As July draws to a close, so too does a very special chapter at Rotary Barrie. Our incredible Rotary Youth Exchange student, Petra Hoffman, is heading back home to Hungary after a remarkable year of learning, connection, and unforgettable memories.
While we’re sad to see her go, we are so proud of the bright, confident young woman she is and the impact she’s made on our club and community. Petra brought energy, curiosity, and warmth to every Rotary event she attended, and reminded us all why the Youth Exchange program is such a powerful experience, not just for students, but for everyone they meet along the way.
At her farewell meeting, Todd Armstrong presented Petra with a gift on behalf of the club, and Petra graciously gifted Todd with beautiful items from Hungary. She spoke about how welcome she felt and how much she learned through her time here. “I’m so grateful to Rotary for everything,” she shared, “This year has changed me. Thank you for making me feel like part of the family.”
Highlights from Petra’s Year:
- 🎂 Birthday Celebrations: Rotarians sang a proper birthday song (with enthusiasm!) and shared a delicious chocolate cake lined with strawberries.
- 🖼️ Fundraising Auction: Led by Todd Tuckey, a spontaneous auction raised funds to help Petra attend a Rotary conference in Calgary. Items included a Haitian painting and a vintage box of wine, and thanks to generous bids, a significant contribution was raised.
- 🤝 Conference Adventures: The Calgary trip gave Petra the chance to meet other exchange students, expand her Rotary experience, and represent Barrie proudly.
Petra’s warmth and enthusiasm left a lasting impression. Whether she was speaking at club meetings, volunteering at events, or simply sharing stories from home, she brought a global perspective and a genuine spirit of connection.
We wish her all the best as she returns to Hungary and look forward to hearing about her future adventures. Thank you, Petra, for being a wonderful part of our Rotary family. Safe travels — and don’t be a stranger! 💙
