By REBECCA BILLS
ROTARIAN Ann Wheeler has been awarded the prestigious Sapphire Pin of the Paul Harris Fellow Award for her distinguished service.
Over the last 10 years, Mrs Wheeler has served as president twice, secretary four times and volunteered countless hours in support of the Rotary Club of Lilydale and to the 9810 District.
Mrs Wheeler said the announcement of the award came as quite a shock.
“I do put a lot of hours into the Lilydale Farmers Market but it’s just because I like to be helpful and this is just something I do,” she said.
“I’ve been around the Rotary club for a long time now and I love the work we do in the community and overseas.
“Putting time into the club makes me feel useful and I love that.”
Current President Helen McDonald said the award was very special and acknowledged exemplary service by Mrs Wheeler. “The rotary motto is ‘service above self,’ and our club’s motto for this year is ‘engage rotary and change lives’,” she said.
“It is really important for us to take that on board and she certainly does. “I’m in awe of her, it just gives you heart to know there are people like her working in the community.”
Mrs McDonald said to have someone like Mrs Wheeler that supported the club and herself had been very beneficial.
“It makes my job so much easier when I know there are people like that behind me and supporting me,” she said.
“I just can’t express it enough, she is amazing.”
The Sapphire Pin was presented to Mrs Wheeler by District Governor Merv Ericson who attended with his wife Kay at a dinner meeting held on 15 October.
Two new members were also inducted into the club that night.
