We connect Canadian seniors with trusted mentors to master technology, stay safe online, and bridge the distance between generations.
Free workshops & one-on-one help.
Use your skills to make an impact.
Technology shouldn’t be scary. Whether you want to video call a grandchild in Toronto or protect your bank account from scams, Connected Canadians is here to help. Our free, bilingual programs pair you with patient, background-checked mentors who make learning safe and simple.
Workshops being held virtually from January 13, 2026 through April 28, 2026
Learn the basics of how the internet works and where you fit in.
Spot the red flags of fraud and identity theft before they happen.
Practical tools to lock down your devices and data safely.
How to recognize manipulation in emails, texts, and calls.
Immediate steps to take if you think you've been hacked.
How to help friends and family recover safely.
Sometimes you need a specific question answered. Book a private, virtual session with a mentor to practice video calls, learn a new device, or troubleshoot a problem at your own pace.
I wish to thank the person who set me up with Raymond. When I explained my communication issues she (the coordinator) chose the perfect tutor for me. Without her taking the time to “pre screen” my needs my session might’ve been a disaster. I likely would have been reluctant to reschedule a session and then I would have missed out on a great opportunity.
Leah Weston, CC Client, worked with Mentor, Raymond and Coordinator, Caitlin
As always, excellent service. Teaching seniors it's not an easy task, especially with technology. Jean helped me with antivirus, settings, copying, and links. Very grateful for his help.
Eduardo Penaloza, CC client, worked with Mentor Jean Yves
Yes. Our services are free for adults aged 50+ across Canada and are supported in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program and our wonderful community supporters. Learn more here: www.connectedcanadians.ca/supporters
No. You don’t need any technical experience. We specialize in supporting beginners to experts and focus on patience, clear explanations, and learning at your own pace.
Your safety is very important to us. All Connected Canadians mentors complete a thorough onboarding process before working with older adults, including reference checks, background screening, structured training, and supported practice sessions. Mentors also follow clear privacy and safety guidelines during every session.
Our mentor community is diverse and reflects the people we serve. It includes retired educators, professionals with backgrounds in technology, finance, education, and healthcare, university students, and community members who are simply looking to give back. Many of our mentors are also newcomers to Canada who bring strong technical skills while building meaningful connections and Canadian experience. What they all share is a patient, respectful approach and a commitment to supporting older adults at their own pace.
We ask for a phone number so we can contact you if there are any issues with your session, such as connection problems or last-minute changes. In rare situations, having an address helps us follow our safety procedures if a client or mentor needs assistance during a session. We only collect what is necessary and follow strict privacy guidelines.
We ask for your birth year, rather than your full date of birth, to help us understand the age range of people we support. This information is shared only in anonymous, grouped form with our funders and helps us continue offering free services to older adults across Canada.
Sessions typically last up to one hour, depending on your needs and comfort level.
You can book as many sessions as you like. We encourage ongoing, recurring sessions so you can keep practicing, build confidence, and continue learning over time.
Yes. We offer virtual support over Zoom or by phone, as well as in-person support in public or shared community spaces such as libraries, community centres, common rooms in residential buildings, or cafés. In-person availability depends on mentor availability in your area.
While we typically require older adult clients to meet mentors in public spaces for safety reasons, we know that sometimes in-home support is required. When mobility or device limitations make it difficult to meet virtually or in a public space, we review such situations on a case-by-case basis. In these cases, additional safety steps apply, including an attestation form and having two mentors attend. Note: These sessions have a longer wait time and are dependent on mentor availability and location.
We support all kinds of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers across Apple, Android, and Windows. We can also help with common apps and even smart devices like remote vacuums.
Don’t worry, this happens. We encourage you to book repeat sessions, ask the same questions again, and learn at your own pace. Plus, you are reminded to take notes and your mentor can provide notes if required.
If it’s a good fit and you request the same mentor, we do our best to match you with them again. Many clients work with the same mentor over time, depending on availability.
Usually no. Most sessions use simple tools like Zoom or phone calls, and we guide you step by step./p>
Yes. A trusted family member or caregiver is welcome to join.
You can book another session anytime. Before booking again, we ask that you complete a short feedback form. This helps us ensure we can keep offering free support and better match you for future sessions./p>
Yes, we would be very thankful if you did. Donations are always greatly appreciated and help support our free programs for older adults across Canada. Learn more here: www.connectedcanadians.ca/give
Are you an active retiree looking for purpose? A newcomer with IT or education skills looking to give back? Join Connected Canadians as a Digital Mentor. We offer flexible, virtual volunteering opportunities that allow you to change a life from the comfort of your home.
Attend a free info session to discover how to volunteer with Connected Candians
Review the onboarding steps and apply through our website.
Apply to volunteerMy family and I arrived in Canada in 2024. Despite having over 20 years of international experience working in Qatar and possessing many transferable skills, I quickly discovered how challenging it is to secure a job in Canada without Canadian experience. Connected Canadians has given me the chance to gain (that) experience, strengthen my professional profile, and contribute meaningfully to the community and build connections that will help me compete for jobs in Canada. شكرًا جزيلًا لكم على هذه الفرصة الرائعة وعلى دعمكم المستمر للجميع (Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity and for your continued support to everyone).
Fadi Bitar, CC Mentor
I arrived in Canada in Fall 2024 and initially had no idea how to navigate the community here. Connected Canadians gave me a simple and welcoming way to experience what it’s like to be part of Canadian society, without having to go through complex corporate processes. Over time, it became an important stepping stone in helping me secure my first job in Canada. That impact became clear during my interview, when the very first thing the interviewer said was, ‘I saw from your CV that you’re working with Connected Canadians…’ and the rest is history. With the support of a wonderful reference letter from Tania and one of my regular clients, I was able to continue contributing to the wider community through my part-time role.
Pasca Sugijarto, CC mentor
The role is flexible. Once trained, you can take on sessions that fit your schedule.
While clear communication is key, English does not need to be your first language. We value multilingual mentors and are proud to offer our services in 26 languages.
Yes. Our program is primarily virtual. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can support seniors across Canada.
There is no cost to apply. Volunteers are required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check, which may have a fee depending on location. After your application is reviewed, we provide a letter of engagement that will help offset this cost.
No. A Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check are not the same and are not interchangeable. A Criminal Record Check confirms whether an individual has criminal convictions on record. A Vulnerable Sector Check includes a criminal record check plus additional police screening required for roles involving trust, care, or authority with vulnerable individuals, such as seniors.
You’ll complete a structured onboarding program that includes self-paced learning modules, a group training session, and supported practice before working with clients. Training includes older-adult learning styles, online safety and privacy best practices, and sensitivity topics such as aging, dementia, and accessibility. Our approach also focuses strongly on communication and soft skills through Connected Canadians’ unique steps of service.
Session requests vary widely, but you are not expected to know everything. Clients commonly ask for help with Windows or Mac computers, iPhones or Android phones, Zoom, email, saving photos, password basics, and staying safe online. Some sessions may include everyday tasks like online shopping or banking education.You will only be matched with sessions that align with your skills, language ability, and comfort level. No mentor is expected to support technology they are unfamiliar with.
You can select sessions shared on Slack, or a coordinator may contact you directly. The Connected Canadians team schedules the session and shares the details, including the Zoom link when needed.
Volunteers are expected to regularly check Slack and email, and to use Zoom, phone, and a shared calendar for sessions.
Yes. Reference letters are available after successful onboarding and completion of a minimum of 10 client sessions with positive feedback (8/10 or higher).
That’s completely fine. Volunteering is flexible, and you can step back or return when your schedule allows. Just let your Volunteer Manager know.
Any safety, privacy, or ethical concerns must be reported to Connected Canadians immediately, following the reporting steps in the Mentor Manual.
Yes. Feedback is part of our program and helps support learning, quality, and continuous improvement for both mentors and clients.