True Rotarian Award

2022 Recipient - Rotarian Aidan Sheridan

President Ouma Cuniah and Rotarian Aidan Sheridan

The True Rotarian Award is presented to a Rotarian who demonstrates through his/her Rotary and community life that he/she lives by the four-way test and provides 'Service Above Self'. Nominations are received from club members and under the recommendation of the Board of Directors, the selected member is granted the Award by the District Governor.    Aidan Sheridan received the True Rotarian Award this year for his many years of service as a Rotarian. Aidan has been working ceaselessly as co-chair of the Advertising Supplement since many years and thanks to his commitment, discipline and unwavering confidence in our club members, has pulled off successfully numerous advertising sales campaigns.

What makes a "True Rotarian"?

Each year, a fellow Rotarian is chosen to receive the Harry MacLauchlan Award for Vocational Excellence based on the following criteria;

• Considers their vocation an opportunity to serve- Adheres and promotes the highest ethical standards in their occupation
• Contributes their vocational talents to addressing the needs of the community- Offers his or her talents for young people
• Improves the quality of life in their community
• Abides by the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test in their daily business dealings

2022 Recipient - Bill Kendrick

Bill's career is exemplified by his depth and breadth of experience, attention to detail, and customer focus. 

 

He has nearly fifty years in broadcasting, hospitality and tourism businesses, starting as a television reporter, director and producer with CBC TV for over fifteen years.  As Executive Producer he pioneered moving live reporting from the newsroom to the street.  Bill was also a freelance television producer developing numerous documentaries.

 

Bill and Mary operated an award-winning Bed and Breakfast for another fifteen years, and sensing an unfilled need they founded a company which offers unique hands-on learning experiences for visitors to PEI.     Bill and Mary also provide product development consulting services to other communities and enterprises and often are invited to address tourism associations.

 

With over thirty unique offerings, Experience PEI is a well-respected leader in PEI Tourism.  These Island experiences are delivered through networks with several business partners as well as by a staff of professional guides.  The company has received numerous honours and awards, among them;

           - Hilton Worldwide Best Small/Medium-Sized Tourism Business

           - Tourism Industry Association of PEI - President’s Award

           - Tourism Industry Association of Canada - Finalist   

           - PEI Tourism Advisory Council Brand Essence Award

           - Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award

 

These awards did not come by chance.  Bill has strived to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences for the tens of thousands of visitors who have been educated and entertained by the Company.  Key to success is the distinction he makes between a demonstration and a hands-on experience.

 

Bill and Mary were never daunted by new challenges.  They pivoted, more than once, during the pandemic.  The company created and shipped parcels of Island goodies, called ‘Island in a Box’ to prospective visitors.  It also marketed a GPS-based app for families travelling by car, which took them to less-frequented, but interesting sites.  Bill has recently sprung into action again to develop a product supporting walking tours of the Island.

 

Rotary values are revealed in the near-perfect customer reviews of Experience PEI.    Visitors commend the business for providing value-for-money, often promising to return; this enriches the Island’s reputation and enhances friendships with Islanders.

 

His career to date has shown Bill to be creative, resilient and a solid entrepreneur.  He has built business relationships based on fairness and trust, and is an example for others.