D1610 Netherlands Friendship Exchange to D7815

Rotary Friendship Exchange welcomed a group of Rotarians from District 1610 in the Netherlands to Atlantic Canada for an unforgettable journey filled with friendship, hospitality, and local experiences. PDG Tom McCaughey reflects on the many clubs and volunteers who helped

create lasting memories and looks ahead to upcoming Friendship Exchanges with Croatia and Ontario...

"As I write this on Thanksgiving weekend, I am reflecting on the many wonderful friends I have made through Rotary.

Rotary has introduced me to great friends across this district and around the world—people I otherwise would never have met. Many district members share my passion for building connections and friendships, including through Friendship Exchanges.

Last night, we said goodbye to several friends visiting from District 1610 in the Netherlands. I met some during our visit there in May, while others became friends during this exchange. This wonderful group of Rotarians had shown us tremendous hospitality during our visit. We hope that we matched their warm generosity..."

Read more for the full article and more photos!

Members of the Rotary Club of Windsor welcomed them at YHZ, provided transportation, and hosted them. Their itinerary included Grand-Pré, Scotian Gold, Avon Valley Floral, Ueffing’s Garden, Camp Mockingee, Hall’s Harbour, and an invitation from DG Chris to join her visit to the Valley clubs.

On the way to PEI, members of the Rotary Club of Westville guided them through the historic town of Pictou.

Members of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty met them at the ferry and escorted them across the picturesque island to Charlottetown. Over the next few days, they visited Green Gables and took a guided walking tour of Charlottetown.

At Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, drivers from the Rotary Clubs of Moncton West and Riverview met the team for photos with the iconic Confederation Bridge. On the way to Moncton, their busy schedule included a lunch hosted by the Rotary Club of Shediac, the world’s largest lobster, the Rotary Peace Pole, the Flying Boat Wall Mural, Mapleton Rotary Lodge, Magnetic Hill, Wharf Village, a winery, and an evening visit to Akadi Lumina with RYE students from Moncton West, Moncton, and Dieppe.

For the final stop, they drove to Masstown, where representatives from the Rotary Clubs of Truro, Halifax Northwest, and Dartmouth East welcomed them. Members of the Halifax Northwest and Harbour & Dartmouth clubs hosted their stay.

Their schedule included a bus tour of Halifax, the Canadian Museum of Immigration, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Halifax waterfront. A reception sponsored by the Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest concluded the second day. A day trip to Lunenburg with the Fisheries Museum, Mahone Bay’s Scarecrow Festival, and the historic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse rounded out the itinerary, followed by a casual evening featuring Shirley’s seafood casserole before their red-eye flight home.

There were many Rotarians involved in one way or another to make this a successful and memorable visit for our guests. I cannot mention everyone but will highlight organizers Di Best, Catherine Dure, Sherry Mourant and Sherry Trenholm who I ask to pass along our gratitude to everyone involved.

Every Friendship Exchange is similar to this one with the hospitality based on the Rotary district being visited. We are currently planning one in May to Croatia with their return in September. Final dates will be announced soon. Applications will open shortly. Another RFE is in discussion with D 7010 in Ontario. More details to come.

Contact DG Tom McCaughey for more information if you are interested in either of these or RFEs in general. Dgtom7820@gmail.com or 709-682-7259

Yours in Rotary Fellowship,