“How can I help you?”
That simple query is always what you will hear when meeting Leaside’s Paul Bolté, whether he’s discussing business or philanthropy.
“There are choices to be made out there,” says Paul, who founded his business, www.ecomvmnt.ca, devoted to environmentally approved products, in 2021. “The products you buy can make a difference when it comes to the environment.”
Of his company, the entrepreneur explains, “What (the site) became is from listening to the customers – trying to find products that work well on an e-commerce platform. What I love is that I created it as an advocate for a cleaner environment, but also for a healthy lifestyle.”
But helping people make smart and healthy choices extends far beyond the pages of his website to a career in philanthropy, too.
When his daughter Tori pointed out the University Health Network’s (UHN’s) annual Rally for Rehab, Paul jumped in and offered to help wherever he could be most effective. The event raised almost a quarter-million dollars in 2024.
“We’ve seen it grow,” Paul, who joined the event committee in 2024, says. “We want to continue to grow.” As a sponsor, Paul also pitched in by handing out flyers to promote the event.
“These are the type of things I love to do,” declares Paul, who has been married to DeeDee, an executive assistant at Bloorview School, since 1995. “There are people who will write million-dollar cheques. My cheque is my time to help raise money personally or collectively. I want to be part of this again. I don’t think a lot of people in Leaside know about the rehab centres here.”
He stresses he would very much like to make the community aware of the cutting-edge work the KITE (Knowledge Innovation Talent Everywhere) Research Institute at UHN is doing to help those dealing with the effects of disability, illness and aging. KITE’s work includes injury prevention, restoration of function and aiding in independent living and community integration.
Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as Brittle Bone disease, meant that Paul, a father of two grown children (Zach and Tori) has been prone to breaks and sprains much of his life. Paul estimates he has broken two dozen bones, but as he grew into adulthood his bone density became much stronger.
“OI made me say ‘never give up.’ If you have a bad day, get back on the horse,” he says of his positive attitude. Also a prostate cancer survivor, Paul says he is driven by his DNA to help when he sees someone or something in need.
Combining his desire to stay physically active with his love for sporting activity, Paul has a passion for raising money and has taken part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer (for his sister, who is fully recovered), a 12-hour rowing and spinning event where he raised $4,000 to benefit Trees for Life and UHN, and a fundraising cycling event for children as well.
“It makes me feel really good that I’m giving back,” he says.
Paul says he will never stop learning – and helping.
“You can’t change what happened yesterday, but you can change what you do today, what you do tomorrow,” he says. “I’ll never retire.”
