It's been a month since Bob Weavers sold everything he owned, bought a one-way ticket out of England, and left his home in Southampton for a backpacking trip around the world for his 21st birthday.
Since then, he has visited Iceland, Puerto Rico, several Caribbean Islands, as well numerous Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Banff.
While Weavers has had an "awful lot of fun" so far, he was starting to feel "quite alone" as Christmas drew near, and realized this would be the first year he would spend the holiday alone.
So the 21-year-old took what he called a "bit of a long shot," asking users of the Vancouver forum on the social media website Reddit if someone in the city would host him over Christmas.
"After seeing all the Christmas advertisements, house lights, brightly decorated trees and yummy food in supermarkets, I'm really worried about spending Christmas alone," he wrote.
"I want to be part of a traditional Canadian Christmas, and make some long lasting friends. It's such a big thing to ask, but it's worth a try -- you never know until you find out."
Weavers also promised that he is "very well house trained," and offered to contribute to the "Christmas food fund."
The passionate plea led to what Weavers estimates was more than 200 offers from locals who are willing to welcome the homesick Brit into their homes.
"I still can't believe it," he told CTV Vancouver.
In the end, Weavers decided to take the offer of a family in nearby Coquitlam, which reminds him of home.
"They're quite a big family, and they have some British heritage," he said.
Weavers couldn't resist when the family promised that a couple of his compatriots would be on hand, as well as some traditional British cuisine.
"They listed a few British food items that I haven't had since I left," he said. "I thought, 'Oh God, that sounds so nice."
Weavers is also looking for company on New Year’s Eve, which he plans to spend in the Vancouver area.
"If someone wants to meet up for a pint or something, yeah, no problem," he said.
