On June 16, 2021, the Rotary Club of Campbell River conducted its final Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Awards Ceremony for the 2020/21 Rotary Year. Given the relaxation of the provincial Covid-19 rules, the Club was able to hold a hybrid meeting, allowing for the PHF awards to be made in person at the Campbell River Legion Auditorium. Rotarian Todd Peachey acted as Master of Ceremonies, and he was assisted by Assistant Governor Barb Cameron and Rotarian Pieter Koeleman. Twenty-five persons received Paul Harris Fellowship recognition during the ceremony.
Todd commenced the program by outlining the many unique features and critical importance of the Rotary Foundation. He also pointed out that: “Through all that we have been through with Covid, our members have remembered our Foundation and have continued to give generously.” Further, he stated: “There is not another organization like ours in the world; we do incredible things, and we should all be proud to be members of Rotary.”
Assistant Governor Barb Cameron echoed Todd’s remarks in her presentation to the Club. AG Barb stated that one of her most cherished responsibilities as AG is her role in presenting PHF awards to Rotarians, friends, family members, and community leaders. In explaining why it is so important that we continue to give generously to the Foundation, AG Barb outlined her “10 Reasons to Give” – the “Reasons” focus on leadership; global achievements; the impact of helping others throughout the world; the track record of success and accountability; and global reach through our 1.2 million members. AG Barb concluded her presentation by stating: “giving to the Foundation is the smart thing to do; it is also the right thing, as Rotarians, to do.”
Past District Governor Craig Gillis was scheduled to make a presentation at the ceremony, but could not be present due to other commitments. Rotarian Pieter Koeleman presented PDG Craig’s speech. The focus of PDG Craig’s speech centred on the importance of regular contributions to the Foundation, in particular, the “Every Rotarian Every Year” (EREY) program. PDG Craig stated that the Rotary Club of Campbell River understands the importance of the Foundation, and the Club is a supporter of EREY. Club members contribute, on average, $202US per member per year, and the Club is a leader in District 5020 for Foundation giving. PDG Craig stated that he is proud to be associated with our Club members who value the Foundation so dearly.
AG Barb conducted the PHF recognition portion of the ceremony. Rotarian Dave Lovely, a newer member, was called first and was presented with his PHF award. Next, four Club members named family members and/or friends to receive PHF awards. Finally, twenty Club members were awarded with multiple PHF status, ranging from PHF+1 to PHF +8. Three Club members, Scott Kilby, Linda Krahn, and Kent Moeller, “doubled-up” by receiving two increased levels of multiple PHF status, representing their generous giving to the Foundation over a short period of time. AG Barb’s last duty in the ceremony was the awarding a PolioPlus Society Award to Rotarian Todd Peachey in recognition of his commitment to donate $100US per year to PolioPlus until this disease is eradicated from the globe. Todd joins Club members Pieter Koeleman and Cindy Evans as members of the PolioPlus Society.
Club President Amy Stevenson closed the meeting by thanking AG Barb, PDG Craig, Pieter Koeleman, and Todd Peachey for their contributions which made this a very exciting and successful PHF awards ceremony. Further, she thanked the Club members for “Doing Good in the World” through their support of the Foundation.
