Ella McFarlane receives Church Stretton Rotary Young Heroes Award 2023
n January, the search for Church Stretton Rotary – Young Heroes Award 2023 began. This search ended on Wednesday 31 May, when the presentation of Church Stretton Rotary Young Heroes Award took place.
The young person chosen as Church Stretton Rotary’s – Young Hero is Ella McFarlane.
Ella’s Nomination stated:
“When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 Ella started making felt heart keyrings in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. She sold these to family, friends, at school and at Berry’s. By February 2023 she had raised almost £1,100, all of which has gone to the Ukrainian appeal of the Red Cross. It is estimated, Ella has so far made 500 hearts.
While Ella’s financial contribution is of course a tiny proportion of the UK’s overall aid to Ukraine, she has demonstrated to Ukrainians staying locally, the community’s support for them and their country, while at the same time showing how an individual can encourage residents of, and visitors to, the Stretton’s to come together and support Ukraine as part of a cohesive community.
In more general terms, it would be nice to think that Ella’s public example of wanting to contribute to a group effort might encourage younger adults to emulate her example. “
The initiative and determination shown by Ella, to help those whose country had been invaded, made a great impression on the members of Church Stretton Rotary. Ella’s receiving of the Young Heroes Award is justly deserved.
Ella was presented with her “Goody Bag” by John McKenzie, of Central Garage who sponsored the Young Heroes Awards. Lynwen Gott, standing in for Linda Bolton who was unable to attend, presented Ella the Len Bolton Memorial Shield, Church Stretton Rotary President Graham Shackleton presented the Young Heroes Trophy with Peter Burt, Church Stretton Youth Team Leader, presenting the golden envelope containing the cash prize.
After the Awards Ceremony Ella said “I was very surprised when I found I was nominated for the Award, and I was even more surprised when I found out that I had won. I don’t know much about the Rotary Club, but I am pleased that they want to encourage local young people. I think it is important to help other people especially those that are in really bad situations, so I think that we should all help out to make the world better for everyone.”
Church Stretton Rotary wish to thank all who supported the Young Heroes Awards 2023. The next Church Stretton Rotary – Young Heroes Award will be held in 2025, so please when the call for nominations is published, please consider those young often unsung heroes and send in your nominations.