The Late Past DG John Sayer Posthumously Recognised

The AKS recognises those Rotarians who have given $250,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation and John as part of his estate has very generously donated £240,000 or $338,000 to the Rotary Foundation and in addition £20,000 to his former club Blyth Bridge Rotary.

This was a unique occasion because this is the first posthumous award of its kind in Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland. 

The occasion was attended by past District Governors from John’s cohort, other senior Rotarians past and present and members from clubs across the District. Gordon McAlley (former President of Rotary International) made a video address to the meeting and Heather Stuart (current Chair of the Board of Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland) presented the AKS certificate to Dr Bharati Singh-Nixon (President of Blythe Bridge Rotary). Brian Whittaker from Blythe Bridge Rotary made an address outlining Johns life and Brian Mate also from Blythe Bridge Rotary gave details how the £20,000 donation was being used by the club. He confirmed that every year the club would be using it for the benefit of local causes through a Rotary Foundation District Grant which provides an additional 100% match to the donation. Rotary’s Endowment and Major Gifts Adviser Cheryl Law spoke about donating to the  Rotary Foundation and the importance of legacies and how to donate through people’s wills. District Governor Cressida gave a vote of thanks. Thanks to Ashley Gray (Director and Trustee of the Rotary Foundation UK) and Rotarian Richard Jacobs and the members of Blythe Bridge Rotary for organising the event.

Article reproduced courtesy of Ashley Grey