Rotary on the Road: Matamoros Mission Update

Saturday, 4:00 a.m. – While most were still asleep, our dedicated DGN Tom Kelcher was already at the front door, ready to kick off our club’s latest service journey. Meanwhile, others were en route to Buc-ee’s in Wharton, our designated meeting point, before heading together to Matamoros, Mexico.

Leading the convoy, Rotarian Dick Stabell drove his new truck, towing our club trailer filled with school uniforms, chairs, computers, and essential equipment for the Red Cross. Riding shotgun was our newest member and navigator, Barbara Martinez.

Club President Jim Moers also took the wheel, his vehicle packed with fire hoses destined for the Matamoros Fire Department, along with Rotarians Ciro Jimenez, Larry Blair, and Mitchell Lou. Along the way, we picked up PDG Mindi Snyder in El Campo—and just like that, we were fully on the road!

Warm Welcomes and Community Impact

Upon arrival and check-in at the hotel, our group was quickly welcomed and organized into smaller teams for a cross-border lunch outing. We also celebrated DGN Tom Kelcher’s recent birthday with cake, a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and our beloved Rotary song—a touching moment that left Tom smiling and grateful.

One of our first service stops was Pan de Vida, a care home for the elderly. There, we delivered a power scooter valued at $5,000—generously donated by a fellow Rotarian from our district. The gratitude from the staff and residents was heartwarming.

A Call for Help at the Red Cross

Next, we visited the local Red Cross facility, which had been shut down during the pandemic and subsequently vandalized. Stripped wiring, a leaky roof, and severe damage throughout the building left a clear message: they need our help. Their hope is that with our support, the facility can once again serve the people of Matamoros.

Global Grants in Action

Our final stop was the dedication of two water projects made possible through Rotary global grants. A local resident shared how, before the project, his tap often ran completely dry. The grants funded the replacement of outdated metal pipes, many of which were leaking or clogged with dirt. We even brought back a section of one such pipe—completely filled with sediment and riddled with cracks—for a future “show and tell.”

Thank you to every Rotarian who participated, donated, or supported this journey. Your service is transforming lives—one mile, one smile, and one project at a time.