Carol Findlay and Geoffrey Knight (President – Ballajura Malaga Rotary Club)
Camera IconCarol Findlay and Geoffrey Knight (President – Ballajura Malaga Rotary Club) Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ballajura Community College staffer wins Rotary award

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

A BALLAJURA Community College staffer has taken out the top Rotary honour for her service to the wider community.

Aveley resident and youth transition officer Carol Findlay received the Paul Harris Fellow this month, an award named after the founder of Rotary.

She has worked with the Rotary Club of Ballajura Malaga on various projects and fundraising campaigns.

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Ms Findlay said it was a huge surprise and very humbling to have won the award.

She said raising $10,000 to buy a self-balancing transporter for a student with cerebral palsy was one of the highlights of being part of the club.

“We raised the $10,000 needed to purchase him a Segway which enabled him to be able to keep up with his friends and have the same opportunities as others,” she said.

“He has been able to use his Segway at school and has now graduated from high school and is looking at scholarships for university.”

Ballajura Community College. BCC.
Camera IconBallajura Community College. BCC. Credit: Supplied/BCC.

Ms Findlay also travelled to Cambodia several times to help build houses for struggling families.

“The Cambodian people are the most humble and caring people that I’ve ever met,” she said.

“The tragedy that many of them have been through is enormous.

“Many do not have a roof over their heads apart from some branches with palm leaves over the top.

“They do not have running water and drink, bathe and cook with stagnant water.

“The longevity of life is dramatically reduced due to the lack of basic utilities, food and medical care.

“When we build houses for these people we get to spend a couple of days with them working side by side.

“Many friendships have been made over the years with these families.”

She said she hoped to arrange a trip to Cambodia with her students in the future.

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