The claim

Doug Ford (open Doug Ford's policard) says, on his campaign and city councillor websites, that he received the “Paul Harris Fellow Award,” what he calls “the highest award bestowed to a Rotarian for outstanding service to the community.”

The smell test

Doug Ford received the Paul Harris Fellow recognition in 2001, according to Rotary International. However, it would be an overstatement to claim it is the Rotary’s highest honour, or that it distinguishes the recipient for outstanding community service — or even that it is technically an award.

Rotary International divides its honours into awards and recognitions.

According to the Rotary International website, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given out to anyone who makes a one-time donation of $1,000 or more to the club. If you donate more than once, then you get to be a “Multiple Paul Harris Fellow.”

Rotary spokesperson Elizabeth Minelli confirmed Ford donated over $1,100, or that it was donated on his behalf, to receive the recognition.

The fellowship was established in 1957 to “show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions,” according to the Rotary website. Each recipient gets a pin and a certificate. A fellow can also get a medallion — for a price.

Minelli said 1.4 million people have received the recognition to date.

She said often other people will make donations to honour a Rotarian of their choice.

For example, a janitor who has served 50 years at the Evanston, Illinois headquarters of Rotary was recently named a fellow by the staff, who donated on his behalf for all his hard work.

The Rotary Club does have awards to honour members who have devoted their services to the community in various ways — ones that require vetting and board approval.

For example, the Distinguished Service award, is described as the “highest service recognition” given by the club for those who have “demonstrated exemplary service to the Foundation.” In order to be eligible, the person must have won the Citation for Meritorious Service four years prior.

The award was given out to only 45 people worldwide in 2013.

Doug Ford was not one of them.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

The verdict

Read more about: