Two hardworking Campbell Riverites received recognition for a job well done.
Carol Chapman and Bill Henderson were handed Paul Harris Fellow Awards at the Rotary Club of Campbell River’s luncheon on Wednesday.
Club member Pieter Koeleman said it’s rare for two community members who are not Rotary Club members to win the award, but what these two individuals have contributed to Campbell River is outstanding.
Chapman volunteers her time for many events and fundraisers in the community, including organizing the Tour de Rock events in town, fundraising for the SPCA, working for the Hospital Foundation, and putting on the Canada Day celebrations, among many other things.
“Every community needs a Carol Chapman, but we are the lucky ones, we have her and for these reasons she is most deserving of this award,” club member Judy Shepley said at the luncheon.
Shepley added that Chapman works about six months of the year to organize the Canada Day celebrations, and called the event the “most successful” in Campbell River.
Chapman said “it’s huge” to be honoured by the Rotary Club, but added that the enjoyment she gets from helping out in the community is honour enough for her.
“I don’t ever feel that I deserve to be honoured just for working in our community of Campbell River,” said Chapman. “I love this town, and I love to do anything I can to help, and the reason I do it is cause it makes me happy.”
Koeleman introduced Wei Wai Kum master carver Bill Henderson.
“Each of his creations tells a story,” said Koeleman. “In his own way he is a historian and a story teller. Over the years he has generously donated many pieces of art to many organizations in our city to contribute to and support their fundraisers, and our club is one of the grateful recipients.”
Henderson said he was touched to receive the award, and mentioned he carved a piece to go into the Rotary Club’s TV Auction this coming weekend.
“Every year it’s an honour to carve pieces for the auction, knowing where the money’s going, not only in the community, but all over different parts of the world,” said Henderson. “It’s awesome.”
Henderson carved a red cedar Caller Mask, which is for the man who calls people to gather for a potlatch, for this year’s TV Auction. As of Wednesday, the starting bid on the mask was $1,500.
The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is named after the man behind Rotary Clubs. Harris founded the first service group in the world in Chicago in 1905, which is where Rotary has its roots.