Rotary Recap June 26, 2026
- York Rotary celebrated outgoing President Darcy Bastarache with heartfelt tributes and special recognition for her outstanding year of leadership.
- Members geared up for the upcoming Three on the 3rd and Four on the Fourth events, with volunteers still needed.
- Guest speaker Matt Sexton of ShelterBox USA shared how Rotary's disaster relief partner is providing emergency shelter and hope to families around the world.
Rotary Recap – June 26, 2026
The York Rotary Club wrapped up another memorable Rotary year with a meeting filled with gratitude, fellowship, and inspiration.
Incoming President Susan Gross opened the meeting by welcoming members and guests, including Matt Sexton, Vice President of ShelterBox USA, his daughter Anna, and former member Rob Horowitz.
A Well-Deserved Celebration for Darcy
The morning quickly became a heartfelt celebration of outgoing President Darcy Bastarache. Susan reflected that it had been six presidencies since the club last had a "Queen," before crowning Darcy with a sparkling tiara featuring a Paul Harris Fellow +1 pin.
Members shared dozens of Kindness Dollars in Darcy's honor, expressing appreciation for her leadership, encouragement, friendship, and unwavering dedication to the club. Jackie Grant also shared a special "Ode to Darcy," celebrating the many ways Darcy has inspired and supported fellow Rotarians.
Darcy thanked the club for its incredible support over her 13 years of membership, saying she was proud and honored to serve alongside such an amazing group of people. She designated the Rotary Foundation as the recipient of June's Kindness Dollars, continuing her commitment to Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY).
Susan also presented Darcy with a flowering plant and gift certificates to Wentworth Greenhouse and Golf & Ski Warehouse as tokens of appreciation.
Club Announcements
Members were reminded of several upcoming opportunities:
- Volunteers are still needed for Four on the Fourth, particularly for bib pickup and road marshal positions.
- Giant coolers are being collected for Three on the 3rd and Four on the Fourth.
- There will be no meeting on Friday, July 3. The next club meeting will be held on Friday, July 10.
Program: ShelterBox USA
Guest speaker Matt Sexton introduced members to the mission and impact of ShelterBox USA, Rotary's official disaster relief partner.
Founded by a Rotary club in England in 2000, ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and essential supplies to families displaced by disasters and conflict. Since its founding, the organization has assisted more than three million people and currently operates in some of the world's most challenging humanitarian crises.
Matt shared how ShelterBox works alongside local communities and partner organizations to provide practical aid—including family shelters, solar lights, water filtration systems, hygiene kits, bedding, and cooking supplies—helping families begin rebuilding their lives with dignity.
The presentation served as a powerful reminder of Rotary's global reach and the impact that compassionate service can have around the world.
The meeting concluded with Matt expressing that when he retires to York in the future, he plans to become a member of the York Rotary Club—a promise that was met with enthusiastic applause.