Host Program
What is the Host Program?
Host Program for Newcomers to Canada is a friendship program, and it is designed to match resident Prince Edward Islanders with new immigrants, to help them learn how to live in Canada.
Immigrants come to our country every year to build a new life for themselves and for their families. They come from different backgrounds, cultures and situations. Coming to a new environment, they are facing many challenges. Host Program volunteers help new immigrants feel welcome in their new community by spending friendly time with them. Volunteer hosts are carefully matched with newcomers, based on similar interests, perhaps same profession, or goals and ambitions.
Information for Host Program Volunteers
As a volunteer for the Host Program, you become a guide to life in your community. In return, you open a whole new world of friendship. It's an exciting chance to learn and make new friends.
Who Are Host Volunteers?
Host Volunteer can be anybody from PEI who approaches our Association with a desire to get involved, and has a clean police record. Our volunteers are singles, couples, families, community groups, students, homemakers, teachers, doctors, merchants, carpenters, scientists...you!
Who Are Newcomers?
They are a wide variety of people from all walks of life, and from everywhere in the world. Some choose to leave their homeland in the hope of a better future. Others are forced to abandon their home because of war, economic or natural disaster, political or religious persecution.
What Do Host Volunteers Do?
We ask you only for your time, to spend two to three hours a week with your match, offering:
- An opportunity to practice English or French
- Information on Canadian customs, culture and society
- Leisure time together
- Moral support and friendship
Host volunteers are not expected to provide:
- Housing
- Food
- Financial support
What's In It For You?
Being a Host volunteer will create your new knowledge and appreciation of:
- Other cultures
- Other countries and nations
- Human resourcefulness and perseverance
- Our community through a fresh set of eyes
Information for Newcomers
If you are a new immigrant in Canada settling in Prince Edward Island, and have a Permanent Resident status, you are eligible to receive Host Program services. Please contact our office through this website, or visit us at our location. If you are settling on other Canadian provinces, check the contact information provided on the left-hand side of this page for a Host Program provider nearest you.
Contact Information
Erica Carragher
Phone: 1-(902)-628-6009
Joey Seaman
Phone: 1-(902)-628-6009