VSSRotary Helps Introduce Foreign Exchange Students to Silver Star

Dec 13, 2022

This past weekend (December 9-11), Vernon Silver Star Rotary (VSSRotary) hosted Rotary foreign exchange students from around the world at Silver Star Mountain Resort at the annual "Weekend in the Snow" event to introduce them to our winter paradise. Many of the exchange students come from places in the world where snow is not commonly present, and thus this experience is truly a new one for many.

Students and chaperones came from various Rotary clubs from the Okanagan valley and District 5060. All participants enjoyed not only the fine accommodations on Friday and Saturday nights at Pinnacles Suites at Silver Star, but lessons for those desiring them and guides to the mountain. The weekend included the students and chaperone's enjoying the Silver Star Christmas Light-Up event and its fireworks, as well as a gift exchange with Santa.

"Coming from Brazil this was my very first time skiing, and the entire weekend was so much fun. I can't wait to ski again," said Maria Clara Mateus, a grade 11 student from Seaton Secondary School in Vernon.

The Weekend in the Snow is but one example of how VSSRotary and other Rotary International clubs support local community as well as connection to other communities around the world through efforts like Rotary Exchange.

"When we invest ourselves in our own communities we not only build better communities, but we forge long-lasting friendships in the process. Spending time with these youth from around the world continues to broaden our views of the world. And we hope showcases how great Canada and the north Okanagan are for them as well," said Calvin Reich, President of VSSRotary.