Whether he鈥檚 helping poor children overseas or inspiring students in elementary schools around the Comox Valley, Bent Harder gives a lot of himself to other people.

And for this, he was named Citizen of the Year Saturday during the 2010 Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards.

鈥淏ent has continually focused all his energies on making the world a better place,鈥� noted his nomination. 鈥淗e not only gives financially but is also a full-time volunteer. From his work with Rotary and Rotaplast to volunteering for the 2010 Olympics, Bent has been involved with organizations which leave the Comox Valley, the province, Canada and the world a better place.鈥�

Harder, who is in his mid-80s, joins his wife, Jeannie, as a winner of the Citizen of the Year award, as she received this honour in 1993.

鈥淏ent is a great role model and has proven time and time again that everyone has something to offer at any age,鈥� according to his nomination.

Harder, who came to Canada from Denmark in 1952, has been involved in Rotary for nearly 50 years, hosting Rotary Exchange students and volunteering locally and overseas.

Harder travels up and down Vancouver Island, into Washington State and around the world volunteering for Rotaplast, which provides free reconstructive plastic surgery to underprivileged children to correct the birth defect of cleft lip and cleft palette.

As of Wednesday, Harder has been a Rotarian for 48 years.

鈥�(He) has served the community diligently for all those years,鈥� said Robert Buckley, president of the Rotary Club of Courtenay.

Harder is a past president of the Rotary Club of Courtenay and has been involved in many charity events and the construction of many facilities throughout the Valley.

As well, he is district chair of Rotaplast, and he has been a Paul Harris Fellow many times, which includes a $1,000 donation to Rotary International for various projects around the world, explained Buckley.

鈥淗e鈥檚 been a phenomenal contributor to the community and the world as a Rotarian, that鈥檚 for darn sure,鈥� he said.

Harder has also volunteered with high school Interact clubs, marine search and rescue and IPC World Cup events at Mount Washington.

Harder was president of the Comox Valley Figure Skating Club for many years, much of them long after his children had moved on.

He was a founding member of the Comox Valley Road Runners and served on the executive and as president.

As well, Simms Millennium Park has become a pet project for Harder, and he ensures the different Rotary lookouts there are in good repair.

This past year, Harder was chosen as the community torch bearer for the Olympic Torch Relay because of his extensive involvement in community organizations and his passion for sport. He lit the cauldron at the celebration in Lewis Park, and he spent the next several months taking the torch anywhere it was requested. He also volunteered many hours during the Olympics and Paralympics.

writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com