The Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers counted a new member of its exclusive club of Paul Harris Fellows recently, quite possibly the oldest Sudburian to be graced with the club's highest honour.
Centenarian philanthropist Lily Fielding wanted to make a splash for her milestone and has spent the year of 100th birthday making large, generous to donations in the Nickel City to the likes of Laurentian University, Greater Sudbury Police Services, and Greater Sudbury Fire and Emergency Services. She also donated the land and provided six figures' worth of financial support toward the creation of Kivi Park in the city's South End.
Following her induction as a Paul Harris Fellow, Fielding was at it again, pledging $35,000 to the NEO Kids Foundation and making a $5,000 contribution toward Rotary International projects.
“This year, the Rotary Foundation is also marking its 100th year of improving communities and changing lives around the world,” said Louise Bergeron, president of the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers. “The Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, could think of no better way to celebrate this milestone than by sharing it with Mrs. Fielding.
The Paul Harris Fellow is a way for us to show our gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Fielding for all she has done for our community.”
The Paul Harris Fellowship is the highest honour the club can grant a person. The award is named after Rotary’s founder and is given to individuals whose outstanding contributions best exemplify Rotary’s motto – Service Above Self.
“The Rotary embodies the same core values as our family,” said Fielding in a news release. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I can contribute to such important initiatives in the community."
Patricia Mills, chair of the NEO Kids Foundation, said Fielding's philanthropy will be felt in and around Greater Sudbury for years.
“The donations you have made to our community not only helps our children while in hospital, but it also provides our families with opportunities to live healthy, active lives,” said Mills. "Thank you for this incredible donation to NEO Kids Foundation that will help create a better and brighter future for our children by providing them the care they need closer to home.”
