Humanitarian Award
John Padbury -Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award
At a recent meeting of the Manchester Rotary Club, District Governor and Manchester Rotarian Richard Borden presented the Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award to Manchester Rotarian John Padbury. In remarks made while describing John's lengthy association with Rotary, Dick noted he had difficulty identifying an individual in District 7890 who better exemplified the criteria as engraved on the award: "For extraordinary personal contributions and tireless fund raising efforts to assist the hungry and less fortunate citizens in our community".
John was a long time Rotarian in
Born in 1916, John grew up 3 miles from
After six years in a one room school, John made the long walk each day to high school, taking a general education curriculum - not expecting to attend college. Fortunately, a relative of the Dean of Bowdoin College, located in
During recent years, John has made a commitment to raise funds to provide fresh milk for needy children in
Always interested in supporting education, John established, in memory of his late wife, The Muriel Padbury Education Fund with an endowment that will assist in educational programs and administered through the Manchester Rotary Club. For several years he led a small team of gardeners to beautify the front of
On March 16, 2006, he was the featured volunteer for the Friday newscast on Fox News. He has been a participant in the Walk for Hunger to raise funds. John also raises funds through his Church and The Arbors Retirement Community where he lives. John attends the weekly Tuesday evening Manchester Rotary meeting, enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of his fellow Rotarians.
In presenting a plaque and clock, DG Dick Borden stated: "John Padbury is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a tireless worker for the needy, a superb human being who truly cares about others and an exceptional example of a true Rotarian."
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In the attached photo (L-R) are: District Governor Richard Borden, PHF John Padbury receiving the Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award and Past District Governor (1985-1986) William Rood, also from the Manchester Club.
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