Volunteer Meetup
Coming together to serve, learn, and support one another.
Translation note: This English version is translated from the original Chinese activity recap published by Harmony Hub Ottawa.
On the morning of August 21, 2026, Harmony Hub Ottawa (HHO) held an in-person volunteer meetup at 4100 Strandherd Dr. Twelve volunteers sat together and began by sharing their backgrounds, interests, skills, and availability for community service. The group also discussed what HHO can do for older adults around three simple ideas: someone to talk to, someone to rely on, and something to learn.
Starting with Real Community Needs
During the discussion, participants connected their own experience with needs they have observed among older adults and explored these three directions in more detail.
Someone to talk to: Emotional connection and mental well-being
The group discussed issues including living alone, loneliness, immigration adjustment, and family relationships. In addition to companionship and listening, participants also emphasized the importance of mental well-being.
Some older adults may hesitate to ask for help because they do not want to trouble others. The group discussed how to build relationships in a respectful and natural way, so that older adults feel more comfortable speaking openly and staying connected.
Someone to rely on: Mutual support and practical assistance
Grocery shopping, transportation, accompaniment to medical appointments, unexpected situations, and language barriers are all practical difficulties that older adults may encounter.
Participants discussed ways to connect people who need support with volunteers who are available, taking location, time, and individual abilities into account.
The group also talked about involving student and youth volunteers. Possible roles include helping older adults use digital devices, practise everyday English, and participate in community activities, creating more opportunities for people of different generations to meet and support one another.
Something to learn: Sharing knowledge and continuing to grow
Healthy eating and nutrition, digital devices, everyday life skills, and communication can all become topics for future activities and learning sessions.
Participants also noted that learning should go both ways. Many older adults have extensive life experience, professional knowledge, and personal skills. They can also become teachers and activity leaders, allowing knowledge and experience to continue circulating within the community.
Older Adults as a Community Resource
An important point of agreement during the meetup was that older adults bring valuable experience, knowledge, skills, and perspectives to the community.
HHO hopes that older adults can continue contributing while also receiving companionship and support. Younger or healthier older adults may be able to assist those who are older or need more help. Those with experience in crafts, music, food, or other areas can participate through sharing, teaching, performances, or community sales.
This makes participation a two-way process. Everyone may receive help when they need it and contribute in areas where they have something to offer.
From Conversation to the Next Activities
The meetup also included discussion of several upcoming community activities.
August 26 SPCO Multicultural Event
The group further confirmed performance preparations, including hulusi ensemble and Ansai waist drum performances, as well as traditional clothing, cultural flags, and items for sale at the event.
September 18 Mid-Autumn Festival Activity
Participants discussed mooncake making, introductions to Mid-Autumn Festival stories, and craft activities, with the goal of creating more opportunities for older adults, families, and people from different cultural backgrounds to connect.
Qingsong Award Nomination
Information was also shared about recognizing older adults who actively contribute to the community, support their families, and help others.
Thank You to Everyone Who Took Part
The meetup was mainly an opportunity to meet face to face, learn about one another, and talk about what people can contribute and what older adults may genuinely need.
Thank you to every volunteer who joined us. As more people bring their interests, experience, and time into the community, we hope that “someone to talk to, someone to rely on, and something to learn” can gradually become something older adults can genuinely experience in everyday community life.