Ken Breau, president of Crystal Clear Pool and Spa, a specialty pool and spa chemical business in Brantford, Ont., was recently honoured with the Paul Harris Fellows award from the Rotary Club of Brantford.
On occasion, individual Rotary clubs recognize individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the Rotary Club’s founder in 1905. Breau has been involved in the Brantford Rotary Classic Run for six years and has raised more than $70,000 through business contacts. This year, the event raised $73,660.34 of which Breau raised $11,965.
“This is my way to give back to the community,” he said. “I am so thankful for many things… owning my own business and great kids who are well underway with their education.
“The Rotary Club was always there years ago when we needed help with our special needs daughter (Amanda) who is now 20. Not bad for a little girl who wasn’t expected to live due to complications at birth.
“I became Amanda’s father when she was eight years old and she is a fighter who has battled her way through many surgeries over the past 12 years to still be with us today.”
Breau met his wife Tammy in 2002; he had two daughters, while she had three daughters and a son. They are very proud of their children. Amanda has survived all odds, Rachel (the oldest) is entering Western University for her master’s degree, Taylor has graduated from Ottawa University, Brittany is currently studying at Mohawk College, and Avery will be attending the University of Waterloo this fall. Tyler, the youngest, is entering grade 12.
The family’s generosity expands much farther than their own community as well.
“We also foster two children in Nicaragua, one of which we donated enough funds to a few years ago so they could start their own family business,” said Breau.
“Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by this gesture of caring and recognition of my work for special needs children. It is my privilege to serve my community; I simply want to be able to help as many people as possible.”
As a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellows, the Brantford Rotary Club will donate $1000 in Breau’s name to one of the following funds: Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved foundation grant.
