Ukranian Rotarian receives Paul Harris Recognition from C-K Rotary
The June 18th, 2024 meeting of the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston was indeed special. Our club granted Paul Harris recognition to Olga Ialovenko, a member of the Rotary Club of Kharkiv New Level in Ukraine.Paul Harris recognition can be awarded to a Rotarian or non-Rotarian to honour their work in advancing the goal of Rotary – Service Above Self. Olga’s work in Rotary embodies the spirit of Rotary’s motto.Olga joined Rotary 2008 as a member of the Rotary Club of Cherkosy, Ukraine. She held several roles in her club, including Secretary and President. Olga also held District roles in Ukraine, including District Polio Plus Subcommittee Chair. She is also a recipient of Rotary’s Service Above Self Award, granted to no more than 150 Rotarians per year out of the 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide.
Olga’s connection to Canada began when she was forced to move to Ottawa in June of 2022 because of the war in Ukraine, with her two children. Since then, she has transferred to the Rotary Club of Kharkiv New Level, where she remains an active member. In Canada she has fought to raise awareness and understanding for the people of Ukraine.
Olga spearheaded a project here in Canada to raise over $88,000 to produce and supply almost 2,700 all-weather blankets (fashioned like a sleeping bag) to ship to Ukraine. Without power most people would freeze to death in winter, but these blankets give the protection for them to survive.Olga also helped send a team of refugee Ukranian high school students from Canada to a Financial Literacy Tournament in Vienna, Austria. This team competition helps the students learn important lessons about financial literacy, which hey will need to help rebuild their country when they are able to return.
A conversation with Olga is an exploration of possibilities – how can we use Rotary’s resources and influence to make a better, more peaceful world. She is a deserving recipient of Paul Harris Recognition.
ated by Mr. Alan Macdonald’s Grade 7 Challenge North Class on the last Monday of the school year! The students prepared and baked 16 loaves of bread and clearly enjoyed the experience of being the first class to use the new kitchen, as well as being pleased with the outcome of their efforts. The Kitchen is part of the the Greenhouse and Teaching Kitchen Project that has been in the planning and construction stages for the past three years. Once the idea of a previous Grade 7 Challenge Class as a “Legacy Project” for future generations of students, both the Greenhouse and the Teaching Kitchen are now fully constructed, although the interior of the Greenhouse has yet to be outfitted.
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Service Above Self
Kingston, ON K7L 5J7
Canada