Isn’t it amazing how nothing ever costs what you think it costs? 🤔 I mean, I’m on the hunt for a car for Angelique right now. She’s got a budget of $10,000 (thanks to her lovely grandma chipping in 💖), so off we go to AutoTrader. You spot a car—looks great, priced just under $10,000—and think, “Lekker! Problem solved.” But no. Not so fast. There’s the document fee, key fee, taxes, and who-knows-what-else fee, and suddenly, $10,000 is $12,000. Just like that, the budget’s gone for a ball of chalk. 😩

And it’s not just cars! You go into the shop to grab a bottle of water—$1, you think. By the time they’ve added the recycling fee ♻️, the environmental fee 🌱, and whatever-other-fee-they-could-think-of, you start wondering if you accidentally bought a share in the water company.

Back home in SA, what you see on the price tag is what you pay. Simple. Here in Canada (and the US, nogal), it’s like they’re playing a game: guess the actual price! Spoiler alert: it’s sommer up to 20% more. It’s enough to drive you to drink—although you’ll have to budget for the tax on that too! 🍷

But hey, that’s life, isn’t it? We just laugh, shake our heads, and enjoy this beautiful country anyway! 😄

In Today’s Newsletter:

• 🎉 Upcoming Events

• 🤝 Holiday Host Connection Update

• 🎥 The South African Institute of Canada – Why?

• 🎁 Get Your South African Treats in Time for Christmas!

• 🌟 A Week of Progress and Gratitude

Upcoming Events

There’s a special treat coming up on Sunday, December 10th—the African Chamber Music Evening! 🎻 It’s going to be a beautiful blend of African traditions and classical music, right here in Vancouver. If this sounds like your vibe, click here for all the details and to grab your ticket. 🌍✨

🌟 A Note About Christmas Dinner

We really wanted to bring you a Christmas dinner this year, but sadly, it’s just not happening. 🎄 We’ve been working hard to make it happen, but finding an affordable venue and catering at such short notice turned into a bit of an uphill battle.

We’re so sorry to disappoint, but we’re learning and growing as we get the South African Institute of Canada up and running. Next year, we’ll be back with a proper festive celebration and lots of events to bring us all together. 🎉

If you know of anyone else organizing events or if you’re planning one yourself, we’d love to help spread the word! Email [email protected], and let’s keep building this amazing community together. Here’s to making 2025 our best year yet!

💞 Holiday Host Connection Update

Wow, you guys have blown us away! Lois’s phone and email have been going non-stop with families stepping up to host and newcomers reaching out to be connected. 🌟 The outpouring of love and willingness to help has been incredible, and it’s a proper reminder of what Ubuntu is all about. To everyone who’s reached out—thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 💕

If you haven’t joined in yet, it’s not too late! Whether you’re new and looking for a friendly face or you’d like to host and spread some kindness, email [email protected], and we’ll get you sorted. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember—for all the right reasons. 🎄

🎥 The South African Institute of Canada – Why?

So, here I am, sitting on a log by the West Vancouver Seawalk, soaking in the view and chatting about the why behind the South African Institute of Canada:

• The Institute’s all about helping South African expats settle into Canadian life faster—whether it’s building connections, sharing resources, or just talking with someone who gets the culture. 🇿🇦

• We’re working on a one-stop hub for everything you need, from tax tips to event planning help, directories of South African businesses, and, of course, where to find your biltong and Mrs. Ball’s chutney.

• Lois and the volunteers have been absolute legends, launching the Holiday Host Connection and keeping everything ticking while we get the website up and running. 🌟

There’s still loads to do—like sorting out the website and tackling all the nonprofit paperwork (fun times 😅)—but we’ve made a cracking start. If you’re curious about what we’re up to or just want to hear more, give the video a watch.

👉 Click here to watch the video

🎁 Get Your South African Treats in Time for Christmas!

Want to stock up on your favorite South African goodies before the holidays? Now’s the time! 🎄 I’m heading out tomorrow to do some deliveries and shipping, so if you place your order on The South African Shop by tonight, I’ll make sure it gets shipped out tomorrow. 🚚

If you’re local to Vancouver, just select Pick-Up or Local Delivery at checkout, and I’ll personally deliver your order tomorrow or the day after. How’s that for service? 😉

Don’t miss out—get your orders in now and make sure your Christmas is full of lekker treats! 🇿🇦

🌟 A Week of Progress and Gratitude

Lois has shared an amazing update on everything happening with the South African Institute of Canada—from progress on key projects to heartfelt thanks for all the incredible support we’ve received so far.

It’s been an exciting time, and we’re so grateful for this community!

👉 Click here to read the full update

🎄 Christmas Dinner Poll – We Need Your Input!

We really wanted to bring the community together this year for a traditional South African Christmas dinner, but unfortunately, it’s just not happening. Between venue costs and catering for favorites like roast leg of lamb, gammon, lamb chops, and more, even at $75 per person, we’d still fall short and need sponsors to make it work.

For interest’s sake—and to help us plan for next year—Please let us know your preference below.

Happy Tuesday! Hope you all Have a wonderful week!

PS: Please forward this mail to any other South Africans you know and share it on Social using the buttons at the top.