District 7780 India Rotary Friendship Exchange Host Opportunity
Posted by Timothy Byrne
on Mar 17, 2011
The Exchange Team is comprised of (6) Rotarian couples. They range in age from 38 - 57 years' old; teachers, homemakers, anesthesiologist, laboratory tech., industry, manufacturing, real estate, and building/development. In reviewing their brief bios. some of them seem to have a sense of humor. They will arrive on sun., May 1st, ending their stay by attending the May 13th - 14th District Conference in Portland. Their flights will arrive/depart from Portland Jetport.
Rotary Friendship Exchange goals are to provide Rotarians and their families the opportunity to experience other cultures and build friendships, like GSE, without the Vocational experience as their focus. This program advances international understanding and peace through personal contact across borders while developing interclub relationships that lead to fellowship and service projects.
The success of this exchange is dependent on ALL of us, as sponsoring Rotary Clubs and Host Families. District 7780, we have the responsibility of making our guests from India feel WELCOMED. We have been charged with offering them the opportunity to experience our beautiful countryside, magnificent coast, wonderful food, and cultural diversity. DG Ann Lee in her invitation to them states, "We are eager to share our rich heritage with you. We also look forward to you sharing the rich heritage and culture of India with us. This exchange of friendship and culture enriches our Rotary clubs and countries. It is through such a visit that RI continues to promote goodwill, peace and understanding among nations of the world".
Please indicate your interests/availability as a sponsoring RC &/or host family by 3/31/11. I foresee, that given enough hosting rotary clubs and families ,that they would rotate family/club every 3 - 4 days. As always, collaborating clubs are welcomed and encouraged. I have received confirmation from Sanford RC with (2) host families, KennebunkPortside has (2) possible host families, Biddeford - Saco RC Roland Gagne has expressed interest. Also, Rotarians from Yarmouth, Portland, and Bridgton Lake Region are also interested in hosting. I will also need the name and contact information of the sponsoring clubs' Friendhip Exchange coordinator.
I look forward to hearing from many of you as we work together in "Building Communities, Bridging Continents",
Peggy
PP, KennebunkPortside RC
AG, Area 3, 2011 - 2012
Peggy Belanger RN, BSN
Cancer Care Program Manager
Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC)
One Medical Center Dr.
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 283-7320,
ms3.mab@smmc.org