KEVIN KU: BACK HOME TO TAIWAN
A big thank you to all District 5370 clubs who supported his stay in Alberta.
As we may recall, Kevin was destined to be hosted by the Ft. McMurray clubs for 2016-17, however the wildfires last May quickly scuttled those plans and the District sought out a Plan B to enable Kevin to still come to our District and experience his exchange to Canada.
A truly creative solution came together with the efforts of no less than four clubs to host and financially support Kevin’s successful cultural experience.
Kevin said his last good byes on Sunday July 2, 2017 after spending the past 11 months with the families of his counselor Mike Brandingen ( Whyte Ave club), Marilyn Mucha (Whyte Ave Club) Brian Kiely ( Mayfield Club) Alfonso Ceccherini-Nelli ( Whyte Ave), and Sophie Waldin (formerly Whyte Ave).
Financial support from Mayfield, Edmonton West, eClub Camada One, and Ft. MacMurray enabled Kevin to attend school at Austin O’Brien Catholic High School, take the public bus system and participate in the special activities such as Spring and Fall Orientations, Westlock District Conference, Yellowknife Tip-toe with the caribou, skiing in Jasper and the final 10-day mountain hiking trip. In addition, Kevin attended both RYLA and RYLE camps thanks to Frank Yakimchuk ( eClub Canada One).
Kevin, along with the other inbound Youth Exchange Students (YEX) was obliged to raise funds for Shelterbox this year and Kevin exceeded his goal and raised over $650 . by cooking a traditional Taiwanese dinner to Rotarians and non-Rotarians willing to dine for a fee ( and some who generously contributed directly to his campaign)
His presentations to his supporting clubs highlighted his cherished memories of meeting generous Rotarians and their families and seeing the northern lights, learning to ski and curl and eating his new favourite foods – Poutine and pyrogies. Through the generous support of the Ft. Mac clubs, Kevin was also afforded the opportunity to visit his original hosting city, do some fishing, take a private plane ride over the area to see the natural beauty and the remains of that devastating fire.
Although we bid farewell to Kevin perhaps we will see him in Taiwan in 2021 when the RI convention is in Taipei.