Amanzimtoti Rotary president receives prestigious Paul Harris award
Neil will remain as a member of Rotary, as well as continue as chairperson of Khanya Hospice and chairperson of the Jabulani Home for the Aged in Warner Beach.
The highest accolade that a Rotarian can receive is the Paul Harris award, which was recently awarded to outgoing president, Neil McDonald. The award, certificate and badge was flown in from America and presented to him by past president Aneska Dupont on Thursday, 27 June.
“Congratulations from all of the club members at Amanzimtoti Rotary and thank you to Neil for all his involvement and dedication towards the well-being and upliftment of the community. It is noted and greatly appreciated by all,” she said.
“I was flabbergasted to receive the award. I have never even given it a thought and I did not have a clue, No one even mentioned it at our meetings, so I was really very surprised and at the same time very humbled to receive this prestigious award,” said Neil.
“I believe there are not too many people who receive this. It is because when I do something, it is not about myself, as I think the opportunity to serve is greater than the reward. Money does not motivate me, but when someone says to me “I am better, thank you for the help or donation” – money cannot buy that rewarding feeling.”
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At the handover of the award, Neil said it was sad that his children and grandchildren were not present, but he was elated that his wife Pam made it in time to enjoy the moment with him after being stuck in traffic for over two hours.
At the end of his speech, he called Pam up to thank her for standing by him for the year while he undertook being president of Amanzimtoti Rotary Club on top of all the portfolios he currently juggles. “Pam has always supported me in whatever projects I have been involved and has always encouraged me to go for gold. We have been happily married for 45 years and we are truly blessed.”
Neil said receiving the award means a lot to him. “It shows me there are people who acknowledge what other people are doing in and for their various communities and that is very encouraging. You then also get more people involved in the different projects, as people are inspired by seeing that there is some acknowledgement.”
He said he enjoyed his term as Rotary president and the year flew by for him. “I met many wonderful people, people with a good heart and great visions. I had the opportunity to speak to young and old – to be the ‘inspiration’. I remember as a young man, there were wonderful people, men and women, or teachers who I looked up to, that inspired me, that encouraged me, that helped and nurtured me to what I am today.
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I would like to believe that I am leaving a legacy of trust and openness, honesty and more so, believing in yourself and having a passion for the work that you are doing. Whether you get paid or not, always be yourself and be honest to yourself, not only when people are watching. Don’t wait for someone to do something, get up and do it yourself.”
Neil will remain as a member of Rotary, as well as continue as chairperson of Khanya Hospice and chairperson of the Jabulani Home for the Aged in Warner Beach. Asked if he has any advice for incoming president Rhona Chetty, he said: “Rotary work is about connecting with people who are in a position to help reach out to others and the less fortunate – not only financially, but you have to also roll your sleeves up and do something physically. I know Rhona is a hard and diligent worker and I know she will be good for Amanzimtoti Rotary Club.”
To volunteer or assist at Khanya Hospice or Jabulani, call Neil on 083-597-8985.
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