Larry Rose New Hamburg, Ontario - 2011 Community Award for Youth Service Recipient

For over two decades Larry Rose has been committed to improving the lives of youth all around him. In 1986 Larry became a member of the Optimist Club of Mannheim where the motto is “Friend of Youth.” Larry has been the president of the club since 2007. Over the years the club has built the Mannheim Community Centre, supported the purchase of the creative playground and developed a baseball diamond and soccer pitch for the park. They routinely host bicycle Rodeos, fishing Derby’s and promote leadership by recognizing outstanding youth in the community.

In 2002 Larry faced tragedy when his son Timothy was killed in a car accident while on his way home from a summer job in Muskoka. Larry overcame his loss and began a movement focused on encouraging youth to wear seatbelts. He started a scholarship and foundation at his son’s former high school. Larry went further and helped two youth create a video on seatbelt awareness which is widely used throughout the community.

To help keep the foundation strong, Larry started the annual Timmy Rose Memorial Golf Tournament and the Timmy Rose basketball tournament which have both been running for the past nine years.

In 2009 Larry was part of a committee that raised $40 000 for a new scoreboard for Tim’s former high school. He chaired the Silent Auction.

Larry has also been involved in an outreach program at a local community centre where he has helped mentor youth during canoe trips, floor hockey games and around the community centre.

Congratulations Larry!