PH Awards '25 - Community Recognition

One of the three ways that a Paul Harris Fellowship may be awarded is for the parent club to use its Foundation contribution points to nominate a particular member of its own club or the community at large. On September 23, 2025 the RCNS took the opportunity to recognize a truly wonderful member of our Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, one who has distinguished himself in exactly the light that Paul Harris had envisaged. 
As sponsored & introduced by our Co-President Ross Gowan, we honoured Keith Jones. Keith has contributed much to our Club over the years, but Ross chose to focus mainly on the progressive work Keith contributed as Assistant Governor over the past year.  By going to the 'Read more ...' tab, you can read the full details as offered by Ross. At the attached picture, we note the presentation; Keith flanked by Co-Presidents Ross Gowan and Mary Mercato. 
We are so happy to recognize the selfless & generous leader that Keith is - as Ross and Mary concluded, Keith sets a great example of a Rotarian worthy of a Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his continuing "Service above Self'.

 

Speaking Notes from Co-President Ross Gowan;

"Last Tuesday morning when District Governor Aaron Carlson was with us, Aaron came prepared to make a very special presentation to honour one of our club members, and I was going to assist Aaron.  But that member wasn’t here last week. So this morning Mary and I are delighted to recognize an extraordinary individual who embodies the spirit of Rotary—'Service Above Self,' and present this club member with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow recognition."

"The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is named after Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, who believed in the power of individuals to create lasting change in their communities and the world. Since its inception in 1957, this honor has been bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to Rotary’s mission, whether through their service, dedication, or financial support."

Keith Jones, please come up and join us at the front. 

"Keith, you accepted the request to serve as Assistant Governor for 3 Norfolk Clubs in Area 1 and recently completed a 3-year term in that role. During your term you very successfully brought together Areas 1 & 2 comprised of the two Norfolk and the two Brantford clubs. You also led the move for Norfolk Sunrise and Simcoe clubs to hold a joint Paul Harris Recognition Gala, raising the profile of Rotary in Norfolk. You’ve been a member of this club since its inception 30 years ago, and served twice as President, and you continue to be fully engaged in the leadership and work of our club in many, many ways. You traveled to Scotland with the Curling Fellowship and I’m told were an excellent ambassador for our club both in Scotland and when the Scots returned to Ontario. There might have been some single-malt Scotch involved.  

"It is with great pride and gratitude that we present you with this Paul Harris Fellow pin –it has 2 blue stones, indicating it’s your 3rd Paul Harris Fellow recognition award.  

"On behalf of Rotary and our club, thank you, Keith, for your unwavering dedication and service. You remind us all of the incredible impact one person can have in our community, in our District, and in the much broader world around us. 

Please join Mary and me to thank Keith for his incredible service and to congratulate him for this recognition award. "

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