(left to right) Rotarian Don Coutts, Dave Saad, Cathy Strawn, Past District Governor Bill Hagborg
Cathy Strawn, former owner of Wingate Lottery in North Bay, was recognized by the Rotary club at their noon meeting today for her many years of humanitarian involvement - helping persons in need in North Bay and surrounding area.
Cathy was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honour the club can bestow on an individual and in being presented with her certificate and lapel pin, "in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world."
Dave Saad, long-time friend of Cathy and former Rotarian, outlined Cathy's long list of involvement in the community over more than 29 years. This included supporting the North Bay Heritage Festival with an annual donation of $10,000, The Rotary Club of North Bay's Dragon Boat Festivals, One Kids Place Children's Treatment Centre, North Bay Food Bank, Patrick4Life, Rotary4Kids, YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, Tim Horton's and Crime Stoppers golf tournaments, numerous minor sports teams and the list goes on.
In May 2013, Cathy approached the Rotary club about taking over receiving the proceeds of the Break Open Nevada Tickets from one of the 3 Wingate kiosks at the Northgate Mall. Today the club continues to receive approximately $30,000 annually from the ticket sales and in turn has been able to support such initiatives as - School Breakfast Programs and area Food Banks.