12/5/2008 - AFS Announces the 2008 Galatti Award Winners
NEW YORK, NY, December 5, 2008—AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to announce the winners of its 2008 Galatti Award Winners for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The Award is given annually to AFS volunteers who have exemplified the spirit of Stephen Galatti. It was Galatti’s inspiration that built and transformed AFS, a volunteer ambulance service in both World Wars, into a global network of partner organizations that have helped to build a global community based on intercultural connections that positively affect the world.
This year, AFS is honored to present three winners on International Volunteer Day: Marcia Buckley of Brazil, Ilse Brehm of Germany, and Eria Magnani Calatroni of Italy.
Marcia Buckley has been an AFS volunteer since 1991, when her family hosted the first AFS student in their community. Marcia draws students from other towns within the State of Rio de Janeiro to her local orientations, famous for their creativity and thoroughness. Marcia’s commitment to outstanding support inspires AFS volunteers throughout Brazil.
Ilse Brehm has been involved in AFS since 1956, when she traveled abroad to North Dakota. She met her future husband Burkhard Brehm, during an AFS summer camp in Triest, Italy, in 1960, and all three of their daughters have traveled with AFS. Ilse is a reliable leader dedicated to working with and for AFS participants across the world.
Eria Magnani Calatroni has been involved in AFS since her exchange to the US in 1959. Sine then she has served as chapter president, organizer of national activities, expert regional counselor, host mother, and member of various national committees. Eria connects and motivates volunteers and offers exceptional support to AFS students.
AFS International President Francisco Cazal said that “The winners of the Galatti Award for Outstanding Volunteer service stand out among the thousands of volunteers that keep AFS going strong and give the gift of intercultural understanding to people all over the world.”
The Galatti Award, established in 1983 and named after AFS founder Stephen Galatti, honors AFS community volunteers whose long-term commitment and exceptional dedication have advanced the mission and goals of AFS at the grass-roots level. It is the most prestigious commendation granted by the AFS International Board of Trustees. For AFS, volunteerism is key in carrying out its mission to provide intercultural learning experiences supported by local volunteers that change people’s lives and connect them to a worldwide community.
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