While face-to-face friendships may seem to be fading, a group in Winnipeg is helping its community members bond over a wide variety of activities, helping them meet and form friendships.

Ray Antymis started the “Adventures for Successful Singles” group in Winnipeg about 41 years ago. The group brings people together, as there is something of interest for everyone. Members can enjoy fun activities like arts and entertainment, billiards, 5-pin bowling, camping, canoeing, cycling, and hiking. In the winter, there’s skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and broomball. People can join in for social events like dances, karaoke, Friday night dinner and a movie, Sunday brunch, pub nights, and dining out.

Members can also meet face-to-face and play games and cards, try golf or slow pitch, or relax with park walks and lunches. There are special groups too, like one for pet lovers, a book club, travel meetups, and support groups for widows and widowers. The group is open to people of all age groups and interests. Currently, the group is Manitoba’s most popular singles club, hosting up to 50 events each month, including activities like pickleball, card games, and Sunday brunches.

Antymis believes losing social connections can lead to loneliness and depression. The pandemic and too much time on social media have made it worse. This group focuses on real, face-to-face friendships, because making friends is what matters most.

Source: Danton Unger, CTV News