Kelowna man says opening his home to international students has helped him stave off loneliness

When Sele Akere first saw a posting for cheap accommodation in Kelowna, B.C., he was suspicious. 

“With such a good offer, everybody I knew was like, ‘It’s probably a scam,'” Akere said.

The ad was posted by Bill Pittman, who offers space in his Rutland home for international students. He charges below-market rent in exchange for assistance with housework, although he says he gets more in return than help with chores. 

Pittman, 75, says welcoming international students has helped him deal with social isolation. 

“Without these beautiful people in my life, I’d be very lonely,” he said.  

After his children grew up, Pittman moved to Kamloops, but said he didn’t find it fulfilling. He then relocated

→ Continue reading at CBC News

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