Sponsored by TD Canada Trust

Relocating to a new country can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. It’s a departure from the familiar and often comes with a unique set of challenges.  These circumstances are even more difficult when one is learning to acclimatize to a new way of life during the middle of a global pandemic. For those who have either recently arrived or have been calling Canada home for a short time, adapting to your new home can be more challenging especially if you are feeling isolated and distant from your loved ones.

"Your new life in Canada is filled with opportunities as well as more than a few unknowns," said Frank Psoras, SVP, Customer Strategy, Innovation and Acquisition at TD. “Now, as we're being challenged by being more distant than ever, people need to find smart ways to stay connected to their loved ones and culture. As you adjust to your new home, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone - there are a number of tools and resources designed to help you feel more confident as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances together."

While the Government of Canada has announced  several financial support measures to help new Canadians who may be facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, we have gathered some creative ways to help you connect with friends and family during this challenging time:

1. Physical distancing does not mean social isolation

Reach out: Canadians everywhere are being asked by governments and public health agencies to physically distance from one another, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be staying connected by reaching out to our loved ones in other ways. Self-isolation can be a lonely experience for some people, so it's a good idea to take some time in your day to call or video chat with family and friends. While things remain uncertain, it's stressful to think about when you might be able to see your loved ones again. As we all try to make sense of this new reality, now is a great time to flex those creativity muscles and consider finding new ways to stay connected. Whether it's a book club, writing a good, old-fashioned letter, or hosting a virtual movie night through one of the many movie-watching apps, it's important to stay creative and avoid pandemic fatigue. 

1. Find ways to stay in touch

Be there for your loved ones: Starting a new life in a new country while maintaining financial ties to loved one's back home can be challenging. TD offers several convenient options including  Western Union® Money Transfer? , which gives TD customers the ability to send money through EasyWeb and the TD app from their personal TD Canadian dollar chequing, savings or line of credit accounts to family and friends who can pick up the money sent at more than 500,000 Western Union® agent locations in over 200 countries and territories around the world. "Whether it's providing financial support, recognizing a special occasion or helping with expenses, you can send money anywhere in Canada using Interac e-Transfer or globally using Western Union® Money Transfer℠ or Visa Direct. These digital money transfer options are quick, easy and another way you can be there for your loved ones safely from your home," said Psoras. Customers can also use Visa Direct through EasyWeb to send money to over 170 countries directly to a recipient's Visa Debit Card, Visa Credit Card or Visa Reloadable Prepaid Card and funds are usually received within 24-48 hours of the transfer.

1. Start building a social network in your new community

Community Matters: Moving to a new country often requires a significant adjustment period and navigating your new home can be even more challenging during a global pandemic. If you're feeling further away from home than normal, think about staying in touch with your roots by joining cultural associations or clubs that provide a familiarity that may help with the transition to life in Canada. While places like restaurants, places of worship, community centres and other places that people gather shutdown, things are moving online and there are lots of free services and community organizations available for newcomers. Visit the Canadian Immigration website  for more information on what’s available in your new community.

At this time, we're encouraging customers to bank digitally to avoid coming into branches. With EasyWeb Online banking and the TD app, you can confidently bank from home. Check out our Digital 'How To'  or text 'DIGITAL' to 79002 and we'll reply back to you with support on how to get started with Digital Banking. Standard message and data rates may apply.

For more advice on navigating the COVID landscape, visit the TD Ready Advice website, and for more information on starting your financial journey in Canada, visit the TD Banking for Newcomers in Canada website.

- SOURCE TD Bank Group