John Eberhard Rotarian of Distinction Awards 2025 Celebrating Service Above Self Submitted by Rotary Club of Hyde Park Rotarians from across Area 4 gathered at the West Haven Golf and Country Club to honour this year’s John Eberhard Rotarian of Distinction (JERODA) Award recipients—individuals whose lives exemplify Rotary’s enduring motto: Service Above Self. They included: Joan Fisher (London South): Recognized for decades of international and local service, including refugee resettlement, environmental projects, and leadership in Polio Plus and global literacy initiatives. Barbara Robins (London Hyde Park): A charter member and Centennial-year president whose quiet leadership and mentorship have streng- thened club spirit and community impact. Dr. Victor Vigna (London North): A three-time club president and humanitarian pediatrician whose 36 years of Rotary service include leading literacy programs and hands-on community projects. Rick Coates (London Club): Twice club president and longtime Youth Exchange leader, honoured for decades of commitment to international un- derstanding and local fellowship. Drew Annable (London Lambeth): Charter mem- ber, two-time president, and community builder whose leadership has brought clean water, youth programs, and lasting fellowship to Lambeth and beyond. Each recipient embodies Rotary’s spirit of com- passion, leadership, and shared purpose. Together, they remind us that ordinary people—united in service—create extraordinary change.
Rotarians Celebrate Community Service at the Annual Rotary BBQ Submitted by Rotary Club of Hyde Park On October 23, 2025, Rotarians from the five London clubs gathered for the Annual Area 4 BBQ—a night filled with fellowship, great food, and heartfelt recognition. Hosted by the Rotary Club of London Hyde Park, the event featured the presentation of Community Paul Harris Fellowships, honouring four outstanding Londoners whose compassion and leadership exemplify Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self. Steve Cordes, retired CEO of Youth Opportunities Unlimited and former London South Rotarian, was celebrated for over four decades of leadership empowering youth through housing, training, and employment initiatives. Dr. Patrick Whippey of London Lambeth was recognized for his lifelong dedication to education and community involvement, inspiring generations through both science and service. Allison DeBlaire, founder of 519 Pursuit, received London Downtown’s re- cognition for her tireless advocacy for dignity and compassion toward London’s unhoused community. Amani Radhaa, Associate Director of the Northwest London Resource Centre, was honoured by London Hyde Park for her exceptional work fostering inclusion and newcomer support, and for her leadership across the city. These Fellowships, jointly sponsored through the generosity of all Area 4 clubs, symbolize the unity and shared purpose that define Rotary’s presence in London.
Photos left to right: President Kathleen Murphy, London South, presenting to Steve Cordes; Rotarian Jan Polger, London Lambeth, presenting to Dr. Patrick Whippey; President-elect Stephen Knox, London Downtown, presenting to Allison DeBlaire; Co-Assistant Governor, and President London Hyde Park, John McDonald presenting to Amani Radhaa.
John Eberhard Rotarian of Distinction Award 2025 recipients, left to right: Joan Fisher, Rick Coates, Jim Belton (presenter), Barbara Robins, Drew Annable, and Dr. Victor Vigna.
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • December 2025 • Page 12
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