Two local volunteers, Will Briggs and Nancy Eglin, were honored by the Rotary Club of Lockport as Paul Harris Fellows at a luncheon held at Canalside Banquets in Lockport on Tuesday, November 14th.
Will Briggs, Marketing/Business Development Associate, United Way of Greater Niagara is a member of the Rotary Club of Lockport where he is one of the newer, younger members.Photo: (L-->R) Rotary President Shelley Unocic, Will Briggs and presenter, Rotarian Marie Bindeman
Nancy Eglin, a dedicated Mental Health Association supporter for nearly 10 years, is part of the Compeer program which matches volunteers with clients who live with a mental health issue.Photo: (L-->R) Rotary President Shelley Unocic, Rotarian and Executive Director, Mental Health Association, Dan Colpoys, PHF awardee Nancy Eglin and Compeer Niagara Coordinator, Tara Porter
The award luncheon also included a presentation by Chris Kreiger of WNY Heroes, Inc. and its “Pawsitive for Heroes” service dog training for medical needs of veterans. Chris was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary Club of Lockport, previously.
-submitted by Paul Lehman
Paul Harris was the founder and organizer of the first Rotary club in Chicago in 1905. A Paul Harris Fellow is a person who has been recognized as having done something significant for others. The Rotary club honoring such people often contributes $1000 to the Rotary Foundation for each awardee.
Will Briggs, Marketing/Business Development Associate, United Way of Greater Niagara is a member of the Rotary Club of Lockport where he is one of the newer, younger members. William is a graduate of Lockport High School, Niagara County Community College and Niagara University.
Mr. Briggs was an Eagle Scout with a passion for using his skills to support his community through vocational service. He is a member of Lake Plains Players and has appeared in a number of local theatrical performances.
Briggs serves on the Rotary Board of Directors and the club’s Literacy, Public Image and Visioning Committees. His skill in marketing and promotion has been used to assist the club in promotional efforts.
A dedicated Mental Health Association supporter for nearly 10 years, Nancy Eglin, is part of the Compeer program which matches volunteers with clients who live with a mental health issue. This is a sensitive role in getting the client out in the community doing social, recreational and educational activities. It helps overcome lack of a circle of friends or family to be engaged in the community but requires time and caring dedication on the part of volunteers.
Coincidentally, Rotary International’s Presidential Theme for 2023-2024 is “Create Hope in the World.” In addition to projects for peace Rotary is emphasizing hope to those affected by mental health challenges — a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have lost family members, many more have found their social networks uprooted, and young people especially have had their educational and developmental paths interrupted. As a result, more people around the world are facing mental health issues. And yet, seeking assistance is often perceived as a sign of weakness.