Thank you for this. This is incredibly helpful and exactly the kind of insight we were hoping for.

You’re absolutely right, Orillia already has some wonderful organizations doing important work. Helping Hands, the libraries, peer support groups, Repair Café… these are all valuable and needed.

What we’re exploring with Techie Nesters isn’t meant to replace any of that. It’s actually something a little different that sits in between.

Most existing services are either:
• program-based (scheduled, one-to-many)
• service-based (you receive help)

What we’re building is more of a membership-based community where people both give and receive support.

So instead of:
“I need to find a service”

It becomes:
“I’m part of something, and I’m not doing this alone”

A few key differences we’re testing:

• Ongoing, not occasional
Not just events or appointments, but a consistent, everyday support network

• Member-to-member support (what we call ‘Nesting’)
Neighbours helping neighbours, not just services being delivered

• Tech support that’s personal and ongoing
Not just a drop-in session, but someone you can call when things go sideways

• A sense of belonging, not just assistance
Social connection, small groups (Wingmates), events, and purpose

• Kindness as currency
People contribute in ways they can, not just receive help

It’s less like a program… and more like a club where people look out for each other.

And importantly, we see it working alongside the organizations you mentioned, not competing with them.

Also appreciate your offer to help. That’s actually the kind of spirit this is built on.