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Hamilton Spectator
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
‘OMG, are you the picnic girl?: How a TikTok callout gathered thousands for a picnic in Toronto
It all started with a TikTok call-out by a recent graduate who wanted to bring together people and foster social connection in Toronto without breaking the bank. Winnie Chen, a University of Guelph alumna, said Toronto lacks 'third places'— a hub beyond work and the home where people can gather to build community and form meaningful bonds. She wanted to change that this summer , but meeting new people in a place like Toronto has become expensive, especially for a 23-year-old graduate struggling to find a job in a bleak labour market. On July 5, she did more than just meet new people on a budget. She hosted a massive picnic event at Centennial Park at Exhibition Place that created a third place for the community to make meaningful connections without having to pay a fee to attend. Winnie Chen speaking at her massive picnic at Centennial Park at Exhibition Place on July 5. 'There are a lot of people who thanked me for hosting this event,' Chen said. And it couldn't have happened without the power of social media. In late May, she made a call-out in a social media video asking if a group of strangers were interested in having a picnic together. The call-out to her rather modest social media following resulted in 200,000 views overnight for the video and 2 million views in total for the entire picnic series. A post shared by Winnie || Toronto 🇨🇦 UGC (@winniemoments) 'I can't really fathom what that number is until I go out,' Chen said, adding that strangers on the street recognize her and ask, 'OMG, are you the picnic girl?'' Chen said more than a thousand name-tag wearing individuals attended the picnic where people chatted, snacked and spent quality time with strangers over board games and painting stations, while sitting on a giant picnic blanket. Picnickers danced and chanted to 'ETA' by K-pop sensations New Jeans, as well as to throwbacks from Justin Bieber in a rave-like set by DJs Eunicecycle and Sidequest Steve. 'They brought such good energy. It kind of turned into a mini rave or mini music festival at one point,' she said. The event's success highlights young people's strong desire to interact with their community after a report pointed to Toronto as the loneliest place in Canada , combined with isolation during the pandemic. Winnie Chen's picnic attracted more than a thousand people looking to make new friends. 'Some people in their 20s probably lost two years of high school or two years of university, which is in my opinion, the most important time to learn how to build connections and make new friends,' Chen said, adding that high rates of youth unemployment add to the issue as 'a lot of people can't afford to go out to events and meet new people.' She added that the event felt authentic and the high demand is a reflection of what people in the city crave. 'It was very nice. It just tells something about Toronto, that everyone wants to have a connection ... a meaningful way to meet people and making it as authentic as possible,' Chen said. She set up a GoFundMe campaign that reached $2,000 in donations and she also received some financial assistance from sponsors. Attendees were asked to bring something with them to the potluck-type event such as board games, food, a volleyball net and other activities. Toronto Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik attended the event and gave a speech. Chen recruited a group of volunteers using a Google form list with over 200 people eager to assist with the project. Chen's picnic, which she said she was 'shocked to pull off,' was inspired by a large cake picnic event in San Francisco where more than a thousand attendees were instructed to bring their own cakes to a park. The biomedical graduate says most of her friends are facing unemployment and are 'frustrated' with the lack of opportunities. 'They feel like they're not enough,' Chen said. 'But it turns out, everyone's facing the same situation and may feel discouraged to continue looking. It really hits on your self-esteem when you don't get an interview back.' Work is often considered part of one's identity and the topic of one's job is often a conversation starter and how individuals introduce themselves to others, said Yeeun Archer Lee, assistant professor in psychology at Trinity Western University in B.C. and researcher in loneliness and social connection. 'Without that, it's difficult for people to feel very confident to go see new people,' Archer Lee said. 'This specific picnic event really shows a glimpse of hope in that online connectivity, like social media, that's often blamed for a lack of in-person interactions was turned into in-person interactions. Research shows that in-person interactions still have special benefits that online connections cannot replace,' she added. Chen wants to continue hosting similar events in the future, keeping them sustainable and affordable. 'I'm thankful I got to meet everyone ,' Chen said. 'Everyone was there because of one TikTok I made, I felt really good that everyone was so supportive.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Gulf Insider
17 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Oman Passport Offers Visa-free Travel to 88 Countries
Oman has jumped four places to 56th in the Henley Passport Index in the first half of 2025, based on several destinations including China and Russia, recently announcing visa exemption for Omanis, according to an official data from International Air Transport Association (IATA). Oman was ranked 60th in the 2024 rankings when its citizens could travel visa-free to 86 countries. Now, Omanis can travel to 88 countries with visa-free travel access. The index is powered by Timetric data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the ranks of all passports based on a number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. In May, China exempted nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain from needing entry visas starting next month, expanding visa-free coverage to all states in the Gulf Cooperation Council following a similar move with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar back in 2018. Oman and Russia signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for short-term visits, which took effect on July 18, 2025. Omanis can travel without visa to Albania, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Russia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Armenia,Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Serbia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Cayman Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Syria, Türkiye,Turks, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Zambia, Macao, Thailand, Tunisia, Caicos Islands, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Omanis can also get visa on arrival in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Maldives, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau Islands, Paraguay, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Tuvalu and Yemen. Omanis should obtain E-visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameron, Congo, EquatorialGuinea, Cuba, Gabon, Guinea, India, Liberia, Mauritania, Moldova, Montserrat, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Taiwan, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Vietnam. Omanis also should obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Kenya, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, ST Kitts and Nevis and the United Kingdom. Also read: Oman Sets Minimum Periodic Bonuses For Omani Workers In Private Sector
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Global mobility crisis
Listen to article Henley & Partners has released its annual Henley Passport Index, placing Pakistan at 96th out of 99 positions — fourth from the bottom for the fourth consecutive year. The ranking is based on the number of visa-free and visa on arrival (VOA) countries that passport holders have access to, along with their ability to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) which is a digital travel permit used as a pre-screening method for visa-exempt foreign nationals. While the strongest passport in the world, Singapore's, grants visa-free access to 193 countries, the Pakistani passport offers merely 32 visa-free locations. A 'weak' passport hinders citizens in many ways beyond increasing travel and visa costs. It creates barriers for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses internationally, forcing them to face long waiting times and visa rejections. Moreover, in the past, several domestic e-sports and gaming teams have even been disqualified from international tournaments due to visa-rejections and delayed embassy responses. In an increasingly global world, the degree of mobility that people in a country have largely determines their ability to advance and connect with the global economy. Without those connections, there is limited exposure, limited opportunity and limited competition on an international scale. Consistently ranking amongst the bottom five contenders for four years now should force the Pakistani government to divert its attention away from empty diplomatic posturing and instead direct it towards structural reforms that strengthen people's global integration. Especially when its bottom-ranking neighbours include Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan — some of the most war-torn countries devastated by active conflict and occupation. While strengthening a passport's ranking is no easy feat, it should at least be an objective that the Pakistani government actively pursues to ease its citizens' lives and improve its own standing on the global stage.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Canadian passport ranked more powerful than the U.S.
Canadians have one of the most powerful passports in the world, ranking ahead of the United States in a global index. U.K.-based consultancy firm Henley & Partners recently released this year's global passport ranking. It's based on mobility, meaning where in the world the holder of the passport can travel to without a visa. In order to rank the countries, it relies on exclusive information from travel information database, the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The top-ranking country is Singapore. That's because its passport holders have visa-free access to the most global destinations included in the list, at 193 destinations. Passports receive a score if no visa is required. The same score is given if the passport holder can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), a visitor's permit, or an electronic travel authority (ETA) when entering the destination. An ETA, for example, is needed when Canadians enter the United Kingdom for travel purposes such as tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study. Passports receive a different score if a visa is required, or if a passport holder has to obtain a government-approved electronic visa (e-Visa) before departure, or pre-departure government approval for a visa on arrival. For example, Canadians require a visa to enter Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan and Cuba. Canada came in 8th place in the 2025 list, tied with Estonia and the United Arab Emirates. This is ahead of the American passport, which came in 10th place this year. Historically, according to the firm's list, Canada has maintained a high ranking. Since 2006, it has not fallen below 9th place. At its peak, the Canadian passport came in second place in 2014. Canada's ranking is 'based as much as anything on other countries' confidence that Canadians won't overstay their welcome (and likewise for any set of countries),' University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy professor Drew Fagan told National Post over email on Thursday. 'Canada's relative safety and prosperity means that other countries can be confident that Canadians are coming for a good time, not a long time,' he said. In 2025, Canadians can visit 184 countries without needing a visa, according to the Henley & Partners ranking. 'Countries at the top of the ranking however must work to maintain it, or they will be overtaken. Looking back slightly further, the U.S. was number one on the ranking in 2014, but by only gaining net access to 8 destinations since then, the U.S. has fallen by 9 spots as other top ranking countries outpaced them,' said Souad Ouared, associate director, private clients at Henley & Partners Canada, in an emailed statement to National Post on Friday. 'Japan on the other hand has added 19 destinations to its score since 2014 and gained one spot in the ranking from 3rd to 2nd. Canada sits in the middle of these two. It was ranked 2nd in 2014 and has lost 6 places since then, with a net access gain of 11 destinations.' The ranking shows travellers the relative strength of the passport they hold and the global access it gives them, explained Ouared. 'There are many factors that affect a passport's ranking, including countries updating their visa systems, or diplomatic relations including bi-lateral visa free agreements. It is unusual for a passport's ranking to change significantly from year to year, but rather will see a trend of incremental gains and losses over time,' she said. One of the recent changes that has affected Canada's ranking is the country being excluded from China's list of countries that can visit without a visa. Canadians still require a visa to visit China for tourism, business, study or work. Another recent change? 'The Canadian passport lost access to Brazil, with Brazil citing a lack of reciprocity as the reason,' said Ouared. 'That being said, the Canadian passport remains one of the most powerful in the world, and it is a privilege for all who hold it, considering the broad global access it provides to key destinations.' Roughly 70 per cent of Canadians hold valid passports and more than 24.6 million passports are in circulation, according to data from the federal government updated in 2022. Canadian government promises passports in 30 days 'or its free' Syrian-Canadian who allegedly let relative use his passport wins chance to get it back Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canadian passport ranked more powerful than the U.S.
Canadians have one of the most powerful passports in the world, ranking ahead of the United States in a global index. U.K.-based consultancy firm Henley & Partners recently released this year's global passport ranking . It's based on mobility, meaning where in the world the holder of the passport can travel to without a visa. In order to rank the countries, it relies on exclusive information from travel information database, the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The top-ranking country is Singapore. That's because its passport holders have visa-free access to the most global destinations included in the list, at 193 destinations. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Passports receive a score if no visa is required. The same score is given if the passport holder can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), a visitor's permit, or an electronic travel authority (ETA) when entering the destination. An ETA, for example, is needed when Canadians enter the United Kingdom for travel purposes such as tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study. Passports receive a different score if a visa is required, or if a passport holder has to obtain a government-approved electronic visa (e-Visa) before departure, or pre-departure government approval for a visa on arrival. For example, Canadians require a visa to enter Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan and Cuba. Canada came in 8th place in the 2025 list, tied with Estonia and the United Arab Emirates. This is ahead of the American passport, which came in 10th place this year. Historically, according to the firm's list, Canada has maintained a high ranking. Since 2006, it has not fallen below 9th place. At its peak, the Canadian passport came in second place in 2014. Canada's ranking is 'based as much as anything on other countries' confidence that Canadians won't overstay their welcome (and likewise for any set of countries),' University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy professor Drew Fagan told National Post over email on Thursday. 'Canada's relative safety and prosperity means that other countries can be confident that Canadians are coming for a good time, not a long time,' he said. In 2025, Canadians can visit 184 countries without needing a visa, according to the Henley & Partners ranking. 'Countries at the top of the ranking however must work to maintain it, or they will be overtaken. Looking back slightly further, the U.S. was number one on the ranking in 2014, but by only gaining net access to 8 destinations since then, the U.S. has fallen by 9 spots as other top ranking countries outpaced them,' said Souad Ouared, associate director, private clients at Henley & Partners Canada, in an emailed statement to National Post on Friday. 'Japan on the other hand has added 19 destinations to its score since 2014 and gained one spot in the ranking from 3rd to 2nd. Canada sits in the middle of these two. It was ranked 2nd in 2014 and has lost 6 places since then, with a net access gain of 11 destinations.' The ranking shows travellers the relative strength of the passport they hold and the global access it gives them, explained Ouared. 'There are many factors that affect a passport's ranking, including countries updating their visa systems, or diplomatic relations including bi-lateral visa free agreements. It is unusual for a passport's ranking to change significantly from year to year, but rather will see a trend of incremental gains and losses over time,' she said. One of the recent changes that has affected Canada's ranking is the country being excluded from China's list of countries that can visit without a visa . Canadians still require a visa to visit China for tourism, business, study or work. Another recent change? 'The Canadian passport lost access to Brazil, with Brazil citing a lack of reciprocity as the reason,' said Ouared. 'That being said, the Canadian passport remains one of the most powerful in the world, and it is a privilege for all who hold it, considering the broad global access it provides to key destinations.' Roughly 70 per cent of Canadians hold valid passports and more than 24.6 million passports are in circulation, according to data from the federal government updated in 2022. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
