What does an Interact Club do to top its recent Zone 34 award?  It plans an international service trip, of course!

Alpharetta Rotary’s Innovation Academy Interact Club departed on Saturday, June 3 for Pelotas, R.S., Brazil to continue District 6900’s partnership with six clubs in District 4680. The two districts, along with clubs in New England D7780, have been partnering since 2021 to support a Down Syndrome training and service program slated to launch later this year. Pelotas-based APADPEL, the Association of Parents of Down Syndrome in Pelotas, is excited to host the service team. In addition to the groundbreaking teaching/training model, funds have also been raised for a service building. The Interact team, led by Alpharetta Rotarian Josh Jarvis, will meet and enjoy service time with the 40+ members of Interact Pelotas. Together, they plan to paint and assist with landscaping around the new building in addition to other adventures. The trip will be highlighted by a Friday evening celebration with the Rotary Club of Pelotas-Oeste.

“These Interact clubs may go on to partner with other projects”, says Jarvis, “but this year they’ve decided to raise funds and continue the good work that’s been accomplished with APADPEL”.

This visit follows two previous service trips to Pelotas by the Rotary Club of Alpharetta in 2022 and 2021.  The story and more photos to follow when the team returns!