Rotarian honoured to receive service award
The Distinguished Service Award is given to people who have achieved outstanding accomplishments.
Gregory Strathacopoulos, district Rotary Foundation chairperson of Benoni Rotary Club, achieved the Distinguished Service Award recently because of his exemplary service to the Rotary Club of Benoni, and the community.
“I nominated Greg for this award. It then went to Rotary International where the trustees decided he was definitely one of the people who deserved to win this award,” explained Annie Steijn, past district governor (PDG) of Rotary Club of Benoni.
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Rotary International is a service organisation whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.
It is a non-political and non-religious organisation open to all.
Strathacopoulos is part of Rotary Club of Benoni, their district being 9400.
“I feel like I won this award because of my passion and what this all means to me,” explained Greg.
“It gives me great pleasure to assist others, even in a my own small way.”
Strathacopoulos, being a PDG, Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Bequest Society and foundation chairperson from 2007-2013, again from 2016-2019 and re-elected for the period of 2020-2023, racked up many achievements that led him to the honor of receiving this award.
He has been a part of Benoni Rotary Club for 30 years come January 6, 2021, but this is only a passion and hobby of his as he works full-time as a financial planner for Liberty Life.
“I joined Rotary in 1991 after being involved in a project for a village. They were in desperate need of a school, most of the children were being taught in a tiny little shack,” he explained.
“We wanted more for them. It took some time but Rotary and the community pulled together to raise the money for a brick-making machine and cement.
“They then took it on themselves to build a school. This is what made me want to be a part of this journey forever.
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“If I can give any advice, there are many who need help. Look at yourself and find out what is important to you.
“Especially now with Covid-19, people are struggling. Giving your expertise and energy to those in need can really make a difference wherever you are.”
If you would like to be a part of the Rotary Club of Benoni, visit their website (https://www.barc.co.za/).
