A local charity worker has received a top award for her commitment to hosting children from Belarus and helping Ukrainian families seeking sanctuary from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. For many years, Alison Shepherd has arranged annual month-long visits to the UK by groups of children from Belarus who were affected by the fallout from the explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear power station. The children were hosted in the homes of British families, given medical checks and education, and taken on outings to local places of interest. Sadly, due to the situation in Ukraine and Belarus, the visits have had to be paused.
Not deterred, Alison turned her attentions to helping Ukrainian families being given help and accommodation in our region. She has devoted considerable energy and time to providing all sorts of assistance and comfort to her guests, ensuring their well-being and meeting their needs.
At a Christmas lunch, David Ison, President of the Rotary Club of Northallerton, presented to Alison Rotary International’s top honour, a Paul Harris Fellowship. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary in 1905, and the Fellowship recognises the spirit of “Service above Self”, Rotary’s motto.
Alison said: “I was truly humbled to receive the award, which came as a shock and surprise. It is my great pleasure to have been able to help so many children from Belarus, and supporting Ukrainians fleeing the terrible war in their homeland was a natural thing to do. I feel very blessed to have all of these wonderful people in my life.”
Photo: President David Ison presents the Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Alison Shepherd.