Travelling with their children and grandchildren, the family attended matches in Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco, experiencing the incredible atmosphere created by hundreds of Australian supporters. Nina shared stories of colourful fan marches, passionate singing and the excitement that accompanies one of the world's largest sporting events.
Along the way they also experienced emerging technology, including autonomous taxis, and observed some of the social challenges facing major American cities, particularly the scale of homelessness in Los Angeles.
Rather than simply observing, the family chose to make a meaningful contribution by visiting the Long Beach Rescue Mission.
The organisation provides meals, emergency accommodation, recovery programs, education and employment pathways for people experiencing homelessness. Nina and Upali spoke warmly about the dedication of the staff and volunteers, who serve hundreds of meals every day while helping individuals rebuild their lives through structured recovery and support.
For their children and grandchildren, the visit became one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. It demonstrated that travel is not only about seeing famous places but also about understanding the challenges faced by others and recognising the importance of compassion and service.
Upali concluded the presentation with a thoughtful story about generosity, reminding members that giving is not defined by the value of what we offer, but by the willingness of our hearts. It was a fitting message for Rotarians, whose commitment to Service Above Self is built on exactly that principle.
Thank you, Nina and Upali, for sharing an inspiring presentation that blended family adventure, global experiences and the enduring value of helping others. Their story was a wonderful reminder that wherever we travel, there are always opportunities to make a positive difference.