Residents are encouraged to consider nominating deserving community members prior to the deadline for this year’s intake on April 30. Pictured: 2023 Paul Harris Fellow Recipients. Left to Right: Michael Jacques, Marcelle Jacques, Paul Snack, Ann Harrison, Zachary Snack, Carol Berkhout.
The Fonthill Rotary Club is looking forward to once again honouring the contributions of a select number of residents with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Recipients of this prestigious distinction, which has been presented since 1957, will have $1,000 donated in their name to the Rotary International Annual Fund SHARE program, helping millions of the world’s most vulnerable to access food/water, shelter, healthcare and education.
“This year we are honouring one of our founding members, Gail Levay, with a Paul Harris Fellowship,” Dave Schulz, Fonthill Rotary Club Public Image Chair and Executive Secretary shared in a recent sit-down with The Niagara Independent. “Gail has been a member of our club for thirty-three years and will also be made an Honourary Member. Gail was one of the twenty-five local residents who formed our club in 1991 under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Welland.”
Residents are encouraged to consider nominating deserving community members prior to the deadline for this year’s intake on April 30.
“Nominees are recognized for their outstanding contributions to our community and beyond,” said Schulz. “In particular we look for candidates who have made significant contributions to one or more of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, specifically: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.”
“These are priorities for Rotary International and we look to recognize local citizens for their individual contributions in these areas.”
Previous awardees have included teachers, business owners, community leaders and volunteers, as well as local philanthropists.
When asked what the Rotary Club of Fonthill is most pleased about in this year’s awards, Schulz had some key thoughts to share.
“We are most excited to be celebrating the contributions of Gail Levay,” said Schultz. “Gail has made significant contributions to our community over her thirty-three years of membership, including being the keeper of our club archive.”
Those interested in submitting a nomination can contact Annie Holtby, Rotary Club of Fonthill Foundation Chair, at holtbyannie@gmail.com for more information about the application process.
Residents are invited to learn more about the Paul Harris Fellowship at the designated Rotary International webpage.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
