Recognition of their work sometimes goes unnoticed until they stop but last month Alexandra Rotary paid tribute to one of their members who fitted that description when Steve Robertson was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship.
President Bernie Lepper said it was difficult to single out an individual in a club fortunate to have many members who quietly got on with tasks.
"... Never making a fuss, never seeking recognition but alway completing the task with dedication and drawing others in along the way.
"These are the people who embody the true spirit of Rotary: ‘service above self’."
Mr Robertson stood out with his consistent efforts and hard work, Mrs Lepper said.
"Although very quiet by nature, [Mr Robertson] has became a respected and much-valued member.
"In his quiet way, he has committed himself to Rotary and in particular, he has offered his time and practical abilities to projects that require some rural knowledge, hard work and stickability."
Mr Robertson’s standout project was Rotary’s firewood chopping at the Salvation Army property in Alexandra.
His dedication and leadership meant it delivered real and lasting benefit to many households in the community, she said.
Central Otago Budgeting Advice manager Pam Hughes said knowing emergency loads of firewood were available for those in desperate need made a huge difference to their mental, as well as physical health.
