Rotary projects around the globe – August 2026

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.

by Brad Webber

31 Jul 2026

United States

After a popular home improvement show turned its cameras on Sebring, the small city in south central Florida saw an influx of tourists seeking to experience the bucolic charms depicted in HGTV’s Home Town Takeover program. There was just one problem: The area lacked a loo for the lookie-loos. In April, the Rotary Club of Sebring opened a public restroom off the town circle after a monthslong construction project. “Having safe, functional restrooms with climate control, changing stations, and disabled accessibility seemed like a no-brainer,” says club member Debra Weiser. Club members offered pro bono professional services for engineering, construction, air conditioning, and other electrical work; another painted the structure at a discount, and Rotarian city officials sped permit approvals and fee waivers.

Rotary projects around the globe – August 2026

Canada

The annual used book sale of the Rotary Club of Sarnia-Bluewaterland in Ontario has been a fixture for more than 25 years. “We all realized we were in this because we loved books, we wanted to encourage others in the community to access great books at a reasonable price, and, yes, it was a wonderful way to generate funds to support local nonprofits,” says coordinator Dale Wilcox. In January, the sale raised more than US$42,000, with leftover books being distributed to several organizations and groups, including a Canadian Armed Forces unit stationed in Latvia. “Troops are already digging into the massive collection and finding a good book to keep at their bedside or take into the field,” Lt. Col. Colleen Grebstad reported in a letter to the club.