Giving for the love of the community
Frank Adamson named 2018 Pelham citizen of the year
Frank Adamson’s parents always told him to leave this world a little better than he found it.
And if you look at all Adamson has done over the years, he certainly took that message to heart.
A founding member of Heart Niagara, member of Rotary
Clubs in Fonthill and Welland, executive director of the United Way in Cambridge, chair of United Way South Niagara, founder of Niagara Mudfest and the list goes on.
His fellow Fonthill Rotary members took notice of his work and nominated him for Pelham’s 2018 Citizen of the Year Award, an award given out by Kinsmen Club of Fonthill and District.
Kinsmen spokesman Kevin Twomey said it wasn’t an easy decision choosing 2018’s winner, but in selecting Adamson the club found a very deserving person.
“Frank has done so many amazing things in the community.”
He said there were things Adamson, a former paramedic, was involved with that the Kinsmen didn’t even know about.
“Frank has gone well above and beyond in the community.”
Adamson said he was somewhat surprised to be named citizen of the year, calling it an honour.
“That the nomination came from my Rotary Club was nice and the fact this is a Kinsmen award shows we work together and do the same kinds of things to make this community better.”
Adamson, owner of fitness facility Kwik Fit Niagara, said there are many great recipients who preceded him.
“Just look at some of the names … Gerry Berkhout, the first winner Carolyn Mullin, Gord Klager. People who have done really good work in the community.”
Adamson said he and the other winners don’t do what they do for recognition.
“We do it because we love the community we live in.”
Adamson’s roots in helping others go back to his days in cubs and scouts, being a junior forest ranger and army cadet.
“All those sorts of experiences and the fact my parents gave to the church and legion. Raising funds for scouts is basically where I got started.”
Before joining Fonthill’s Rotary Club, Adamson spent a couple of years with the club in Welland. But with his role in hospital administration at Welland hospital and being coaxed to sit on the United Way board, something had to give. He left Welland Rotary and ended up chair of the board with United Way. When he moved to the Cambridge area, he became executive director of the United Way there.
He was also involved with the Ontario Paramedic Association and taught at Niagara College for 11 years. Paramedic students joined him on trips to help people in the Central American nation of Honduras.
As a founding member of Heart Niagara, Adamson taught CPR and defibrillator use to thousands of people over the years.
When he joined the Fonthill Rotary Club, Adamson came up with a unique fundraiser — Niagara Mudfest. The club let him run with the event, which has raised funds for Pelham Cares, the Riehl skatepark and Wellspring Niagara.
Adamson said none of what he does in the community would be possible without the support of his wife, Judy.
“I’m away from home a lot, at international conferences in Germany, Korea and the U.S.”
He and Judy, a former psychiatric nurse, have been together 47 years. They met at a hospital in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Adamson said it feels good to give back and make a difference in the community.
“What this award does is encourage others to get out in the community and help out.
“Go help with a food drive, pick up garbage, or join or help a service club.”
Adamson’s award will be presented at a March 5 celebration at Old Pelham Town Hall. Tickets are $20, available at Matt Dam Financial Services/Sun Life Financial at 165 Highway. 20 W.