True Rotarian - Gerald Arsenault

2011 TRUE ROTARIAN

The “True Rotarian” is the foundation of Rotary – always there, contributing to the current Rotary activity and by any Rotarian’s measure, is the life blood of Rotary.

He or she:

-          acts through goodwill and a belief that the world will be a better place as a result of their work in Rotary;

-          has a Rotary attitude;

-          lives the four-way test at all times;

-          is humble, does not flatter wealth or boast of his/her possessions or achievements;

-          and….speaks with frankness yet always with sincerity and sympathy, and after having communicated an opinion, supports the activities of others even if the direction may not be parallel with their thinking.

This year’s recipient demonstrates all of these traits and then some, and has done so over the past 22 years.  Since his induction as a member of the Rotary Club of Summerside in 1989, he has actively been involved in every major project undertaken by the Club, and most recently has played a key role in the establishment of EPSI, an organization he continues to support in an advisory capacity.

This Rotarian’s contribution to “Service Above Self” is remarkable and commendable.  He is always there to provide a helping hand on Rotary projects in one way or another and he attends or participates in pretty much every Rotary fellowship or fund raising activity. He contributes diligently and is always quick to respond to any ongoing questions or issues with some helpful advice. His contributions are appreciated greatly and his advice is duly respected.  He has served as a trustee of the Rotary Foundation since his early years with Rotary and he has served on the executive of the Club for many years as well. He is also a past president of this club.

This Rotarian has been greatly involved in International Service and was a driving force in the Club’s successful shelter box campaign for Haiti in 2010.

His vocation has been truly beneficial to the club over the years.  A few examples:

-          he has served as treasurer of the Rotary Foundation of Summerside;

-          he has served as treasurer for the fund raising campaign for the Rotary Regional Library;

-          he has served as treasurer for the fund raising campaign for Summerside Community Connections Building project;

-          he has served as club treasurer on several occasions; and

-          most recently he has once again taken on the role as our current club treasurer.

This year’s recipient’s love for Rotary is reflected through his true dedication and loyalty to this Club and its members. He lives in Kinkora, is married to Sheila and they have two adult children.  In his professional life, he is a C.A. with the Summerside office of BDO Canada.

It is my pleasure to present this year’s True Rotarian Award to a very deserving Rotarian: Mr. Gerald Arsenault.