Twelve previously unsung Rotarian heroes were personally thanked by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in Whitehall last week. Presenting the first ever Champions of Change Awards, Mr. Clegg spoke of the “extraordinary things” which the award winners had done. He was impressed by the variety of achievements of the 12 awardees.
“It was an honour to meet and be able to congratulate them,” he said. “They have all given so much time, so selflessly, and with so much passion to help others and make our society stronger and fairer. From Sidcup to Sumatra, Crewkerne to Kenya, they are helping people deal with some of the biggest challenges possible. And, every step of the way, they are inspiring others to get involved and help out.”
Nominations for the awards were in two categories, domestic and international, and invited from across Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland’s (RIBI) 29 districts, which takes in over 1,800 clubs and more than 50,000 members. They also celebrated the centenary year of RIBI, which has just had its first female president, Nan McCreadie.
She said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise Rotarians who give their time and talents to help communities at a time when they need it most. Rotarians come from all walks of life, they are men and women who want to make a difference. We were delighted to receive support from Nick Clegg, who kindly offered his time to recognise the excellent work that the worthy volunteers undertake everyday; much of which is funded solely by the individuals, who work neither for money nor for recognition but to help causes that they are passionate about and believe in wholeheartedly.”
Awardees’ achievements included helping with health and education projects in Uganda, Kenya, India, Pakistan and Sumatra, caring for the poor around Bethlehem, and, nearer home, to enhancing facilities in local communities and spearheading the voluntary flood relief project in the Somerset Levels.
The event at the Scotland Office (by kind permission of the Secretary of State for Scotland) was hosted by the Advocate General for Scotland Lord Wallace of Tankerness. Attendees included the Under Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, MP Michael Moore (who had helped organise the event), as well as the awardees respective MPs and the district governors or representatives who had nominated them. Some of the youngsters who have been helped and encouraged by Rotary through its Young Chef competition and Young Citizen Award, with representatives from Rotary’s programmes for 18-30 year olds (Rotaract) and 12-18 year olds (Interact) were also invited.
Awards were presented to:
- Jeff Fawcett, Rotary Club of Penrith
- Erik Foster, Rotary Club of Sidcup
- David Greenaway, Rotary Club of Didcot
- Malcolm Jones, Rotary Club of Longbenton with Killingworth
- Tim Mitchell, Rotary Club of Bristol
- Matt Porter, Rotary Club of Dublin Central
- Stuart Pullen, Rotary Club of Billingshurst and District
- Rolf Sperr, Rotary Club of Cleethorpes
- Stephen Sypula, Rotary Club of Stevenage Grange
- Tom Stevenson, Rotary Club of Stranraer
- David Welch, Rotary Club of Crewkerne District
- Mike Yates, Rotary Club of New Mills, Marple and District
