Social activities for newcomers and established Island residents
Women's activities
Women's activities organized by IRSA allow immigrant women to socialize, make friends, practice language skills, and learn more about Canadian culture and other cultures. Women who work or volunteer with IRSA host the group's gatherings, aiming to introduce newcomers to community resources and established Canadian women who can become essential contacts or friends. Activities include potluck meals, health and fitness activities (dance, hiking, kayaking), cooking, performances, clothing drives and giveaways, discussion groups, gardening, and seasonal celebrations. Each year, the group is actively involved with the organizing committee of International Women's Day events in PEI.
Men's activities
We organize men's activities focusing on bringing immigrant and established Island men together for informal relationship-building and social activities. The activities may include sporting events or socializing over coffee, for example. Each event is organized and attended by men who work or volunteer with IRSA. Participants meet their peers — newcomers and established Islanders — and share their experiences and interests. It is also an opportunity to network and practice English language skills.
Seniors' Social Integration Program
The Seniors' Social Integration Program addresses the challenge of isolation and promotes social participation for immigrant seniors (50+) by connecting them with Canadian seniors. Through hands-on workshops and other group activities, seniors exchange cultural knowledge, learn skills and make lasting social connections. The program allows participants to practice the English language in a safe and supported atmosphere, and learn skills that help ease their adaptation to the new country and culture. Established Canadians of 50+ years of age benefit from being immersed in a culturally diverse peer group. Activities include visual arts, dancing, cooking, crafts-making, story-telling, photography, financial literacy, stress management techniques, and so on. IRSA has established a robust partnership with the Seniors Active Living Centre which recruits seniors from the established host community and invites newcomer seniors to join in their programming.
Other social participation programming
IRSA organizes many other social participation activities that connect newcomers and established Islanders. An invitation to get out of the house and socialize in a low-pressure welcoming setting that can accommodate participants with lower levels of English, particularly during Canadian winters, is a significant help for newcomers experiencing isolation. Community partners also invite the participation of newcomers in activities and events that may include curling, basketball or hockey games, theatre, festivals, skiing, snowshoeing, and so on.
If you want to join any of these groups and activities, learn more about upcoming events, or find out more information, contact us or follow us on social media.
Updated: 2025-03-27
