Community leaders feted by Rotary club The volunteers were recognised for their philanthropic efforts, all of them going beyond their respective causes.
Five local volunteers who have dedicated their lives to making Sackville a better place to live were honoured last week with the Rotary Club’s highest award.
Alice Folkins, John Higham, Dianne Minshull, Heather Patterson and Allan Pooley were presented with Paul Harris Fellowships during a special celebration hosted by the Sackville Rotary Club (Canada, District 7810) that paid tribute to the spirit of community service.
The volunteers were recognised for their philanthropic efforts in the community, all of them going above and beyond in their respective causes.
Folkins was acknowledged for her longtime work with the Westmorland Historical Society, the food bank, the Lioness club, and local youth.
Higham was credited for his efforts with the Sackville Community Association, the Tantramar civic centre, Tantramar lacrosse, the planning commission and Sackville town council.
Minshull was recognised for her work with the local VON, Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, and the walking programme at the Sackville hospital.
Patterson was honoured for her roles with the Tantramar Seniors’ College, the local food bank, the Tantramar Association of Grandmothers, Autumn House, Linus Project, and the Sackville Refugee Response Coalition.
Pooley was recognised for his contributions to the local Scouting movement, having served 55 years with the organisation in various leadership capacities and earning several prestigious awards.
Also honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow was Sharon Meldrum.
Rotary Club members can contribute to the Foundation on behalf of others and Sharon was recognised as the result of a contribution by Wynn Meldrum.
Sharon’s many community activities include Scouting, the Kinette Club, Camp Tawasi and the Sackville figure skating club.
As well, three members of the Sackville Rotary Club – Susan Fisher, Susan Purdy and Wynn Meldrum – who have recently donated to the Foundation were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows.
The Paul Harris Fellow Award is the highest honour a Rotary Club can bestow on a person, either inside or outside the club.
The award acknowledges “service above self” which that individual has offered to their community, their nation or to the world.
Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary International and this award programme was created to fund many Rotary Foundation’s projects.
