The Rotary Club of Hamilton is thrilled to recognize this year’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award recipients!
The Paul Harris Fellowship, named after Rotary’s founder, is one of the highest honors bestowed by Rotary International. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and embody the spirit of “Service Above Self.”
This prestigious award is a symbol of appreciation and respect, recognizing those who go above and beyond in their commitment to service and excellence
Congratulations to our two Paul Harris Fellowship recipients who received their honour at the Rotary Celebration Event on June 26th, 2024.
🏆 Cathi MacDonnell
Cathi has been an unwavering pillar in our community, dedicating countless hours to local Rotary service projects and championing initiatives that promote education and well-being. Cathi has served our Rotary Club as President, and has been on the Board of Directors and the Inner City & Youth Initiatives Committee (ICYIC) since she became a member. She also took on the role of being the Club’s Bookkeeper as a volunteer saving our Rotary Club funds.
There is not one event, Career Day, Park Clean-up, Grey Cup Tailgate to the packing & wrapping evening, to the Children’s Christmas Celebration to East egg hunt with COREKids – Cathi was always there, ready to help and support Rotary!
Starting July 1st Cathi will also be taking on an exciting role as our Assistant District Governor of Rotary District 7090 – The Best of Friends District
Cathi’s work is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on their community and the world. Congratulations to Cathi MacDonnell our 2024 Paul Harris Fellowship Award Recipient!
Our second Paul Harris Fellowship Recipient is an organization. The Rotary Club of Hamilton is pleased to present the award to Peter Quaglia, Managing Funeral Director at Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home – Robinson Chapel
🏆 Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home – Robinson Chapel
Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home Robinson Chapel has been a pillar of our community for many years, providing compassionate care and support to families during some of their most difficult times. Their commitment to service extends beyond the walls of their chapel and into the heart of our community.
Our Rotary Club wanted to honour Peter and his team at Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home for their unweaving support of Rotary. There is not an event or project, Golf tournament, Sunshine Fund Members Appeal that that is not supported by Peter and the Funeral Home. In addition to be a committed Rotarian, Peter has been a leader serving as Director of Community Services, Srgt of Arms and President of our Rotary Club. His leadership at Rotary has created a wonderful partnership with the Funeral Home and Rotary. The Dodsworth & Brown -Robinson Chapel funeral home is home to our monthly Board Meetings in their Board Room, and for many years the Inner City & Youth Initiatives Committee met in the basement of the funeral home for their committee meetings. I know one of the staff from the funeral home “Debbie” is here tonight, as she is always the one who stays and keeps the doors open for our Rotary Board Meetings.
In addition, if you look at google maps, the Funeral Home is the address/home of our Rotary Club. Peter has also arranged for a room to store our many boxes of Rotary files and memorabilia.
The annual Children’s Christmas Celebration Packing & Wrapping event has been held at the Funeral Home for the past several years. During COVID, Peter worked with Rotary to find a solution to pack & wrap the gifts for the children in safe way and following the bylaws – remember the packing and wrapping in the garage.
Many of the supplies for the event are delivered to the funeral home ahead of the packing event, and are stored till the event. Peter has arranged for his funeral home vehicles to deliver and pick up the gifts and books and deliver the classroom gift packs to the school for the annual Christmas Celebration for so many years.
Not every Rotary Club can say they meet at a Funeral Home!!!
Each of these outstanding individuals and organizations exemplifies the values of Rotary through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference. We are incredibly proud to honor them with the Paul Harris Fellowship.
Congratulations to our 2024 Paul Harris Fellowship Recipients!