The Found Objects Project – Press Release

Editor’s note (June 2026): This January 2026 release is archival. Object IDs are selective in the current playbook — flagship journey tokens carry IDs like 🌱-001; many throwaway and batch-sibling objects are unnumbered. Current policy: marketing/found-objects/FOUND_OBJECTS_PROJECT.md (joiyin-web repo). Live finder experience: joiyin.com/story.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Anthony Chung, Founder
Joiyin
Email: media@joiyin.com
Website: www.joiyin.com
Project Page: www.joiyin.com/story

Toronto Launches a City-Wide Experiment in Connection: Found Objects That Collect Stories

TORONTO, ON – January 2, 2026 – A quiet, city-wide experiment is unfolding across Toronto. Small objects — coasters, tokens, and bookmarks — are being discovered in everyday places. Each carries a unique ID like 🌱-001 or 🌱-042. These objects aren’t prizes. They’re story collectors.

As people find them, they’re invited to reflect, share a story, and pass the object along. Over time, each object traces a human journey through the city, accumulating moments of connection along the way.

The initiative is called The Found Objects Project, launched by Toronto-based social app Joiyin as a playful, community-driven exploration of how people connect in the real world.

How It Works: A Simple Invitation to Discover

Clues are shared through community platforms such as Reddit, neighborhood forums, and social media. Each clue points to a public place where a trackable object has been quietly left.

For example, a clue might read: “I’m hiding near a place where people read quietly, where books travel between hands, and stories live forever.” Participants explore the location, find the object, and continue the journey.

When someone finds an object, they’re invited to visit joiyin.com/story, where they can share a short reflection — about the find, a moment of connection, or an experience that felt meaningful. The object is then passed on, continuing its journey through the city.

“Think of it as a city-wide experiment where the outcome isn’t a prize, but connection,” says Anthony Chung, founder of Joiyin and creator of The Found Objects Project. “Each object becomes a character with its own evolving story, shaped by the people who encounter it.”

The Objects: Story Tokens in Motion

Each object is marked with:

• A unique ID (🌱-001, 🌱-002, etc.)
• A message inviting participation: Tell your story: joiyin.com/story
• A QR code for easy access
• A short inspirational phrase on the back (varies by object)

Objects are placed in accessible, everyday locations across Toronto, including:

• Coffee shops and cafés
• Libraries and bookstores
• Co-working spaces
• Community centers
• Parks and public spaces

As objects move from person to person, their journeys are documented through community posts on Reddit (r/JoiyinStories) and Instagram using #FoundJoiyin, creating a living map of where they’ve been and the stories they’ve gathered.

Why Playful Discovery?

Rather than passive consumption, The Found Objects Project is built around active participation.

“Playful discovery invites people to show up differently,” Chung explains. “When you’re curious, when you’re looking for something — even gently — you’re already more present. That presence is where real-world connection begins.”

The approach encourages:

• Curiosity-driven engagement
• Shared exploration of neighborhoods
• Collaboration between participants
• Storytelling that accumulates over time

There are no winners, no deadlines, and no obligation to participate beyond interest.

The Clues: Open to Everyone

Clues range from simple location hints to more cryptic riddles rooted in local knowledge. This allows both casual participants and dedicated explorers to take part at their own pace.

“Some clues are easy — perfect for someone stumbling across the idea for the first time,” Chung says. “Others invite deeper exploration. The goal is accessibility, not competition.”

A Growing Community

Since launch, conversations have emerged organically across platforms. People share tips, celebrate discoveries, and reflect on moments sparked by the objects themselves. Some participants explore Joiyin through the project; others simply enjoy the experience and move on.

“The response has been exactly what we hoped for,” Chung notes. “People are curious. They’re sharing stories. They’re connecting the dots. Both outcomes are meaningful — the project is about creating moments, not metrics.”

About Joiyin: Real-World Connection, By Design

Joiyin is a Toronto-born app designed to gently encourage people to step away from scrolling and engage in real-world experiences.

Unlike traditional social platforms, Joiyin avoids feeds, follower counts, and performance pressure. Instead, users share simple activities — from quiet walks to coffee meetups — inviting others to join or feel inspired to do something themselves.

Key principles include:

• Low-pressure participation
• Activity-first design (not profiles)
• Ephemeral, real-world moments
• Privacy-respecting location discovery

Joiyin is rolling out in Toronto first, with future expansion guided by community response.

Join the Experiment

To take part:

1. Follow clues shared through community platforms
2. Explore the locations described
3. If you find an object, visit joiyin.com/story
4. Share a reflection, if you choose
5. Pass the object along

There’s no cost and no commitment — just curiosity.

About Joiyin

Founded by a Toronto-based healthcare professional who witnessed firsthand how isolated people can feel even in busy cities, Joiyin explores how technology can support human connection without replacing it.

Mission: Reconnecting people through authentic, low-pressure real-world experiences.

Website: www.joiyin.com
Story Page: www.joiyin.com/story
Reddit: r/JoiyinStories
Instagram: @joiyin_com | #FoundJoiyin

Media Contact

Anthony Chung
Founder, Joiyin
Email: media@joiyin.com
Toronto, Ontario

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