Valerie Ann Taylor, founder and coordinator of Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), has won the Rotary International award, says a press release.She will receive a custom-designed trophy and $ 100,000 as prize money. The money, donated by award sponsor Richard Elman, is meant for taking her humanitarian cause and service projects even further.In the citation, the award committee said, “Her work restoring the lives of the paralysed here in Bangladesh is truly unparalleled. She has great compassion for the neglected members of Bangladesh’s society.”A British-born physiotherapist and humanitarian, Valerie established the CRP in 1979, where around 15,000 outpatients are given medical care every year. CRP also works to reduce accidents and provides schooling and vocational training for patients, read the press release.

This year’s award was announced by The One project, a scheme conceptualised and founded by Rotarian David Harilela. It is the first international humanitarian award launched by Rotary International District 3450 in Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia.

Bangladeshi Rotarian Khondakar Shahidul Hasan, former president of Rotary Club Uttara, was the nominator for Valerie.
“I am so happy that her relentless work has been recognised by a prestigious platform of the Rotarians,” said Hasan in the press release.

To see more news please click following links:

http://www.theguardianbd.com/valerie-taylor-wins-rotary-international-award/

http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/valerie-taylor-wins-rotary-intl-award/

http://thenewnationbd.com/newsdetails.aspx?newsid=76490

His Excellency Luis Tejada Chacon, Ambassador to Spain with his wife; the Head of the International Club, Antonella; along with two Spanish entrepreneurs visited CRP at 1130 am on 28 May 2013. They met Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor, Founder & Coordinator of CRP and discussed various issues related to CRP and Rana Plaza victims. The purpose of their visit was to hand over the gift from the Spanish community for the Rana Plaza patients.

An extraordinary Mime and Magic show by a great talent Chris Yerlig amused and entertained all at CRP for quite some time. Patients, staff, students and particularly the “Rana Plaza” victims admitted at CRP couldn’t resist their claps of applause repeatedly as the skilled talent performed his themes one after another. Chris Yerlig has his own company called “Goodwill and Smiles worldwide” which tours and performs all over the world.

Citibank made a donation for Savar Rana Plaza tragedy victims at CRP as their ongoing initiatives to serve the community. The Managing Director and Citi Country Officer in Bangladesh Mr. Rashed Maqsood handed over the cheques to Founder & Coordinator of CRP Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor and Executive Director of CRP Mr. Shafiq-Ul Islam on 15 May 2013 at 1100 AM at CRP meeting room.

It had been a great day for CRP as a devoted donor of CRP Mr. Erroll Doobay inaugurated three very important parts which will contribute to digitalization of CRP. The ceremony started on 6th April 2013 at 9:30 am and completed at 11:00 am. Brand new “Erroll Doobay IT Centre” and “Allan Doobay Computer Centre” was inaugurated by Mr. Erroll Doobay. Both the centres were constructed with the support of Mr. Errol Doobay and his friends. Later he inaugurated the new “Canteen Management Software” innovated by 2-RA company for easy food purchasing at CRP cafeteria.

Following the catastrophe due to collapsing of the eight storied building "Rana Plaza" in Savar, the CRP management was the pioneer in handling the situation during initial impact of the disaster. Being nearer to the spot CRP management could take prompt action when others couldn't. Immediately after the incident CRP management provided medical teams on the spot, blood bags, ambulances etc.

CRP extended their full support for the victims of Savar high rise building disaster. More than 300 people have died and more than 600 others been injured in this tragedy. "Rana Plaza", the eight-storey building collapsed on 24th April 2013 morning.

A well equipped CRP medical team went to the spot to help the injured victims and provide with all possible support. Meanwhile, back at CRP, huge number of CRP staffs, employees donated and collected bloods which are very crucial for this kind of tragic accidents.

The quarterly sports week for indoor spinal cord patients was held on 24th of April to 30th April 2013. It is a part of CRPs annual sports plan. Many events like wheelchair racing, table tennis, weight lifting, balloon game for tetraplegics and many more amusing events for the patients. Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor, Founder & Coordinator of CRP and Executive Director Mr. Shafiq-Ul Islam were present in the opening ceremony, According to the level of injury there were 23 individual events and 2 group events in the sports week. CRP introduce wheel chair cricket for the first time.

40th Founding Anniversary & Reunion 2013 of Jahangir Nagar University Journalists Association (JUJA) was held at Jahangir Nagar University campus on 19th April 2013. The event consisted of rallies, game shows and various amusements. A seminar was held in the afternoon where journalists from all over the country took part. At the evening 10 very special persons were awarded with “JUJA Honour” for their significant contributions to the various spheres of the society.

Mr. Stephen Muldoon visited CRP in April, 2013 to carry out consultation of CRP’s Strategic Planning Process. He is involved with the processing of the Strategic Plan of CRP from the very beginning. In his previous visit to CRP-Savar, he conducted meetings with respective Department Heads/In-charges for the processing of the Strategic Plan.

With great regret we have to announce that CRP’s great friend James Holt has died on 9th April 2013. James Holt and Patience had been a very long standing supporter and friend of CRP for years. We at CRP will remain ever thankful for their friendship and support. Founder & Coordinator of CRP Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor has expressed her extreme sadness at this great loss.

We extend our heartiest condolences to his wife, Patience and all the relatives he left behind. May his departed soul rest in immense peace.

CRP is very happy to announce and welcomes the short, day long visit of Mr. Michael Woodley and his wife Sally on 1st April 2013 on their way back to UK. During their stay they visited CRP’s at Savar, Mirpur and Gonokbari. They were accompanied by Founder & Coordinator of CRP Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor. Michael is the treasurer of “Valerie Taylor Trust” for number of years. Previously they lived in Bangladesh and were working as consultant in the leather industry of Bangladesh.

The holistic nature of CRP's work is reflected in the fact that its work covers several areas of development including human rights, poverty alleviation, health care provision and education.

CRP's headquarters is in Savar with an additional three functioning sub-centres throughout Bangladesh. CRP-Gonokbari is a residential vocational re-training centre for disabled women and girls, CRP-Gobindapur is a centre for out-patient and community based services in Sylhet Division and CRP-Mirpur is a thirteen-storey centre in Dhaka which provides medical, therapy and diagnostic services in addition to having several floors available for rent.