Au Pair in America au pairs continue to positively impact their local communities in the USA. Recently, some of our au pairs and Community Counselors volunteered at the 2018 Chicago Marathon. Below is a recap of the event.
Over 60 Au Pair in America au pairs volunteered at the Chicago Marathon!
This is the first year that Au Pair in America participated in the Chicago Marathon and many au pairs said they would do it again next year.
This volunteer opportunity is spearheaded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchange as a way to engage exchange participants in community events. The high volume of exchange visitors across many programs and organizations at a number of marathons across the country highlights the benefits that American citizens receive from State Department programs. It also allows the au pairs to make contributions to local communities in which they live and learn more about the American value of volunteering.
The group was coordinated by two senior Community Counselors from the Chicago area – Ginny Costigan and Pam Mayer Caes.
“The au pairs worked hard handing out heat sheets (foil blankets), taping them hands-free, cleaning up signs and banners once all the runners finished, and moving sandbags,” shared Ginny Costigan.
Co-team coordinator, Pam Mayer Caes, reported, “This was a great event! The au pairs seemed to really enjoy it. Most of them showed up even though the weather was a bit rainy. I think they loved receiving and wearing their official “uniform” and ID badges. The gratitude of the runners was really touching and several of my au pairs mentioned how much it meant to them to be a part of this.”
Thanks to all for helping to make this a great day!
This coming weekend, many of our au pairs, host families, and Community Counselors will also be participating in the New York Marathon. Interested in hosting an au pair? Learn more about hosting with Au Pair in America!
