Ray Pfau, of the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, has participated in numerous local community-service projects during the past year, including writing weekly letters to the senior residents in Bolton, making face shields, delivering masks, and stuffing a town police cruiser with donated food. He also helped to start up and promote an aging-in-place program for the Town of Bolton as well as bring his club into the program for support.
Ray also is a key member of the his club's International Grant Committee, helping to close out Global Grants for Afghanistan and Malawi. He invited Razia Jan, of Razia's Ray of Hope, a Global Grant recipient, to his club's virtual holiday party, which continued his club's connection with the Afghanistan-based charitable non-profit organizations. Razi's Ray of Hope provides young women and girls in Afghanistan with safe, nurturing, and inspiring educational environments so that they have access to brighter futures.
Ray is also assisting with a new Global Grant his club has submitted for The Rotary Foundation's approval. If the application is approved, the funding would be used to provide educational resources and support in Cartagena, Colombia.
Ray’s biggest passion and contribution to his club, our district, and beyond, however, is his belief in environmental justice and his advocacy for Repair Cafés. He has practically been a one-man band in promoting and growing Repair Cafés across Massachusetts and beyond, working with various Rotary and community organizations. This past year, he ran his club’s first virtual Repair Café - the first in this area - and helped organize a U.S.-wide Repair Cafe organizers' meeting in February.
Ray also joined the District 7910's new Environmental Action Group. As a member, he signed up to promote Repair Cafés to other Rotary clubs across the district.
Because of Ray's active involvement – despite not having an executive role with the Nashoba Valley club – he's a '20-'21 Unsung Hero. He benefits not only his club but also our district - and beyond.
For more information, contact DG Diana at diana_nestorova@hotmail.com.