Carolin Wilkinson Receives Community Service Award at October 2020 Celebration dinner Pat Perrin, David Martin, Carolin Wilkinson, Annette Billington and District Governor, David Clark It is understandable when you live in a community for nearly 40 years, you would have roots, know many people and local businesses and yet not so usual to have so many people call you by name. When you’ve raised a family and stood shoulder to shoulder with your husband during that time, it is not unknown to have been involved in groups, both informal and formal, at their various stages of life. Yet it is not very common for someone to still relate to those groups and be supportive of their community aims long after their direct involvement has passed. Nor is it usual to join a community aid organisation and still be there 16 years later, for the sole reason that the purpose of your work is so meaningful to their clients: the aged and the not so fortunate in your neighbourhood. “Who doesn't want to know that we notice them and value them? And who might respond to us better when they feel that they matter? It probably cannot be overstated – it matters...that people matter.” Steve Goodier could have been thinking of Carolin Wilkinson when he said these sage words. From Mothers’ groups and Babysitting Clubs, School Canteens and P+Cs, supporting her children’s academic and numerous extra-curricular activities – to say nothing of her name always appearing on every Rotary North Ryde work roster – Carolin’s personal generosity to others knows almost no bounds. Her love of family is at the heart of all that Carolin does. Her delight in the young and not so young drives her wish for everyone to know the reward of unconditional support. Carolin’s thoughtfulness and thoroughness as she does all that she can, reflects her ability to see value in everyone. As is her compassionate approach, considerate manner and capacity to give the gift of friendship with her care. “People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.” Joseph F. Newton Men. No one ever feels lonely when Carolin listens, cares, helps. Thank you, Carolin, for building bridges. And for valuing all of us. (Written by Helen Crouch on behalf of the Rotary Club of North Ryde) |