We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) on April 21, 2025. Throughout his papacy, he earned global respect for his unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and human dignity. As the Grand River Friendship Society, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community, the Christian world,...
Grand River Friendship Society is looking for dedicated individuals to fill the following positions: Part-Time Bookkeeping Assistant – We are seeking a reliable individual to assist with basic accounting tasks, record-keeping, and documentation. On-Call Cleaning Staff – We are looking for someone who can help maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of our facility...
This May 10th, let’s come together to honour the love, strength, and resilience of all moms—especially the incredible single mothers in our community. In collaboration with the African Canadian Association of Waterloo Region & Area (ACAWRA) and the Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), this heartwarming event is all about celebrating motherhood in all its forms....
For Leon, hope is not an abstract idea—it’s rooted in the real-life stories of resilience, love, and human connection. In his latest reflection, he introduces us to a remarkable refugee family that has quietly and powerfully impacted their community. Despite facing language barriers, cultural shifts, and the trauma of displacement, they have embraced their new...
We were delighted to host Mayor Jan Liggett of Cambridge and Mayor Natasha Salonen of Wilmot at the Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS) campus in Baden for a warm and engaging breakfast meeting. Our Chair Selim Budak, board member Leon Kehl, executive director Cumali Sahin, director of public relations Berat Berberoglu, and dedicated volunteers welcomed...
Today, we celebrate the beauty of neurodiversity and recognize the unique perspectives, talents, and voices of individuals on the autism spectrum. World Autism Awareness Day reminds us of the power of inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. Autism is not a limitation—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. By embracing this diversity, we enrich our communities,...
What a joyful day it was as we gathered at Saint Agatha Community Center with over 550 community members to celebrate Eid together! We began our morning with a heartfelt Eid prayer, then continued the celebration with a vibrant community breakfast filled with warmth, connection, and the sound of laughter echoing through the hall. From...
“Indeed, every nation has its festival, and this is our festival.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Eid is more than a celebration. It’s a sacred time to reflect on our journey through Ramadan, to rejoice in the blessings of faith, and to come together in gratitude. It’s a time to remember the importance...
On March 23rd, the Grand River Friendship Society welcomed a group of Mennonites from local area churches to experience iftar together at our community center. The evening was thoughtfully organized by our board member Leon Kehl from Floradale Mennonite Church, who previously co-led a cultural trip to Turkey in 2014 with Mennonite couples—some of whom...
We were honored to welcome MPP Aislinn Clancy and her father, along with our Director of PR, Berat Berberoglu, and his wife for a special iftar dinner hosted by our Executive Director Cumali Sahin and his family. Aislinn graciously joined in the fast for the day, and we all shared not only a delicious spread...
