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As you’ve probably figured out by now, volunteering is one of my major hobbies.  Last year I volunteered with Kelowna Community Resources to be a “buddy” with new immigrants who have just arrived in Kelowna.  The point of the program is to match newcomers with locals so that the new immigrant families have a social contact – someone to speak English with and learn the Canadian way of life. 

My first partner was a German lady – we went for coffee and couple of times and walked the dogs… and then she got her feet under her and we didn’t meet anymore.  That’s the way it goes – either a short term acquaintance or a long-term friendship – either way, they have met a friendly face.

Today I went to visit my new newcomers!  They are a fun couple about our age from Taiwan.  He is a Phd candidate (and speaks pretty good English) and she is taking English classes all day so she wil eventually be able to find a job and settle in.  They have a 6 year old daughter, and it was really funny to hear them describe Canadian school through their Taiwanese eyes – “all she does is play all day!” they exclaimed with concern.  Apparently Taiwanese 1st graders study all evening with homework… not so much here!  But apparently their daughter just loves it here and is happy as a clam.

Anyway, they are pretty cool and I think we’ll enjoy hanging out with them.  This is definitely  one of the more rewarding volunteering experiences out there – you get new friends and learn about a new culture.  Good deal!