The Paul Harris Fellow was established in 1957 in honour of the Rotary founder to express appreciation for contributions to the humanitarian and educational programs of the foundation.
This year, three community members became Paul Harris Fellows - Amy DePaola of Food Link and Rob and Michelle McQualter of Tip N Go Trailers.
Shepparton Rotary Club president Joseph Tam said in March last year, Ms DePaola saw an "obvious need" to raise funds to pay catering businesses to prepare food that could be distributed to other food relief agencies.
“Amy had to cope with six months of breast cancer therapy in 2019 and she was unsure if she had the stamina to commit to such a project,” he said.
“With the encouragement of her husband Mark and their three children . . . she went ahead and raised $100,000 to pay local catering businesses doing it tough to make thousands of meals for people who were equally doing it tough.”
Dr Tam said Mr and Mrs McQualter started their trailer manufacturing business in 2006, and manufactured a wide range of box trailers for the community while also selling four-wheel drive and camping equipment.
“Rob and Michelle have been supporters of the Rotary Club of Shepparton’s annual motor show since 2013 and have supplied seven trailers to the club to be used as first prize in the raffle for the event,” he said.
“We consider that they're worthy recipients of the Paul Harris Fellow and thank them for the generosity and support over the last eight years.”
Dr Tam also announced a $40,000 donation to go to "well deserving" local and international organisations, projects and charities.
“Together, we are contributing to the betterment of the communities for everyone,” he said.
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