Paul Harris Awards

Named after Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, the Paul Harris Fellow Award program was established in 1957 to recognize individuals who serve their communities and uphold Rotary's "Service Above Self" ideals. It serves as a way to acknowledge both Rotarians and non-Rotarians for their commitment to Rotary's mission.

program was established in 1957 to recognize individuals who serve their
communities and uphold Rotary's "Service Above Self" ideals. It serves as a
way to acknowledge both Rotarians and non-Rotarians for their commitment
to Rotary's mission.Named after Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, the Paul Harris Fellow Award
program was established in 1957 to recognize individuals who serve their
communities and uphold Rotary's "Service Above Self" ideals. It serves as a
way to acknowledge both Rotarians and non-Rotarians for their commitment
to Rotary's mission.
program was established in 1957 to recognize individuals who serve their
communities and uphold Rotary's "Service Above Self" ideals. It serves as a
way to acknowledge both Rotarians and non-Rotarians for their commitment
to Rotary's mission.
Named after Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, the Paul Harris Fellow Award
program was established in 1957 to recognize individuals who serve their
communities and uphold Rotary's "Service Above Self" ideals. It serves as a
way to acknowledge both Rotarians and non-Rotarians for their commitment
to Rotary's mission.

2024/2025 Honorees

Julia Buxton Cox

When the local newspaper closed, Julia started a community Facebook page. During Covid lockdown, she started the online Buy Nothing group that unified a community feeling isolated from each other. It now has over 2,400 local members. Along with local residents, Julia formed the Farmworkers Hub for migrant workers offering services, socialization and material items. Over 1500 seasonal workers were served in 2024.

Betty Disero

Betty previously served on Toronto’s City council multiple times. After moving to Niagara-on-the-Lake, she joined Rotary in 2014 and in 2018 became the town’s first female Lord Mayor. Betty successfully steered our town through the uncharted waters of the Covid pandemic.

Greg Fedoryn

 Greg is a member of the Rotary Club and the Shaw Guild. As Hosting Chair of the Shaw, he implemented a digital sign-up program serving on the Executive committee for 6 years. As a Rotarian, Greg served as Club Secretary and President. He has co-chaired the Rotary Canada Day Community fundraiser for many years and served at all levels of the Holiday House Tour, currently as coordinator of volunteers. Greg led the Rotary Economic Development group championing a dozen projects in multiple countries on several continents.

Dr. Richard Meritt

Dr. Richard Merritt founded and chaired the Niagara Historic Foundation and Friends of Fort George. He co-chaired and led the construction of the Landscape of Nations with Indigenous leaders, was instrumental in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s designation as a National Historical site and has authored four histories of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Martin Quick

Martin served as president of our club. He secured a Global Grant of $120,000 for Wells of Hope in Guatemala and coordinated the El Carrizal Water Project. He is an ambassador for Shelter Box Canada and investigated living conditions of immigrant workers in Niagara. Through cycling for various charities, he has raised money for environmental protection and disease eradication. Martin is an ongoing volunteer for Rotary events.

2024 Paul Harris Award recipients

PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP DINNER

May 15, 2025   |   5:45 - 10:00 pm
Old Navy Hall, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Dress code is semi-formal

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We honour worthy recipients
who have dedicated their time and energy
to go above and beyond,
exemplifying Rotary's Motto of 'People of Action'.

Have a delicious dinner, enjoy fellowship,
and celebrate each of our five very special recipients,
all of whom are helping to make the world a better place!

Mark your calendars and get your tickets for
the Niagara-on-the-Lake Paul Harris Gala dinner,
the social highlight of our Rotary Season.

Paul Harris Award Winners 2025

At this very special dinner Julia Buxton Cox, Betty Disero, Greg Fedoryn, Dr. Richart Merritt, and Martin Quick will be recognized for their outstanding Community Service. They will each receive one of Rotary’s highest honours, the Paul Harris Award, named after one of the original founders of Rotary International.

– PURCHASE TICKETS HERE –

When 

• Tuesday, May 15, 2025

• 5:45 pm Doors Open 

• 7:00 pm Hot Buffet Dinner Starts 

• 8:30 pm Paul Harris Awards Presentations 

• 10:00 pm Gala Closes

Where

• Historic Old Navy Hall

• Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario L0S 1J0

Buffet Menu

• Stuffed chicken breast (spinach and brie) with supreme sauce

• Hand carved hip of beef w/ gravy and horseradish

• Garden salad w/ raspberry vinaigrette dressing

• Veggie medley

• Mashed potatoes

• Assorted buns with butter

• Relish and cheese display

• Dessert

• Beverages

Wine and beer will be available by the glass at a cash bar. 

Those with dietary restrictions are to contact Steve Hinchliffe Director of Club Administration at shinchliffe@outlook.com

Tickets

• $80.00 per person plus handling charges payable though Eventbrite 

• Ticket sales limited to 100 maximum. 

• Ticket sales to close Tuesday, June 11, 2024 5:00 pm EST. 

We look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Don’t miss it!

 

– PURCHASE TICKETS HERE –