Planning for Rotaract's 2015 Roundtrip is underway!

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Last year's PACERS, plus a New West Rotaractor (L to R: Kohey[japan], Anna[Germany], Manu[Argentina], Lulu[Mexico], Giorgia[Italy], and Melissa[New West])

 

With summer just around the corner, the 8 Rotaract Clubs of District 5040 as well as clubs from other Districts (Victoria) are very excited to be planning the 5th annual Pacific Canada Experience (PACE). This year’s trip will run from August 21st to August 30th.

PACE, a unique experience in Canada, serves, first and foremost, as a cultural exchange. Our clubs work together to invite six Rotaractors from all over the world to the BC Lower Mainland to learn more about their culture while sharing ours.  Last year, our participants came from Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Japan, and Italy. Included in the trip are presentations by attendees about about them, their countries, and their Rotaract clubs. PACE allows for the unique opportunity to build and strengthening global ties, while building friendships and lasting memories.

The 6 attendees spend 10 days on a pre-planned schedule exploring various parts of Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Richmond and more. The visitors are guided daily by local Rotaractors and Rotarians and shown some of the well-known tourist attractions such as Grouse Mountain (including the Grouse Grind), the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the PNE, and Stanley Park. PACE attendees will also make trips to Victoria and Whistler.

Service is always an integral aspect of every year’s PACE program. Last year, the we took the visiting Rotaractors and spent a morning at Eagle Creek to build a new channel in the area. In 2013, participants went to the RCMP musical ride at Swangard Stadium, where, they worked with local Rotarians and Rotaractors to entertain guests and assist with set-up and cleanup of the event. This year, we intend to return to Eagle Creek, to begin a PACE legacy project.

PACE has been done to tremendous acclaim every year. The attendees are often shocked and ecstatic that they are able to see as much BC  as they do, while still participating in service, cultural exchange, and networking with the Rotary and Rotaract community. Their praise  for the project is high, and show great interest in returning again in the future.

Here’s some of the words our participants from last year used to describe the trip:

  • “10 days passed so quickly and each day was full of joy and surprise. This trip is the best trip ever in my life.”

  • “It's a very good way of knowing Canada, during this trip you get to know Canada from the inside, from the point of view that you wouldn't get as a tourist... Last but not less important, I could say I have a new family there.”

  • “...Now Canada has a very special place in my heart and that is all thanks to the amazing Rotarians and Rotaractors behind this experience!”

  • “The value of this experience is something I will never be able to explain, but I wish all the people I love to try something like that in their life.”

This year’s committee is dedicated to making PACE trip the best yet. We hope that many Rotarians and Rotaractors will be able to join us for what is going to be, without a doubt, a fantastic experience once again! If you would like to help us with this amazing project, look for our upcoming sponsorship emails, which will be sent out mid-March.

 
2015 PACE Planning Committee