GEORGE NEWS - Three Georgians who are well known in educational and charitable circles were honoured for decades of dedicated service to the community by the George Rotary Club on Tuesday 29 May.
The Rotary's highest meritorious award, the Paul Harris Fellowship, was awarded to Cansa Relay chairman Lorraine Verhagen, dedicated community worker Myron Rabinowitz and Di Dee, a teacher at York High who worked on many educational projects including the Interact Club.
During an informal sit-down dinner, outgoing president Simon Swan reminded his audience that the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellowship is the Rotary Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution made to humanitarian and educational programmes.
Certificates of appreciation were also handed to York High Principal Francois Moll, the Townhouse Restaurant and the George Golf Club. The fellowships and certificates of appreciation are bestowed on individuals, organisations and businesses that demonstrate the Rotary's motto, "Service above Self".
Champion of Cansa
During her three-year chairmanship (2016 to 2018), Verhagen raised over a million rand for Cansa George. Some of the funds goes directly toward the Irma Bruschi Interim home, where accommodation is provided for 12 out-of-town cancer patients undergoing chemo and radiation treatment. For the past five years she has run the George Herald'sannual Sandwich Jam on Mandela Day.
This year it is anticipated that 10 000 sandwiches will be donated and distributed to the night shelter and people living in old aged homes, among others. Verhagen also runs the "Beanies from George" project, which involves the distribution of home-knitted beanies to children in rural areas.
Moses of the Garden Route
Former town councillor Myron Rabinowitz has always been the go-to guy for members of the poorer communities in matters ranging from housing to municipal issues, marriages and wills. "He is definitely a man of the people," said Simon Swan. "During the awful Knysna fires, Myron organised containers of new clothing donated by the Jewish Board of Deputies to be distributed throughout the region, including to the far-flung poorer communities.
"Myron is the glue that holds the Jewish community together. Without fanfare he makes sure that the community keeps together. He serves on the Harry Comay TB hospital's committee and the George Child Welfare manage board, looking after the interests of the people who need it most."
Di Dee
The York High teacher Di Dee is a special person who excels in making a difference. She has been the Interact Club teacher at the school for many years. She led the Wildlife Society and, while homeschooling her own children, she would visit all the homeschools in the area to offer help and advice to the learners.
"Di, we recognise you for your compassion to others and the great work that you do. We salute you for your humble dedication and all that you do for the community of George," said Charles Rowe in his citation.
George's outgoing Rotary President, Simon Swan (left), honoured Myron Rabinowitz, Lorraine Verhagen and Di Dee with a Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding contribution to the community.
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