DG Darcy Long and Doug 2018-19
The RI President and theme for the Year – Barry and Esther Rassin – Be the Inspiration
Darcy’s Bio:
Darcy and her husband Doug, reside in Sechelt on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of BC.
Darcy grew up in Sechelt with parents who were active in the Kinsman Service Club, making Rotary a natural fit.
She loves to travel. After graduating from Elphinstone Secondary in Gibsons, Darcy spent most of the next few years in Hawaii.
Darcy and Doug met in Vancouver through work, and after a few years of working together as a pasty chef and a cake decorator, Doug sold his bakery, Oscarson’s, and they returned to the Coast in 1981 to begin their entrepreneurial ventures together in Bulk Fuel Distribution / Cardlock Facility. They also ran a very successful luxury bed and breakfast.
Newly retired, Darcy is enjoying focusing on Rotary while she and Doug continue their love of travelling around the globe.
Rotary Bio:
Darcy has been a Rotarian at Sunshine Coast-Sechelt since 2005 and has held many club positions including president from 2009-2010. During her presidency, Darcy led her club to earn the District Outstanding Club of the Year banner.
Her club has been very active in both local and international service. Darcy and Doug are strong supporters of our Rotary Foundation, they belong to the Paul Harris Society and are Major Donor and Bequest Society members.
Darcy has held positions on the District Foundation committee and attended the Future Leaders sessions at the Zone Institute when it was in Vancouver.
As a District 5040 inaugural RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute) Graduate in 2008, Darcy firmly believes that through learning and education about Rotary, members become inspired. With their passion, they fuel this amazing organization.
DG Year Highlights:
I think that any District Governor would agree with me when I say that the highlight of the year is hands down, the club visits. Getting to know the clubs, the projects and Rotarians was amazing. My job was to attend the club meetings and bring information, support and most importantly, Inspiration to the members. After all, the theme was “Be The Inspiration."
Through the use of a deck of Rotary picture cards, I asked the club members to share their thoughts on why they were Rotarians, what being a Rotarian meant to them, and what touched their hearts. Well, little did I know that I would leave every meeting more inspired than I arrived!
Having a very strong commitment to both International Service and Education I was honoured that the District’s first Vocational Training Team began in this year. A global grant that the entire District collaborated on. This program started on March 15, 2019, with a team of BC teachers, led by PDG John Anderson, going to rural Kenya to help the local teachers incorporate 21st-century learning technics into their schools.
A very successful Friendship exchange took place between District 5040 and District 3810 of the Philippines. In Jan/Feb 2019 a team from our District enjoyed the incredible hospitality of our Rotary family in District 3810 and we had the opportunity to reciprocate when a group of Rotarians came here in May 2019.
The District Conference took a twist as it was held at Sunpeaks Resort, outside of our geographical area. We also spent part of the time with our District 5060 Rotary Family in Kamloops. A hands-on project and BBQ on the Thursday and shared sessions in Kamloops Friday. The RI Presidential Representative was RI Director Jeffrey Cadorette.
Together with PDG Penny Offer the L&D committee was developed. Bringing all of the District committees together to weave learning and development through collaboration.
We ended the year on both highs and lows. The sudden passing of PDG Don Evans was a huge blow to Doug and me personally and to the entire District. He was a great humanitarian and friend.
As many of us do we wrap some personal travel around our International conventions and Doug and I did just that. Hamburg was a great kick-off to some Baltic travels. It was a truly magical year and such an honour to serve our District.
