Why?

37 days until the first ever Vancouver Fun Time Friends gathering calls for 3 + 7 reasons to join us.

Why to FTF TOP 10
1. You're bored.
2. You want to meet new people.
3. You happen to already be in the neighborhood.
4. To experience different parts of Vancouver culture you may not have experienced before.
5. A bit of good conversation.
6. You've seen all the Simpsons, Seinfeld and Fraser re-runs.
7. Just to switch it up.
8. To support us as we try to make Vancouver a better place.
9. Laughter.
10. We would love to meet you.

When?

Every 8 days starting on a Monday.

Round 1: Sept 29 to Nov 16
Round 2: Jan 19 to Mar 8
Round 3: Mar 23 to May 10

Where?

Where shall we gather? Venues I have been to that have proven to be a good atmosphere. I am always open to suggestions! I will try to vary the neighbourhoods we meet up in and will favour places that are accessible by public transit.

What?

What is this really about?

A weekly event planned and organised by Vancouver Fun Time Friends with an open invite to anyone who wants to attend.

This is not a business; YVR FTF is more of a proposed solution to a previously identified problem. We have no direct associations with any of the promoters, venues or artists/performers.

You can label us a social league or even some sort of club, but, REALLY, we are just people getting together to have fun more than anything else.

Who?

Who exactly is silly enough to try to change Vancouver's reputation? Just a lifelong Vancouverite lady in her early 30s named Tash. Fascinated with how culture in Vancouver evolves too quickly for the average person to keep up with. Friendly, approachable (when she wants to be) and very talkative. Especially interested in music and comedy events, but excited to explore other activities. Looking forward to see who will participate! Mostly jazzed about getting to say "fun time friend" on such a regular basis. Likes to write bios in the 3rd person. Promises not to speak in the 3rd person.

Not only the lonely

Who can be a Fun Time Friend?

-people wanting to meet new friends
-people wanting to add to an existing group of friends
-people who want an evening out but don't have friends available that day
-people who want to explore and enjoy Vancouver
-people who can keep YVR FTF a friendship based social club (we are not the proper atmosphere for people looking for dates or business networking)
-anyone and everyone who would like to contribute to a respectful and relaxed dynamic
-you!

Please note: while all ages are welcome, venues may have a 19+ policy that YVR FTF would abide by.

A step by step guide.

The point of Vancouver Fun Time Friends is to remove any obstacles in going out for a good time with good people. Here is how it works.
- Dates of events will be announced 1 month before the first event. A full round of Vancouver Fun Time Friends will operate over 7 weeks, allowing each day of the week to be enjoyed.
- 1 week prior to each event date, I will announce our venue, activity and time. When possible, I will include any links to pre-purchase tickets and advise of any special circumstances (like costumes for example...hint hint, Round 1 of YVR FTF has a Friday event on Hallowe'en...). I will point out the closest transit hub to the venue.
- If you are absolutely 100% committed to attending an event, send an email to yvr.ftf@gmail.com anytime between the announcement and 12pm noon on event day. I will reply to your email to confirm plans are set.
- At 3pm on event day, I will declare the event either "ACTIVE" or "INACTIVE". Once an event has been declared "ACTIVE", you may decide to stop by and join us without notice, but seats and/or tickets (when applicable) will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Pretty easy, right?!

Inspired.

I was born and raised in Greater Vancouver. As a result of this, I am lucky enough to have accumulated a fantastic group of friends. I realise that not everyone in Vancouver has this privilege. It can be tricky to start from scratch.
I spent most of last year away from the city I love (due to work and travel opportunities) and was forced to confront feeling alone. 3 months in England, 1 month in Northern BC and 3 months in Mexico gave me 3 unique ways to experience feeling disconnected. As incredible as my travels were, it brought up a lot of complex feelings, the most significant being an intolerance for how much loneliness sucks. I am (mostly) settled back home in Vancouver now, with a whole new perspective.

Vancouver Fun Time Friends is my way to channel my compassion and empathy for those who feel socially isolated everyday into a possible solution for anyone willing to give this a try.

If it puts anybody at ease, I will readily admit that this endeavour makes even me a little nervous. Taking a risk is always nerve wracking, but most often worth the risk. Take heart that if you check out a Vancouver Fun Time Friends event, at least we can work through the initial apprehension together!

An open letter to my lovely/lonely hometown.

Dear Vancouver,

It doesn't add up. This city is filled with really neat people and interesting things to do. Despite this, surveys in recent years show that we feel lonely and isolated in a place we have nicknamed "No Fun City". I don't know why this is the case but I want to try to provide a way to enjoy both the company of fellow Vancouverites and the unique entertainment scenes Vancouver discreetly provides away from the masses. I hope you will help me be a part of a solution to a problem that should not exist. See you there!

Your Vancouver Fun Time Friend,
Tash

Articles on the loneliness trend in Vancouver:

Vancouver Courier - Survey says Vancouver a lonely place to be

Vancouver Sun - Lonely? Vancouver survey says you're in good company

The Globe and Mail - Life of solitude: A loneliness crisis is looming

Georgia Straight - Vancouver study: A city of loneliness and unfriendliness?

Yahoo News Canada - Vancouver Foundation study finds Lotusland a lonely, isolated place

Some 'splainin'.

Oh, Vancouver. Let me be your lady Fonz (only less judgemental and with a high school education). Let us be your social comfort zone. Let us be a happy group of people doing neat things!

Why don't we spend a little time together doing something fun and meeting each other during this (presumably gray) autumn and winter?

With each round of Vancouver Fun Time Friends, I will host a gathering within Vancouver every 8 days that is a reasonable cost and varies in interest. Come alone or bring a friend and not only will you have a fun, affordable night out in our great city but you may also expand your social circle.

I will do all the heavy lifting! I will plan the date, time, venue and activity. All you have to do is show up (and sometimes pre-purchase your tickets, but I'll let you know when and how) and pay for your own way once we get there. I will even advise on transit routes when requested.

I want to make going out in Vancouver accessible to everyone and provide you all with a pal to experience it with! Won't you join me in making this fantastic city a friendlier one?

An homage to introduce ourselves!

Hello, friends! I'm your Vancouver Fun Time Friends girl. Are you bored, let down, restless? Do you get nervous at parties? Are you feeling isolated? The answers to all your problems are in this little social club! Fun Time Friends. Yes. Fun Time Friends contains meeting people, exploring Vancouver, expanding your horizons and supporting local culture. Yes, with Fun Time Friends, so can pal your way to a good time. All you do is show up when you want. Mmmmmmmm. It's so inclusive, too! Feels just like a party. So why don't you join this hopeful Vancouverite and be a Fun Time Friend this fall and winter.

Love, Tash (and the spirit of Lucille Ball)

P.S. You will learn all about YVR FTF in the coming weeks! Share us with your Vancouver friends!

So close!!!

Only 2 days left until launch! I am so excited to introduce #Vancouver Fun Time Friends to everyone! #yvrftf #yvr

Mermaid flyers!?

DIY promo materials censored for Instagram. #Vancouver Fun Time Friends frugal & fancy free! #yvrftf #yvr #shescrafty