Paige LeClairSometimes, moving to a new city or province can be overwhelming. Losing long-time friends and support systems that used to be so close can be stressful. Add trying to create new friends to that list, especially as an adult.
“It’s not always just the family of the member that struggle with adjusting to a new life, new location, or change, sometimes the member can be feeling the same way too if they don’t know anyone on their posting,” says Consuela Proulx, information and services coordinator for the Petawawa Military Family Resources Centre (PMFRC).
Even if you aren’t so new to the area, or just want to meet new people, the PMFRC has a unique event that will help—speed friending.
The idea came from a volunteer who is part of the welcome committee and has taken almost a year to evolve from an idea to an event.
“We are always looking for input from volunteers and community members,” says Proulx. “The PMFRC always tries to work with people to better our programs and services that we offer.”
The first-time event is similar to speed dating, each pair will have a five-minute window to ask and answer questions until all the participants have made their rounds to each table. This will allow members of the military community an opportunity to mix, mingle and seek out friendships with other community members.
“We hope that this event will have a positive effect on the community, and hopefully some people will leave new friends or start a friendship.”
Proulx hopes the interest for this gathering continues, and that the PMFRC will eventually host more in the future.
