• By: OLM Staff

Bring the world home – host an Up with People cast member

Photo courtesy of Up with People


Families in Ottawa-Gatineau will have the unique opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their homes between October 1st-13th when an international cast of Up with People arrives to the city as a stop on their 2019 world tour.

Host families are being sought to keep one or more students from the 100-member Up with People cast, which represents 14 countries.  “It is a great opportunity to experience other cultures while sharing your own,” explained Sergio Campos, Promotions Manager for Up with People.

Local host families are asked to provide a bed, local transportation at the beginning and end of each day, as well as breakfast and most dinners.  While gone during the day, most evenings cast members will be home with the family to participate in their activities and interests.

“I can honestly say that the dozens of families who have opened their homes to me during my time in Up with People is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences I have had,” said Campos. “I have host brothers and sisters all over the world, and still stay in contact with many of them,” he added.

In addition to many wonderful experiences with their new “son” or “daughter,” each host family will receive two complimentary tickets to Up with People’s newest production, Live On Tour. The show features entertaining pop medleys, international dances, and original UWP songs that inspire people to Keep Hope Alive in their communities. The show will be held at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe Mainstage on October 10th-11th at 7:00PM.

Those interested in hosting are encouraged to contact Lorena Diaz at ldiaz@upwithpeople.org or by calling (343) 996-9421.

UWP in Ottawa is presented by Canada Care Medical in association with Real Strategy Commercial Real Estate and TD Bank and with support from Canada Homestay Network, Bell Media – CFRA 580, MAJIC 100.3, Energie 104.1 and 94.9 RougeOttawa Life Magazine and Ottawa Business Journal. We hope you’ll join our local partners and get involved as this visit and show ticket proceeds will benefit scholarships for area youth to participate in UWP Jr., Camp UWP and UWP On Tour as well as Youth Services Bureau and Governor General's Foot Guards Regimental Association to support OSEG Youth Sport Programs.

About Up with People: Up with People is a global education organization that empowers young people to be positive agents of change in their communities and the world. Through our unique blend of music, social action, and international travel, we impact communities for the better while providing youth the knowledge and experience they need for today’s complex global environment.  For more than 50 years Up with People has been breaking down cultural barriers and enhancing understanding to help create a more hopeful, trusting and peaceful world. Learn more at upwithpeople.org.