Rotarian Graham Mann attended last Thursday’s Paul Harris awards night with no idea he himself would be receiving an honour from Rotary himself — a fourth Paul Harris Fellowship.
President Bev McCormick surprised Mann with the announcement that he would be honoured because of his tireless work as a ShelterBox ambassador.
“Everyone in our area knows about ShelterBox and that’s all due to this man,” McCormick said.
This is the fourth Paul Harris Fellowship Mann has received for his work with Rotary.
Ron Noseworthy, chair of ShelterBox Canada was unable to attend but sent along a letter of congratulations. The letter was delivered by Andre Bloemink from Fernie, who works on ShelterBox Response Teams and credits Mann with inspiring him.
“He is passionate about this cause and compassionate for the people who benefit,” Bloemink said.
Mann has raised $121,000 for ShelterBox just in Kimberley in the past five years.
“When you think that ten people can use one tent, that’s 12,000 people he has helped.”
Mann received the award with gratitude and thanked the community of Kimberley.
“This community gives again and again and again,” he said.