The Rotary Club of Whitby honoured Cpt (Dr.) Paul Thistle with the Paul Harris Fellow Award for his 14 years of service to the people of rural Zimbabwe. Cpt Thistle is the chief medical officer of the Army's Howard Hospital, which last year treated 150,000 patients with a medical staff of only three doctors and 45 nurses. The captain was commended for his kindness, humour and sensitive spirit that makes patients feel safe and cared for. Commissioner William W. Francis, territorial commander and Rotarian, said,“Among Dr. Paul Thistle's many outstanding qualities is his infectious joy—the only infection a physician can tolerate!”

Ray Richardson, director of world community service for the Whitby Rotary Club, reports that $150,000 has been raised for the Howard Hospital through the efforts of Rotary clubs in the region. These funds have provided laboratory equipment for HIV diagnosis and monitoring, follow-up care, medications and surgical supplies and a vehicle for home-based care to rural villages.

In the photo above, Ray Richardson, Valerie Wafer and Joanne Ashley of the Whitby Rotary Club, share a moment with Cpt Thistle