CUSO INTERNATIONAL CONGRATULATES FRANK O’DEA ON ROTARY CLUB OF TORONTO WEST LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

OTTAWA, February 16, 2016 – Cuso International is very proud to congratulate leadership volunteer Frank O’Dea, O.C., on being awarded the Rotary Club of Toronto West Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. O’Dea, who serves as Chairperson of the organization’s capital campaign committee, was recognized for his stalwart efforts to improve the lives of youth, families and communities around the world. Mr. O’Dea was presented with this honour by Brian Spencer, President, Rotary Club of Toronto West.

Mr. O’Dea generously directed the donation of $10,000 from the Rotary Club of Toronto West toward Cuso International’s work to eradicate poverty through equitable and sustainable development. This is just one example of O’Dea’s commitment to building a better world. In addition to his recent work with Cuso International, he co-founded Street Kids International, an organization developed to help homeless children through education and self-reliance programs, he was the founding Chair of War Child (Canada) and co-founded the Canadian Landmine Foundation.

“The world is fortunate to have a leader such as Frank O’Dea as an advocate for improving the lives of those who are most vulnerable,” says Evelyne Guindon, CEO of Cuso International. “Mr. O’Dea exemplifies the values of the Rotary movement: neighbors, community leaders, and global citizens uniting for the common good. His work with Cuso International will help us achieve our vision of lifting up to 27 million people out of poverty over the next five years. We are grateful to both the Rotary Club Toronto West and Mr. O’Dea for this support.”

Mr. O’Dea was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary District 7070 District Governor Michael Bell “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples around the world.” Paul Harris founded Rotary with three business associates in 1905.

Rotary International and its global network of service clubs, such as that of Toronto West, have long shared Cuso International’s vision of supporting people to realize their full potential, develop their skills and participate fully in society. Like Cuso International and its network of 12,000 current and former volunteers, Rotarians are global citizens on the front lines of donating their time and skills to make lasting change and impact. This global network led the efforts to practically eliminate polio around the world, through its fundraising efforts, its member mobilization and advocacy for investment in vaccinations and treatment.