A volunteer-run non-profit in Ottawa, Ontario
A community for seniors that'swelcomingactiveconnectedlearningjoyful
The Ottawa Friendship Club is a volunteer-run non-profit where seniors meet, move, and learn together — from weekly dance groups to practical workshops on health, gardening, money, safety, and technology.
About the club
A place to stay active, informed, and connected
The Ottawa Friendship Club was established on July 9, 2025, through the merger of two community groups: the Middle-aged and Senior Song and Dance Troupe, which has been actively serving the Chinese community in Canada's capital for more than a decade, and the Ballroom and Latin Dance Group, established in 2023.
The Club is an inclusive, non-political, and non-religious organization dedicated to reducing social isolation, strengthening community connections, and promoting healthy aging among middle-aged and older adults, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds in the Ottawa area.
Through a broad range of recreational, cultural, educational, and volunteer-led activities, we foster social inclusion, lifelong learning, active living, and community engagement. Our programs support the physical, mental, and social well-being of participants, helping seniors remain active, connected, and independent while enhancing their quality of life.
Guided by the principle that "seniors can help seniors," we empower older adults to support one another through peer mentoring, volunteer service, cultural exchange, and community participation. By building meaningful relationships and encouraging seniors to take leadership roles in their communities, we create a stronger, more inclusive, and age-friendly society for all.
The club is currently supported by the Government of Canada through its New Horizons for Seniors Program and the Centretown Community Health Centre, Ottawa.
What we do
Programs for seniors
What the club does for seniors — these are the real, partially funded activities that keep older adults healthy, informed, and connected.
Weekly activity groups
Three active song and dance groups and a Mahjong group offer members various opportunities to stay active, have fun, and build lasting friendships.
Educational workshops
Regular talks and hands-on sessions on staying healthy, active, and connected later in life.
Gardening
Growing things together outdoors, good for the body, the mind, and making friends.
Digital skills
Friendly, patient help with phones, computers, and the internet.
Elder-abuse awareness
Workshops that help seniors recognize and prevent abuse and fraud.
Financial information for seniors
Guidance on pensions, benefits, and managing money safely.
Our groups
Four groups, meeting every week
Middle-aged and Senior Song and Dance Troupe
中老年歌舞队
The group rehearses songs and dance performances in a fun and welcoming environment. Members enjoy staying active, sharing their love of music and dance, preserving multicultural traditions, and performing at community events and festivals.
Ballroom & Latin Dance Group
国标队
The ballroom and Latin (cha-cha-cha) dance group practices, and enjoys ballroom and Latin dancing in a fun and supportive environment. Members improve their dancing skills, stay active, make new friends, and participate in community performances and cultural events.
Mahjong Group
麻将队
A friendly Mahjong group for older seniors to enjoy recreation, social interaction, and companionship almost daily in a welcoming environment.
Multicultural Folk Dance Group
多元文化民族舞蹈队
The group practices and performs multicultural folk dances that celebrate the rich cultural traditions of diverse communities in Canada. Members enjoy physical activity, artistic expression, and friendship while promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and community engagement through performances, workshops, and special events.
Events
What's coming up
Upcoming
Elder-Abuse Awareness Session
Free for all members.
Financial Safety for Seniors Workshop
Free for all members.
Digital Skills Drop-In
Past events
Gardening Workshop
Free for all members. Would you like to create a thriving vegetable garden and a beautiful flower garden?
Are you interested in learning how to grow vegetables, cultivate flowers, prevent and control garden pests and diseases, and maintain a lush, healthy lawn? The Ottawa Friendship Club warmly invites you to join our practical and enjoyable Backyard Gardening Workshop. Set in a beautiful private garden, this hands-on event offers an opportunity to learn gardening techniques, exchange growing experiences, and make new friends in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Guest speakers
- Dr. Han Shuyou (Ph.D. in Agriculture) — vegetable gardening, flower cultivation, pest and disease management, and lawn care.
- "Kai Kai Xin Xin" – Owner of Happy Garden — years of hands-on home gardening experience and practical tips for a beautiful backyard garden.
🎉 Ottawa Friendship Club First Anniversary Celebration 渥太华联谊会成立一周年庆祝活动 🎉
The Ottawa Friendship Club warmly invites all members to join us as we celebrate the first anniversary of our establishment! Over the past year, our club has grown into a vibrant and welcoming community where members connect through friendship, culture, wellness, and lifelong learning. This special celebration is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, showcase our talented members, and enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, and fellowship.
Event Highlights: * Welcome * A brief presentation by the Club leadership on the history and development of the Ottawa Friendship Club * Performances by all club teams, with each group presenting two or three of their best singing and dance performances * Social dancing and peer interaction 🍪 Refreshments will be provided 🚗 Free parking available 🎉We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you!
🩺 Health Workshop: Master Healthy Aging and Self-Care Skills
Would you like to better manage your health, develop practical self-care skills, prevent common illnesses, and improve your quality of life? The Ottawa Friendship Club warmly invites all members to a practical and informative health workshop presented by an experienced registered pharmacist. This workshop will provide valuable knowledge to help you confidently manage your health and enhance your ability to care for yourself. The cardiovascular section of the workshop will focus specifically on recognizing the early warning signs of heart attack and stroke, and understanding how diabetes increases the risk of these serious conditions, helping participants improve prevention awareness and respond promptly in an emergency.
📖 Workshop Topics Safe and effective medication use Self-care when you are ill Diabetes management Recognizing the warning signs of heart attack and stroke How diabetes increases the risk of heart attack and stroke When and how to seek medical attention
Guest speakers
- Matt Yang - B.Sc. Pharm, RPh, CDE; Pharmacist Manager, Kent Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy 美信药房 ☎️ 613-232-4337
Chinatown Night Market Performance
For this year's Chinatown Night Market, the Ottawa Friendship Club's Senior Song and Dance Troupe and Ballroom and Latin Dance Team were invited to perform, presenting a vibrant artistic showcase to audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Gallery
Moments from the club
A few snapshots of our members performing, dancing, and spending time together.
Resources
Helpful links for seniors
Trusted organizations and programs that support seniors in Ottawa and across Canada.
Contact
Come join us
New members are always welcome. Reach out by email or join our WeChat group to find out about upcoming activities.
Join our WeChat group
Scan the QR code with WeChat to join our members' group chat.