CultureLink is a non-profit charitable organization serving Toronto communities for more than 22 years.

Vision - We envision a welcoming community where all stakeholders are united in supporting the successful settlement and empowerment of newcomers in Canada through pertinent information, employment preparation, education, training and friendship. 

Mission - CultureLink is dedicated to facilitating the independence and full participation of newcomers in Toronto's diverse community. This is done by:

• Enhancing skills that promote self-sufficiency
• Promoting positive interaction with and understanding of newcomer communities
• Providing innovative programming to meet the changing settlement needs of newcomers and volunteers
• Promoting well being for all participants.

Values

• At Culturelink we believe that newcomers are critical to Canada's future, and our staff and volunteers are our organization’s most important resources
• At CultureLink we are committed to:
  • working within a social justice/anti-oppression framework that demonstrates our respect for the newcomers that seek our services, for the volunteers that support our work and for each other
  • providing quality programs that are client-centred and results oriented
  • being accountable
  • engaging in continuous learning and improvement to ensure that our programs and services remain responsive.

Community Connections Mentorship Programs (formerly known as the Host Program)

The Host Program is the flagship program of CultureLink. Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, CultureLink's Host Program is one of the oldest and largest befriending programs in Ontario. It has served as an incredible bridge between the host and the newcomer communities of Toronto ever since CultureLink's inception in 1988. The Host Program matches newly arrived immigrants and refugees with Canadian community volunteers who can help them get a good start of life in Canada.

Get Involved - be part of a Welcoming Community success story

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, newcomers have the opportunity to practice their speaking English, adjust sooner and more easily to their new community, learn about Canadian life, make friends, build connections and better cope with the stresses of moving to a new country.

Show a new Canadian what our old Canadians are made of

Volunteers will have the opportunity to welcome and assist a newcomer in their settling process, form a rewarding friendship, gain a better understanding of Canada’s evolving multicultural make-up and learn about other countries, cultures and languages. Please contact us for Volunteer Orientation and Training information.

Volunteers and Newcomers can also participate in our English Conversation Circles at various locations and our exciting community engagement projects under the Welcoming Community Initiatives. Together, we are creating a more and more inclusive and welcoming community.

Whether you are a newcomer or a "not-so-new" Canadian, you can join us for a whole new world of friendship. Please call us 416 488 6288 for more information or visit us in person at our office. If you are interested in friendship matching, please fill up our online application form.