Derek Broome, resident at HC-One’s Coopers Croft Care Home in Stoke-On-Trent, has been honoured with a Lifetime Membership to Rotary International in recognition of his 48 years of dedicated service.
This special award is rarely given and celebrates Derek’s hard work helping people around the world. The award was presented at the Newcastle-under-Lyme Rotary Club, where members spoke about Derek’s long involvement in the organisation.
Derek first joined Round Table in 1977, before going on to join Rotary at the age of 40. Since then, he has given his time, energy, and money to support projects both locally and globally.
Rotary International was started in 1905 by four men in Chicago who simply wanted to do good in the world. Their first project was about improving toilets to make them safer and cleaner.
Since then, Rotary has grown into a worldwide organisation that helps communities everywhere. Members are always welcomed at Rotary clubs no matter where they are in the world.
Derek has helped with many important projects, especially during his time living and working in Africa. Rotary’s largest humanitarian project has been their pioneering commitment to ending polio. When the project started, there were over 300,000 cases of polio. Thanks to their efforts, there are now fewer than 10.
Derek Broome, HC-One's Coopers Croft Care Home resident, said:
“It’s a great honour, as very few people ever receive this award.”
Anita Rawlingson, HC-One's Coopers Croft Care Home Lifestyle Manager, stated:
“I saw people lining up to get the vaccine while Derek was helping out. It made me proud to see him be a part of that.
“Learning about everything they do around the world was fascinating. I didn’t realise how important Rotary really is.”
Amanda Watkin, General Secretary/CEO of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, added:
“Everyone at Rotary sends their gratitude to Derek for his decades of commitment and for choosing to dedicate so much of his time to being a member of Rotary. As an organisation, our mission is to make a difference and make connections, and it sounds like Derek has enjoyed both over many years.”
Derek has also supported projects to provide clean drinking water and better sanitation in developing countries. Membership of Rotary is flexible, giving members the opportunity to put in as much time as they wish to support humanitarian service projects, while following their passions.
Derek also personally contributes around £1,500 a year including to Rotary’s own charity, The Rotary Foundation, which supports thousands of projects every year with grants.