An update from the District Rotaract Clubs about their annual roundtrip to promote cultural exchange.

 

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With summer just around the corner, the 7 Rotaract Clubs of District 5040 as well as clubs from other BC districts (Victoria, and Whistler) are very excited to be planning the 4th annual Pacific Canada Experience (PACE). This year’s trip will run from August 22nd to August 31st.

For those who are less familiar with this district project, PACE serves, first and foremost, as a cultural exchange. Attendees in the past have been from Ukraine, Poland, Brazil, France, Indonesia, Germany, Romania, Italy, Lebanon, the USA and other regions of Canada. Our clubs work together to invite six Rotaractors from all over the world to Vancouver and its surrounding areas in order to learn more about their culture while sharing ours. Included in the trip is a presentation by attendees about the culture and heritage of their country. PACE allows for the unique opportunity of building and strengthening global ties, while building friendships and lasting memories.

Once the 6 attendees arrive in Vancouver, they spend 10 days on a pre-planned schedule exploring various parts of Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Richmond and other places. 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.. They are also shown some less well-known attractions but favourites of our local members like the Richmond Night Market, the Museum of Anthropology, and local beaches. PACE attendees have also made trips to Victoria and Whistler.

Having a service component as part of the trip is important. Last year, the PACE committee worked with the Burnaby Rotaract Club and the Rotary Club of Burnaby and brought the attendees to the RCMP musical ride at Swangard Stadium. There, they worked with Rotarians and local Rotaractors with entertainment for some of the guests, as well as setting up and take-down for the event. 

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

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!