Canada's Growing Rent-a-Friend Industry Offers Comfort and Connection to Chinese Diaspora

The Kingston, Ont., resident might be chatting with Chinese students about their secrets and challenges, or helping someone pack a suitcase, or baking cakes with a senior citizen.

“One of the students felt helpless since her parents forced her to pursue a major she hates, she didn’t do well at school and she felt scared to let her parents know about her struggles,” said Ge in an interview in Mandarin.“Companionship can help people vent out their negative thoughts and release stress, and they don’t need to worry about being judged since I am a stranger,” said Ge, “It’s just like writing in a diary.

But other factors could be high living costs in Canadian cities, encouraging Chinese immigrants to get creative about making money, while some may see it “as a way to be connected with their communities.” “Many newcomers didn’t know where to find their community, but spending time with them to walk around their neighborhood and share my immigration journey with them can bring them a sense of belonging and comfort,” Hu said in Mandarin.“Many immigrants feel a sense of emptiness after moving to a new country, and they feel very lonely,” said Hu, “It’s also difficult for them to share struggles with their old friends back in their hometown.

David Li, 24, is new to the companionship industry. Unlike Ge and Hu, he offers only one service — Li accompanies people on hikes. Gao, at American University, said he could see the “versatile” companionship industry meets many diverse needs, but he worries about the safety of those who offer the services.He said companionship services can’t solve societal problems with loneliness, and ideally the government would provide more supportive programs for immigrants, such as launching more associations and clubs.

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The rent-a-friend industry is booming among Canada's Chinese diasporaBeijia Ge's work duties change on an hourly basis. The Kingston, Ont., resident might be chatting with Chinese students about their secrets and challenges, or helping someone pack a suitcase, or baking cakes with a senior citizen.
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