Darcy Ellarby spoke to us today about the Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE).
 
RFE is and international exchange program for Rotarians and Rotary couples.  This exchange travels District to District in both directions and allows the travelers to make genuine Rotary friends while experiencing another culture.
 
The goal of the exchange is to advance international understanding and peace through visits across boarders and to promote interclub relationships, fellowships and service projects.
 
The specific exchange the Darcy addressed was her recent Friendship Exchange to Romania this past March.  Where 12 travelers from our district (5960) went and toured Romania and visited 3 Rotary clubs.The tour included visiting Castles and Cathedrals (including Dracula’s Castle), wine tastings. They also visited a youth detention facility where the Timisoara Rotary Club runs an art therapy program.
 
The Romanian team will be hosted by Lakeville Rotary Club Tuesday, Sept 22 – Friday, Sept 25.They have an exciting schedule planned with lots of opportunities for us to get involved.
 
Our Local host families will include: Paul & Darcy Ellarby, Paul & Deb Marzahn, Doug & Deb Anderson, Colleen & Tom LaBeau, Joel & Decklynn Theisen, Tony and Patti McDonald and Team members Sheila Longie and Peg Duenow.
 
The district has offered many exchange programs throughout the years and the next program is scheduled to Nagpur India, January 9 – 20, 2016, for more information click here.