Volunteer Spotlight

Sybil Mercer at the Chantry Centre's 25th Anniversary party.

Hub Staff

Saugeen Shores Hub recognizes Sybil Mercer and the countless hours she has dedicated to helping the community of Southampton.

Sybil is just one of the many volunteers that will be featured in the Saugeen Shores Hub’s Volunteer Spotlight, where we shine a light on individuals who make Saugeen Shores a better place through volunteerism.

For over half a century Sybil Mercer has been a Southampton staple, volunteering throughout the community, establishing events and recreational passtimes, that continue to keep the community connected.

With limited help, Sybil was instrumental in getting the Chantry Centre, a Southampton recreation facility for adults 50 plus, off the ground more than 25 years ago, and is currently the centre’s chair. From getting council approval, asking for grant money, and donations, to painting and sanding the venue, the Chantry Centre holds a very special place for Sybil. “It’s now 25 years, and I still hold it very close to my heart,” she said. “I love the people I meet.”

Sybil said that for the first 10 years the Chantry Centre had approximately 300 members. Once a community centre in Port Elgin was built, the membership split in half. Sybil said the priority for the centre is to be a meeting place as well as an outlet for people who are older in age.

Sybil knows there is stigma with the word “senior,” and feels that there are less people in the 50 to 60 age group who are using the centre, however, Sybil, through some upcoming collaborations with community members, has more events up her sleeve.

Sybil’s volunteer resume is long. She helped with various youth sports including figure skating, dancing and curling; and during the 1980s served as president for the Southampton Curling Club (SCC). She coached the junior men’s team to the Ontario finals and served on the board of the Canadian Ladies Curling Association (CLCA). Sybil was presented with the SCC’s Charlie and the Seagrams award for her outstanding contributions to curling. Per Sybil’s efforts for the curling community, she was chosen to travel to Scotland to curl as part of a 20 member Canadian team during a three week holiday in 1990.

The art of rug hooking became a passion for Sybil during a time in her life when she needed an outlet and she has since become quite skilled. “I saw a need for instruction”, said Sybil. This prompted her to begin the Chantry School of Rug Hooking, a weekend event that teaches the art of rug hooking to over 60 attendees from across Ontario. The Chantry School of Rug Hooking recently celebrated its 26th anniversary in October.

Sybil, a nurse by trade, also served on the boards of Bruce Community Support Services, Meals on Wheels, the Home Care Program, and Saugeen Golf Club. She was also a member of the Chantry Island Cham-bettes for 27 years. “One of my greatest thrills was receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Southampton Rotary”, said Sybil. She received the award in recognition of getting the Chantry Centre “off the ground”.

“Over the years, my interests changed and so did my volunteerism. Southampton has been good to me. I feel I must give back,” said Sybil.

Sybil will have some time to relax as she and her husband, a former Southampton practitioner and Mayor Don Mercer, will be enjoying the Canadian winter on the south island of New Zealand.

If you have a volunteer that you would like to see featured in the Hub’s Volunteer Spotlight, please email us at info@saugeenshoreshub.ca

Sybil Mercer (left) with friend and fellow rug hooker Helen Wuerth with their works of art.