It has come to my attention that there are a number of newcomers to the GTA in the 25 and upward single group who are finding it hard to make new friends and settle down in their new lives.


It is particularly difficult to come here as a young person who has not been able to go through the school system, know the social ropes and understand a whole new culture. Mostly, as I have discovered, single SA's in this age group, would prefer to meet people who share a common background and value system. They would also find it easier to settle down if they had friends who could relate to their settling experience.

I am not sure how to go about this, but perhaps we can start here by building a network/ list of names of single folk in this age bracket. Once there are enough people, then a venue can be decided upon for them to meet/ they can chat through Facebook/PM/ call one another. This is just an idea, and I would be very happy if anyone would like to head this up and make other suggestions to get this group up and running and to help folk adjust socially and be happy.

Let me know what you think will work. We will probably be amazed at how many people out there in this large city would welcome the chance to socialise/chat with others in their same situation.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions to get this up and running.

I would like to add young couples to the above suggestion, too. I realise that they also need to find friends who can share their joys and frustrations about their new country with them.

So, if you are in the 25- 35 ( give or take a year here or there!) age group, new to the Toronto area, or simply needing to meet like folk, here is your chance to start up your very own SACanada support/social group.

If you are interested in becoming involved in this new idea, please come forward to volunteer co- ordinating it and send in your names.

Another idea just came to me:

What about a mentoring system? For example, a newbie is partnered with an 'oldie' they can meet with, call or e- mail for advice or just chat to if they are feeling lonely or homesick. Kinda like the buddy system used in schools, if you know what I mean!

Anyway, I really hope we are able to get SACanada young social clubs going soon. Please volunteer your services if you are prepared to host such a meeting. I can recommend a few good meeting/eating places in the GTA for you to get the ball rolling. I am prepared to be of help and offer advice, but remember that I am old enough to be most of your mothers!!!


Become a founder member of the new SACanada young adult social club (SA- YASC- or something to that effect!). Submit your info here or by PM ing me if you are interested.

C'mon guys and gals, you want something like this, so here is your chance to make it a reality. Apathy will not make you new friends and contacts, so you need to take the bull by the horns and make things happen for yourselves.

I think that's a great idea Karen, and have emailed my son who's in Burlington and suggested he and his wife join as support, they've been there 3 years, and sort of know the ropes by now.

Great, Sheryl!

I am sure they have a lot to offer.


A support meeting does not need to be held in anyone's home. It can be done in a coffee shop, a Wendy's etc. I realise that not everyone can afford to eat out yet, and there is no need to spend a lot on this. It is often easier to, at least initially, hold your meetings in a central and neutral spot. Once you get to know one another a bit better, you can decide to open up your homes on a rotational basis. Every member could bring something for coffee - a cake, milk etc and you could eventually move onto potluck suppers etc. Meetings need only be held about once a month. As you get to know one another better, you will choose folk you want to invite into your homes etc.

I think the thing would be to keep things simple in the beginning and easy for everyone.

I feel sure we will soon have a list of names and move forward from there with the first meeting.

Again, don't be shy and come forward and volunteer to put this together. It will be a small investment in time and effort, but may well result in lasting and valued friendships for you.

Throw my name in the hat please, be glad to help newbies out

Thanks so much, Merv.

Your wealth of experience will be much appreciated.

Any ideas about arranging a first meeting and getting folk on board here?

First thing that springs to mind is our regular get together at the Niblick in Oakville (this Thursday evening and (normally) every first Thursday of the month)

What about 40 years and older and single?

Nothing to stop you coming along and having a good time with the younger folk!!

Seriously, though, all ages and stages who want to meet new friends will be more than welcome. The age group was only decided upon because the need seemed to be there.

Nothing wrong with this idea, I support it fully. Maybe you can start a new seperate Forum topic, make the prospective towns the sub-topic. I.E Newly landed (as the main topic) and then for instance with sub-topic "Toronto" etc.

Regards

Facebook has a South Africans in Toronto group which appears to be growing and active.

It might be well worth looking into it and seeing if you can connect with some of the folk who have posted their profiles there. Seem to be enough young folk there.

Karen, this is a great idea. I'm not a Facebook fan. Even though I fall into your original category, I like to hang out with people over 35 So I hope your plans work out.