The Australian members of the worldwide Friendship Force joined the Lethbridge chapter to visit Waterton National Park in an effort to turn strangers into friends. The global group has more than 300 chapters spanning 60 countries, all with the intention of fostering new friendships. The Lethbridge chapter is unique in that its members stay in each other’s homes, allowing for a deeper cultural exchange and bond to form. The group that would like to visit a different country puts in a request to the Atlanta head office, which then connects them with the country hosts and allows them to take it from there.
The host group gets to know the visitors and develops an itinerary based on their interests and limitations. The Lethbridge chapter aims to show their visitors a wonderful time by showcasing the tourist attractions, including First Nations and Blackfoot visits, as well as the beautiful Rocky Mountains. In addition to sightseeing, the group plans parties and plenty of food, as they believe that laughter, food, and fun are essential in building friendships. The Australian visitors from Mount Gambier and Mount Baker have been eagerly anticipating this trip, which was originally planned for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have enjoyed their time in Lethbridge and have formed instant friendships with their Canadian hosts.
Mount Baker President David Adams has been designated as the lead communication between the Australian groups and the Canadian hosts, facilitating a seamless exchange and connection between the two groups. Both clubs have found that they have been well-matched with similar types of background people, allowing for instant camaraderie to develop. The cultural exchange has been enriching for both the hosts and visitors, as they have been able to connect with each other on a deeper level, even without speaking the same language. The friendships formed through the Friendship Force program have proven to be lasting and meaningful, with participants creating valuable connections around the world.
Barbra Clarke, the president of the Lethbridge Friendship Force, has traveled extensively with her group and has formed valuable friendships in countries such as Thailand, Moscow, and Germany. She emphasizes the importance of having an adventurous spirit and being open to connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Clarke highlights the generosity and warmth of the hosts, noting that it is the people, not the accommodations, that leave a lasting impression. The exchange of cultures and experiences has been a powerful reminder that regardless of where one travels, it is the people who enrich one’s life and make the world a more vibrant place to live.
Overall, the Friendship Force program has been successful in fostering international friendships and promoting cultural exchange. The visits between the Australian and Canadian Friendship Force chapters have been characterized by warmth, laughter, and a genuine connection between the participants. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the determination to continue building friendships across borders has been unwavering. The exchange of ideas, traditions, and experiences has not only enriched the lives of the participants but has also contributed to a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures. The Friendship Force program serves as a beacon of hope and unity in a world that is often divided, demonstrating the power of friendship in overcoming barriers and building bridges between people from around the globe.
