Rotary celebrates more than a century of Service above Self

On February 23 1905, the very first Rotary meeting was organized by Paul Harris, gathering with three others at an office in downtown Chicago. Paul Harris, an attorney, wanted to create a professional group with the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth. They decided to call the new club “Rotary” after the practice of rotating meeting locations. The name Rotary International was adopted in 1922.

This February 23rd anniversary is now known as Rotary World Peace and Understanding Day.

In keeping with Rotary International’s 2021-22 theme, Serve to Change Lives, and the Rotary Foundation’s motto of Doing Good in the World, Rotary focuses on service and giving back to one’s community, an important belief of Rotary locally, nationally, and internationally. Truly, this 117th anniversary is something to celebrate as each of the 1.2 million Rotarians around the world continues to give personally through Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Port Elgin was chartered in March 1938, and is now preparing to celebrate its 84th anniversary.  This strong Club continues to serve humanity locally and around the world through hands-on fundraising, and over these years has donated more than $2.7 million.

To contact the Rotary Club of Port Elgin, contact President Jessica Carter at 519-400-0462.