The highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow is the Paul Harris Fellow. It is presented to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. The Paul Harris Fellow Program was established by Rotary International in 1957 to show appreciation and recognize individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.
The Paul Harris recipient goes above and beyond in serving our community through promoting change and understanding.
To date, more than 100 Paul Harris’ have been presented throughout our Club’s history to members from various not-for-profit, community and business sectors. Past recipients include Joe Barkovich (Media), Alison Brown (Retail), Gerry Bujold (Insurance), Freddie Farnham (Community), Carolyn Fast (Community and Not-For-Profit), Claire Masswohl (Community and Not-For-Profit), Rob Neill (Accounting), Douglas Rapelje (Community and Not-For-Profit), Roy Timms (Industrial), Paul Turner (Education and Community) and Lyn Russo (Education) to name a few.
"I was so surprised to hear that I had won this prestigious award. The volunteering that I do is not for recognition but to give back to a community where my family works and lives. It was, however, an honour to be recognized with the Paul Harris Award”, shared Bunny Alexander, one of the 2017 Paul Harris Award recipients.
“This was one of the greatest honours I have received”, shared Douglas Rapelje, past Paul Harris Award recipient.
"Receiving the Paul Harris Award taught me that no act of goodwill is too little, and inspired me to be more deliberate in effecting positive change within my area of operation”, shared Kenny Gwena, one of the 2017 Paul Harris Award recipients.
For more information, contact us at info@wellandrotaryclub.com
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of Welland has not held a Paul Harris celebration. This will change on May 10, 2023 when the Club will celebrate those who have made, and are continuing to make, an outstanding contribution to the community in line with Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self”. Please join us as we celebrate these community leaders.
When: Wednesday May 10, 2023 – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Welland International Flatwater Centre, 16 Townline Tunnel Road, Welland
Details: Wine and Cheese – Cost $25/person
Cogeco’s YOURTV will be filming the event, with attendees potentially appearing on camera.