Canadians who want to be friends with newcomers
ICNSS Host Program

What the Host Program is:

Would you be interested in:

• making new friends?
• help with speaking English?
• sharing different cultures?
• learning about Canadian life?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, then come be part of the Peel/Halton Host Program.

The Peel Host Program

• The Peel Host Program links newcomers like you with volunteer 'hosts';
• Hosts are Canadians who want to be friends with newcomers. They may help you with your English, assist you in everyday tasks such as shopping or banking, show you around the community, or share your concerns about settling in a new country.
• Your new friends in turn will learn about your country, culture, and experience in Canada as a newcomer.

Friendship Makes a World of Difference

As a newcomer to Canada your move to a new country may not be easy. Not only must you deal with the trauma of leaving your home country, but you must now adjust to a different language, culture, and a whole new way of life. Moving to a new country is not easy, but a 'host' friend will help make a world of difference.

Why be a volunteer host?

Volunteer Hosts are people who have an enthusiasm for learning about other cultures, are interested in  making new friends, and who want to help someone adjust to life in Canada. With the assistance and understanding of volunteers like you, the Host Program makes a new country feel like home to newcomer.

For just 2 to 3 hours a week you can:

• Introduce and orient a newcomer to the Region of Peel and Canadian Society
• Assist a newcomer with his/her English language skills
• Help a newcomer to enhance his/her opportunities for employment
• Share a newcomer's hopes and fears about settling in a new country
• Simply be a friend to a newcomer, to ease the loneliness

Benefits to becoming a volunteer host

As a Volunteer Host, you will:

• Form new friendships with newcomers and other Host Program volunteers
• Share a unique cross cultural experience
• Gain valuable skills in multi-cultural and settlement issues
• Enhance your own knowledge of available resources in Peel and Halton
• Participate in a an exciting variety of educational workshop, social activities and special events
• Receive preparatory training and on-going support from the Host Staff
• Receive a certificate of recognition for your contribution

You can download the  Host Brochure , Host Volunteer Application Form  and the New Comer Application Form here.

All volunteers receive full orientation, training and support