providing essential printing services at reduced or no cost. Organizations such as Community Care, Hospice Niagara, Wellspring Niagara, the Niagara Symphony, Garden City Productions, and multiple Rotary clubs have all benefited from his generosity. Mike is also deeply involved in community initiatives, including the Niagara Golf Marathon, the Rankin Cancer Run, and the Community Care Holiday Food Drive. Each year, his annual pig roast brings people together while collecting significant food donations for those in need.
Founder of Rise Against Bullying, a global movement that encourages individuals to lead with compassion and embrace their uniqueness, Justin Preston transformed his own experiences with bullying and mental health struggles into a mission to ensure that no one feels alone. Through school presentations, community events, and social media, he has inspired hundreds of thousands with his message be the change you want to see in the world. Recognized with a Niagara Impact Award, and as a National Ambassador for Kids Help Phone, Justin advocates for accessible mental health support for young people across Canada, drawing from his own experience of reaching out for help when he needed it most.
 | Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul P. Harris. In 1905, after setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. The first Rotary Club was born. Harris died in 1947 in Chicago at age 78 after a prolonged illness. Before his death, he made it known that he preferred contributions to The Rotary Foundation in lieu of flowers. His passing prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world. In the 18 months following his death, The Rotary Foundation received $1.3 million, which helped support the Foundation’s first program — scholarships for graduate study abroad. |
