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.
It may seem a small thing to some, but for seniors it’s a vital necessity and one that requires accessibility.
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 three 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, President of 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 centre 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 November 19th and raises awareness of the 3.5 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation.” [Source UNICEF]
About Southampton Rotary: Southampton Rotary has served this community for over 85 years. We are a group of friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in our community and around the world. We are people of action who have used our passion, energy, and skills to improve lives through service. From promoting literacy and peace to providing clean water, protecting the environment and improving health care, Rotary members are always working to better the world or as we like to say doing “DO-GOODERY!”
