Date: November 26th, 2024
Rotary Club Continues Century-Old Legacy of Community Service with Chantry Centre Toilet Upgrade
In continuation of Rotary International's century-old mission of community support, Southampton Rotary Club has brought comfort and dignity to local seniors by upgrading the Chantry Centre's washroom facilities.
Rotary International was founded in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris, a lawyer who invited three friends—a merchant tailor, a mining engineer, and a coal dealer—to a meeting. They rotated their meeting among their places of business, hence the name Rotary. The Club grew, and these early Rotarians realized that fellowship and self-interest were not enough and decided to reach out to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
The Rotary commitment to service began in 1907 when the Rotary Club of Chicago constructed the city's first public toilets. With this inaugural project, Rotary became the world's first service club organization.
When the Chantry Centre approached Southampton Rotary about washroom upgrades, the Club remembered how "Service above Self" began 117 years ago and was happy to support the project.
With the support of a Rotary District Grant, Southampton Rotary Club purchased four high-rise toilets, making the facilities more accessible and comfortable for centre members.
Stew Nutt, member of the Community Service Committee, expressed the club's enthusiasm: "We're proud to continue Rotary's tradition of community support. These toilets might seem like a small thing, but for our seniors, they make a world of difference in comfort and independence."
Connie Barker from the Chantry Centre shared her gratitude: "This upgrade means so much to our members. It's not just about new facilities—it's about showing we care and ensuring everyone can use our center with dignity and ease."
From its humble beginnings in 1905, when four friends gathered to create a service-oriented organization, Rotary continues to prove that small acts of kindness can create meaningful community impact.
Did you know: Stop for a second and imagine what life would be like without a bathroom. World Toilet Day is celebrated every year on 19 November and raises awareness of the 3.5 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. Source UNICEF.
Picture shows: Left to Right Rob Hughes, Dave Bertrand, Bob Speight, Cathy Janveau, Connie Barker, Tony Sheard and Stew Nutt.