This year, our local Rotary Clubs are sponsoring three outbound exchange students and three inbound exchange students. All of this is being managed by our Youth Service Committees headed up by Rudi Atkinson (RCNS) and Amber McKnight (RCS). Of course, this challenging student-related task requires participation, funding and personal support to make it work as well as it does. Addressing these needs, the THE RCNS and RCS organized a special, internationally-themed, cocktail dinner event highlighted by food and drink from the inbound student home countries (Denmark, Germany, Spain). This event served to recognize those who are participating as well as those who are hosting the students and managing the program and to contribute to the fundraising need. Our Youth Service teams report a terrific success on all fronts! Go to the ‘Read more …’ tab to find out additional details and see a few selected photos. Go to this link to see a folder with photos taken during the evening. BZ.
Opening Remarks. By way of introducing the evening, RCNS Youth Services Chair Rudi Atkinson explained that Rotary International is a worldwide service organization that was founded 120 years ago in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, by a man named Paul Harris. The motto of a Rotarian is ‘Service Above Self.’ She went on to note that in 1927, nearly 100 years ago, Rotary created youth exchanges so youth could experience other cultures, life in other countries, live with other families, and attend school abroad. Just imagine how many thousands of youth have had the opportunity and experience of an exchange over the past 98 years. If exchanges impact the students having them, imagine the impact on the host families who support them while they are abroad. Exchanges happen because of the support of Rotary, but especially because of host families. Rotary coordinates but host families are the direct day to day contact and support of our inbounds. Host families are the key to the success of exchanges. Let’s toast our host families for their support of our inbound exchange students. Rudi was followed by RCNS Co-President Mary Mercato who expressed her best wishes to all in attendance; Rotary members, st udents, guests, families and friends - all made to feel a warm welcome for this special evening of food and drink.
Event Hosts and Feast Preparers. Rudi Atkinson recognized those who were instrumental in the success of the evening. The event was held at the very impressive/interesting residence of Dave and Brenda Bradshaw - they have always been more than gracious in their support of our youth programs. Thank you both for hosting this first international Youth Services dinner event. The fantastic expressions of international cuisine we enjoyed were courtesy of Chef Tracy Winkworth; long-time friend of Rotary. She and her team created and prepared all parts of the meal representing the countries of our three inbound students: Germany, Spain, and Denmark. Thank you Chef Tracy and your team for coming and supporting our Youth Services programs.
Our Exchange Students and Host Families. Keith Jones introduced our special guests Area Governor Ken Tota and District 7090 Youth Exchange Coordinator Justin Bester. Nonetheless, the stars of the event were the three great exchange students we are hosting this year; one each from Spain, Denmark and Germany. We were also blessed to have the three wonderful host families from the local area to look after these incoming students. Without these volunteer families, our program would simply not exist. See the three enclosed photos.
How Can You Help? We are currently active in recruiting host families for our current inbound students for the second and third sessions. Dates are negotiable between families. We are looking for host families for sometime November to sometime March and sometime March to sometime July when the students return home. There is an online application for host families to complete to be considered. If you or someone you know is interested in hosting, please pick up a handout or come and speak to Rudi (or Amber). We are also recruiting for student applicants to apply for an exchange for 2026-27. We are accepting preliminary applications due by October 24. We will interview candidates the first week of November and choose who will represent our clubs abroad. A year ago we had three stellar candidates who were chosen and they are currently outbound in Italy, Finland and Taiwan. Preliminary application handouts are also available - contact Rudi (or Amber).
Bonus! As a special way to close off the event, it was noted that Richard Baeker was enjoying his 16th birthday that very day. After singling him out and singing a rousing version of ‘Happy Birthday’, Richard dealt with the candles and shared with us (what else?!) a German Black Forest slab cake! Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! Richard; we trust it will remain, one of many memorable Canadian events in your life.
