Rotary Community Champion Awards 2019

Donna Fitzpatrick has collected a Community Champion award after being recognised by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland for the dedication and commitment she has shown to her community of Fullarton.

The ceremony was held at the stunning Nottingham Council House on Friday 10th May as part of Rotary’s annual Conference and Showcase taking place in the city.

Community Champions are part of Rotary’s Champions Awards, which are hosted each year to recognise the outstanding and inspirational humanitarian and community service of volunteers from around the country.

Donna, from Fullarton Community Association, was nominated by Irvine Seagate Rotary, and was among 14 winners who received their awards from the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Liaqat Ali.

Donna has been a mainstay of the Fullarton Community Association for over 30 years, supported by many fantastic volunteers. What started in the late 1970s with just a wooden hut as a temporary facility has grown to into a thriving focal point for the community.

In September 2017, the new, £1.8 million Fullarton Community Hub was opened, offering a youth club, outdoor recreational space and garden, integrated health centre and GP practice and a flexible space for community use.

Donna’s involvement with the Community Association has been outstanding, and she continues to tirelessly give hundreds of hours of voluntary service every year.

The search for this year’s winners was carried out across Rotary’s vibrant network of over 1,700 Rotary clubs, with Rotary members and also members of the public having their extraordinary work recognised. This ranged from tackling mental health and supporting education, to alleviating poverty and fighting prostate cancer.

Barry Rassin, the global President of Rotary International, said at the evening’s ceremony, “We recognise those who are making significant change in their communities, which is why Rotary exists as an organisation.

“These individuals are making change happen every single day in their communities. They have set others in the right direction and they are truly champions. We thank them for making our world a better place.” 

Donna Fitzpatrick added, “I was very humbled to be nominated for the award and surprised but also delighted to have been chosen as a winner . We have a great team of volunteers at Fullarton without their voluntary time many of our groups would not be possible . I am eternally grateful to both past and present committee members who have also made positive changes to those who live in our community”

Andy Slater, Irvine Seagate President also said “We were delighted to nominate Donna for this award and so proud when it was announced that she was one of the winners.  She truly epitomised Rotary’s motto of “Service above Self”.