Rotarian Malcolm Sloan

Rotarian Malcolm Sloan first visited Romania in August 1994. The late Tom Sommerville, who was the local Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) leader, described him as a Businessman who simply wanted to see what the situation was and to help in whatever way he could.

When they were driving to the house where there was a summer camp for teenage girls from the State Orphanage, he was heard to say something along the lines of 'I am used to telling other people what to do but tell me what needs to be done and I will do it.' The local CEF workers quickly came to realise that these were not just words but rather a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference. One of the local CEF workers described him as 'a great helper and encourager'.

This initial visit was a difficult week for everyone, particularly for the 15 resilient girls attending the camp for whom life had been unbelievably harsh. Our new Paul Harris Fellow spent many hours talking with the girls and gaining an understanding of the issues they faced. Not only was he generous with his time. I am told that the girls were able to do a lot of shopping that week.

Over the next 18 years, this outstanding individual has visited Romania most years and often several times during the year. Over this time he has provided financial support for the summer camps but his commitment has been much more than just financial. He has been a sports leader, helper, comforter and most importantly a friend to hundreds of orphaned girls as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood.

In 1997 and 1998, some of the girls needed a place to live after they left the orphanage. As a result of his generosity and his ability to encourage others to support this great need, three apartments were purchased to provide a home for some of these needy girls. I know that this individual's desire to help the young people of Romania is the practical outworking of his Christian faith and he is a very worthy recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship.