The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha are inviting the public to nominate local leaders for the Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest honours Rotary International can bestow.
Named after Rotary founder Paul Harris, the award recognizes individuals who embody the Rotary motto of Service Above Self through outstanding contributions to their community, the wider world, or their professional field. Past recipients include Mother Teresa, President Jimmy Carter, astronaut James Lovell, and Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine.
This year, for the first time, both clubs will celebrate local recipients together at a joint Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Thursday, November 20th at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Nomination categories include Community Service, International Service, Vocational Service, Youth Services, Environmental Service, and Club Service, with each Rotary Club selecting a member for the last category.
“Paul Harris Fellows represent the very best of our communities,” said a club spokesperson. “Through leadership, dedication, and service, these individuals make a lasting difference locally, internationally, and professionally.”
On behalf of each recipient, the clubs will donate $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation. Nominations are open until October 15th and can be submitted online.
The Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha, founded in 1989, has supported initiatives ranging from police dog programs and school Buddy Benches to free little libraries and community recreation projects. Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Peterborough, established in 1921, has a long history of supporting local and international causes, from children’s programs and literacy initiatives to global polio eradication and clean water efforts.
With over 46,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide and 1.4 million members, the Paul Harris Fellow remains a mark of exceptional service, highlighting those who dedicate themselves to making the world a better place.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the dinner, visit peterboroughrotary.ca or kawartharotary.com, or email contact@peterboroughrotary.ca or wswain@cogeco.ca.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
