Rotary honours 7 with highest award
Inspiration was a recurring theme as seven community leaders were honoured by the Rotary Club of Peterborough on Monday night.
They were each given a Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary’s highest public honour, following an annual gala dinner at Peter borough Golf and Country Club.
Cuddles for Cancer founder Faith Dickinson, 15, drew a standing ovation after accepting her award for Vocational Service “on behalf of the community.” She credited her parents for leading by example and giving her endless support.
“I wouldn’t be able to make any blankets without them,” she said.
The worldwide program–which started as a summer project – has raised more than $30,000 and seen 3,500 blankets made, now in its fifth year. Dickinson has been featured in People, Canadian Living and on The National and BBC.
Calling the award “such an incredible honour,” the teen offered a message that youth can contribute to society, if they are given the chance.
Author and retired history teacher John Boyko, awarded for Youth Services, credited his curiosity for driving him and ultimately, the recognition.
“It is curiosity that has prompted me to write the books that I have,” he said, explaining how a good teacher is one who inspires students to “have a need to ask the next questions.”
Boyko went onto suggest Rotary, too, is about curiosity.
“I believe that our society is stronger, that our democracy is stronger ... if people are curious and asking the next question,” he told Rotarians and guests. “Let us celebrate curiosity, and let us celebrate the curiosity that is within us all.”
Paraplegic athlete and advocate for the disabled Alex Denys, who finished a nearly 35-year career with the Ministry of Natural Resources after a spinal cord injury paralyzed him from the waist down, was awarded for Community Service.
He quoted G han di, who said“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” The change he wants to see is in the attitudes of people towards those with disabilities.
The Warsaw-area resident, who represented Canada at five Paralympic Games between 1984 and 2000 in, heats his home with wood that he cuts himself.
“I live my life according to my abilities, not my disabilities,” said a man who has set Canadian records in swimming and javelin, and enjoys cycling, wheelchair basketball, kayaking, skiing, sledge hockey, and wheelchair curling.
Denys said he believes attitudes are changing and that the award motivates him to work harder to further that process. “To me, the meaning of life is to give life meaning.”
Nancy Calder, the long-time driving force behind the breakfast program at Queen Elizabeth Public School, was also awarded for Community Service.
She said she has been involved in that area her entire life and that she learned from the best – her grandfather, who was a respected Rotarian in Huntsville. Her love of serving came from her 58 years with the Girl Guides of Canada.
Calder thanked the many volunteers who make a difference every day.
“Children shouldn’t arrive at school hungry, but the reality is, they are,” she said, pointing out how the program gives students a sense of belonging and ensures they reach their academic potential. “Kids are worth it, every single one.”
Three others were honoured Monday for Club Service.
Though a non-Rotarian, Mike Kasmetis recognized for selling 50/50 tickets for the club at every Peterborough MusicFest concert for years, rain or shine.
Kevin Duguay and Joe Hall were jointly awarded for launching a unique fundraising Rotary beer – now known as Local Lager – which is now quickly spreading across Ontario.
The awards were presented by Rotary district governor Mike Kinsey of Barrie.
Before the presentations, 2017 awards chair Bruce Gravel pointed out that the first Paul Harris Fellow Award went to Mother Teresa in 1980.
Other winners include former United States president Jimmy Carter, first Russian Federation president Boris Yeltsin and Apollo program astronaut Jim Lovell, he told those gathered. “You are in good company, tonight’s honourees.”
Founded in 1921, the city club is Peterborough’s oldest and largest Rotary Club, with 94 members. It also played a role in starting the other Rotary clubs in the Kawarthas, the Rotary immediate past president said. “Rotary has a great stamp in this area.”
NOTES: There are two ways to earn a Paul Harris Fellow Award, including donating $1,000 to the club or being nominated and someone paying that amount on the nominees behalf ... The club’s website is www.peterboroughrotary.ca .