For the first time in the history of the two Rotary clubs in Kariega, the Rotary Club of Uitenhage and Rotary Club of Uitenhage South, the two social clubs held a joint gala evening.
This special occasion was attended by their District Governor, Maddy Webber, who during her tenure visits all 85 clubs in the Rotary District, some via Zoom, but she specially wanted to attend this prestige event in person to give her address. During the evening the Rotary Club of Uitenhage South asked Webber to assist Club President Clive Hassell in inducting two new members, Theo Bezuidenhout and Brian O’Reilly.
Honouring eligible community members
During the gala event the 2020/2021 president of the Rotary Club of Uitenhage, Mia Smit, presented the prestige De Mist Award to eligible adults who have performed extraordinary and meritorious service to their communities.
The recipients of the 2020/2021 De Mist Award were Frans Swanepoel and Paul Barnes for their commitment and dedication, above the call of duty, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Smit read one of Ralph Emerson’s sayings, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
She said the recipients of the De Mist Award have truly demonstrated Emerson’s saying with passion, empathy, dedication, and proof that one can make a difference.
“Despite several obstacles and uncertainties, these recipients went above the call of duty to assist the greater Despatch and Kariega communities,” said Smit.
Frans Swanepoel
Frans has been known as a very caring citizen in the local community. With the onset of the pandemic, he was instrumental in arranging temporary shelter for the homeless. During the hard lockdown, he worked tirelessly with Paul Barnes in arranging and delivering food parcels within the community to those in need.
Paul Barnes
Paul Barnes and his family have been the owners of Despatch Superspar since 2011. In a UD Express interview he was quoted as saying, “The recipe for a winning business is to work your butt off, not compromise when it comes to excellent customer service, to know your customers and to recognize your community.”
This philosophy is not only small talk but a lifestyle to which the whole community of Despatch can testify. Paul is involved with several projects within the community and as mentioned assisted with food parcels during the hard lockdown.
Deirdré Swift
The 2021/2022 president of the Rotary Club of Uitenhage, Terry Ranger, bestowed the 2021/2022 De Mist Award upon Deirdré Swift from the Uitenhage & District SPCA.
Deirdré is best known as Mrs SPCA, always fighting for vulnerable animals which can’t speak for themselves.
Deirdré works tirelessly to keep the doors of the SPCA open and is often seen within the community advocating, or busy with fundraising. Deirdré, is commended for her hard work and dedication towards animals. Her compassion and commitment have not gone unnoticed.– ISSUED: ROTARY
