Community

Welcoming newcomers to Kelowna

This club promotes a sense of community by hosting a variety of activities around the city.

  • Kelowna Newcomers Club formed in 1968
  • Over 400 current members
  • Includes indoor and outdoor activities

A volunteer-run club helps new residents in Kelowna feel welcome by creating a sense of community.

The Kelowna Newcomers Club (KNC) was created in 1968 and is the largest club of its kind across Canada, with over 400 members. The goal is to provide people with activities to connect with others.

“It’s a very social club and hopefully you can find an interest that is mutual,” Rod Nystrom, President of KNC told Kelowna10.

“You don’t have to be an expert in a lot of these things, but just to get out and meet people who are in the same boat as you and I think that’s beneficial both physically and mentally.”

Membership is open to people aged 19 and over and can be for up to three years. The cost for the yearly membership is $30 and offers volunteer opportunities to develop leadership skills, as well.

Nystrom said during the height of the pandemic, restrictions meant activities were mainly held online, but things are slowly starting up again.

“[In] September, we started a boat cruise that was kind of a thank you to everybody for hanging in,” Nystrom said.

“We’re moving up with more activities, there’s more capacity, and I think we’re going to have about 100 KNC people at our Christmas party in a couple of weeks. So, things are looking better.”

Events occur all year round, with a wide range of activities. Nystrom said golf is the most popular outing, but many are centered around what makes Kelowna a great place to live.

“We try to access the outdoors, and also in the winter you have things like bowling, canasta, ladies coffee, dining out. You find some of these great restaurants that maybe you wouldn’t find otherwise,” he explained.

Published 2021-12-15 by Jordan Brenda

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