At the October 2, 2018, during District Governor Mary Lou Harrison's visit to the joint meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa, Oshawa-Parkwood and Bowmanville , held at the Oshawa Golf Club, Past District Governor Neil Phillips awarded the Council of Past Governors Award to a very deserving Rotarian......
As many of you will know, our District has a tradition of recognising Clubs and individuals for the great work they do every year. In ways large and small, Rotarians continue to Make a Difference. Many of those were announced at our District Changeover in July.
At the joint meeting of the Oshawa, Oshawa-Parkwood and Bowmanville Rotary Clubs, Past District Governor Neil Phillips talked about the Council of Past District Governors Award. This honour is given to the Rotarian of the District who has made the greatest service contribution during the preceding Rotary year. So truly, a special award.
The Governor Team met furiously, over a few glasses of wine, and were unanimous in feeling this individual deserved this special recognition.
The awardee joined Rotary in 2004, and have been active ever since. At the Club level, he has been a committee chair a number of times, a director, and also Club President. He has participated in sweat equity projects.
He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. To show support and thank those senior members who’ve been giving back to the community through Rotary for many years, he created a Septo/Octo committee.
For those of you who still haven’t figured it out– past District Governor Neil is referring Fred Mandryk, from the Rotary Club of Bowmanville.
Seven years ago, Fred decided to get involved with Kids Against Hunger. Neil added that “get involved” is an understatement. It has become his passion. Since that time he has introduced it to many Rotary Clubs. many Rotarians in District 7070 have been to packing events at our District Conference, in school auditoriums with Interact, and Past District Governor Neil even hosted a large one in his own company’s food-grade warehouse. They are incredibly impactful, with in 2018, the City of Peterborough surpassed packing the one million meals mark. That’s one million meals for those in need – both around the world and here in Canada. They’re a huge amount of fun, and a great opportunity to engage Rotarians and friends in a truly hands-on way.
Fred is active in the community outside Rotary as well, but it is his great energy and drive within our organization, Rotary, that truly makes us all proud to be fellow Rotarians.
Fred, we all thank you for everything you’ve done to Be the Inspiration to so many. Congratulations on this well-deserved award.
