Youth-led
Impact
Youth identify needs and lead projects that create real change.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
One Small Act, Endless Impact.
Do A Favour empowers youth in Grades 6–12 to design and lead meaningful community projects while building leadership skills, friendships, and stronger connections across Waterloo Region's diverse communities.
Already registered? Access your team workspace here.SEE DO A FAVOUR IN ACTION
Although the official Do A Favour Youth Leadership Program launches in 2026, this short video showcases an earlier pilot experience that inspired the development of the program.
Watch how a team identified a need, planned their project, overcame challenges, and created real impact.
ABOUT DO A FAVOUR
Do A Favour is a youth leadership program that inspires young people to take action and create positive change in their communities. Through teamwork, guidance, and real-world service projects, youth build leadership skills, strengthen connections, and make a lasting impact.
From identifying community needs to implementing solutions and sharing their stories, participants experience the rewarding journey of turning ideas into action.
Youth-led
Leadership
Development
Build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Stronger
Communities
Bring people together across cultures and backgrounds.
Recognition &
Celebration
Celebrate achievements at the Community Impact Gala.
BIG RECOGNITION FOR MEANINGFUL IMPACT
6–8
MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION
Grades 6–8
FIRST PLACE$750
SECOND PLACE$600
THIRD PLACE$450
9–12
HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
Grades 9–12
FIRST PLACE$1000
SECOND PLACE$750
THIRD PLACE$500
EVERY PARTICIPANT IS RECOGNIZED!
Prizes are given to the groups, not individuals.
Certificate of Achievement
Verified Volunteer Hours
Community Leadership Recognition
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
- Youth in Grades 6–12
- Teams of 5–8 youth
- One mentor/advisor per team
- Teams connected to participating community organizations
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Middle School Division:
Grades 6–8
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High School Division:
Grades 9–12
WHY JOIN?
FOR YOUTH
- Develop leadership skills
- Earn volunteer hours
- Receive recognition & awards
- Make a real difference
FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
- Engage youth in meaningful ways
- Strengthen youth leadership
- Build partnerships across Waterloo Region
- Showcase your community's impact
FOR WATERLOO REGION
- Stronger, more connected communities
- Cross-cultural understanding and collaboration
- Youth empowerment and civic engagement
YOUR DO A FAVOUR JOURNEY
Five simple steps to create impact and celebrate change.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Registration Opens
Community organizations register their teams and begin preparing for the program.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
Registration Closes &
Mentor Orientation
Team registrations close, mentors are onboarded, and the program officially begins.
OCT – NOV 2026
Projects in Action
Teams complete the leadership journey, implement projects, document impact, and prepare presentations.
NOVEMBER 22, 2026
Final Project
Submission
Teams submit their final project report, presentation, and video through the Team Portal.
NOVEMBER 28, 2026
Community
Impact Gala
Celebrate youth leadership, showcase community impact, and recognize outstanding achievements.
WHO IS BEHIND DO A FAVOUR?
Do A Favour is an initiative of Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), a charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities through education, intercultural dialogue, youth leadership, and community engagement across Waterloo Region.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can participate in Do A Favour?
Youth in Grades 6–12 who join a team through a participating community organization.
What kind of projects can teams do?
Projects that respond to a genuine community need and can be completed safely with adult guidance.
How much time is required?
Teams should plan for regular meetings during the program and extra time for their community project.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee.
What support will teams receive?
Program resources, mentor guidance, workshops, and team portal access.
Do participants receive volunteer hours?
Yes. Youth can earn volunteer hours for participating in program activities and completing their community impact projects.
When is the Community Impact Gala?
November 28, 2026.
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TEAM PORTAL
Already registered?
Go to Team Portal
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NEW HERE?
Register your community organization to get started.
Register Your Team
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NEED HELP?
Contact us anytime. We're happy to support you.
doafavour@grfsociety.ca | +1 519-616-4737