Recap: Wisdom from the 2024/25 Rotary Volunteer Award Winners

During the District 3450 Rotary Community Services Committee (RCS) Seminar on 30^th August 2025, the Rotary Volunteer Network (RVN) hosted an inspiring interview panel with the 2024/25 Rotary Volunteer Award (RVA) winners. Chaired by PDG Andy Li and Vice Chair PP Eliza Ning, the session featured profound insights from Gold Award Winner PP Joseph Kwan and Silver Award Winner PP Andrew Jones.

Before the panel, PDG Andy gave an introduction about RVN in detail.

Here are the key takeaways from our esteemed winners:

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Key Insights from PP Joseph Kwan (Gold Award Winner), RC of Kowloon Golden Miles

Individuals, vulnerable groups and communities need various assistance at the local, regional and international levels.

One should approach volunteer work with a selfless attitude and open-mindedness, a desire and passion to offer help to others and expect no rewards in return.

It is far greater to give than to receive.

In practical terms, essential skills, time and dedication are far more important than financial support. Most times, it is your expertise and sound advice that are required.

It is better to teach the needy how to fish than to give them a fish!

Finally, enjoy volunteering through Rotary!

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Key Insights from PP  Andrew Jones (Silver Award Winner), RC of Kowloon

Volunteering as a Rotarian means embracing the responsibility to serve and uplift our community. By actively listening to local needs, Rotarians can make a tangible difference through the five avenues of Rotary Service: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service, and New Generations. Each avenue offers unique opportunities to contribute, from strengthening club operations and supporting professional growth, to organizing community projects, fostering global understanding, and empowering young leaders through the resources of Rotaract, Interact or Junioract. Through collaboration and dedication, Rotarians ensure that their efforts address real challenges, building a better, more compassionate world for all. Enjoy Rotary volunteering with passion and purpose.

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Looking Ahead: Rotary Volunteer Awards 2025/26 & Upcoming Events

Rotary Volunteer Network (RVN) is a platform for Rotary and Non-Rotary members to do good to the community on Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus IN SCALE!

1. Call for Nominations: Rotary Volunteer Awards 2025/26

We are excited to announce that the nomination period for the 2025/26 RVA will open in October 2025 and run until 31^st January 2026.  New for this year, we have introduced an award category for **Interactors** alongside the existing awards for Rotarians and Rotaractors.

Please nominate those who have devoted their time and talent to serving the community for a good cause! Stay tuned for full application details soon.

2. Upcoming RVN Events: Join Us in Service

We invite you to join our upcoming service projects:

【跑步行善深水埗】Running for Good in Sham Shui Po (5 October 2025)

We are collaborating with the organiser 跑去你屋企慈善基金and recruiting 100 runners to deliver food packages to single elderly residents. Join us for a healthy activity with a heart!

More Projects to Come: We are planning a series of events, including home cleaning for the elderly. Watch this space for more opportunities to serve.

** Let’s get involved and put our passion into purpose! **