Formed in 1994, Friendship Force Lethbridge has members from all walks of life. The local group is heading to Brazil this week for a three-week excursion.
Friendship Force International is a non-profit cultural organization focused on promoting understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy through home stay journeys and personal friendships.
Although home stay journeys to other clubs is a big part of Friendship Force, the club focuses on developing personal friendships among members. Some members of the club do not travel, but have joined the club for friendship and various activities that are held.
Club members that travel on a Friendship Force journey are called ‘Ambassadors,’ and live as guests in the home of a ‘Host,’ taking part in their family activities and community life.
Through this home hospitality, the local hosts can share their lifestyle, including meals and conversations, while showing visitors the best sights and experiences their area has to offer.
Occasionally, Ambassadors and Hosts do not speak the same language or share similar backgrounds, yet the power of friendship overcomes these differences.
Barb Clarke is the president of Friendship Force Lethbridge and is excited about the trip. “There are four of us from Lethbridge and three more from other clubs in Canada, two of them are from the Winnipeg club and one from the Edmonton club. A total of seven Canadians.”
Friendship Force has been such an incredible experience for Clarke. “And for most of us in the club. We’re the first club in Canada. We have a lot of people who have experienced many wonderful things with it and developing friendships all around the world.”
“Many of us are still in contact with people we have met years ago,” adds Clarke.
It’s also a great way to appreciate different cultures and different ways of living.
This summer, Clarke notes, a group of 15 people will be visiting Lethbridge from Cornwall, England and 12 people will be coming from Mexico City.
For more information visit online at friendshipforceoflethbridge.ca.
