Youth-led
Impact
Youth take ownership of their ideas, make decisions together, and lead meaningful projects from planning to action.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
One Small Act, Endless Impact.
Do A Favour is A youth leadership initiative by Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), empowering students in Grades 6–12 to turn their ideas into meaningful action. From supporting newcomers and seniors to organizing a local drive, bringing cultures together, or tackling an issue they care about, youth work in teams to create meaningful change in the society they’re part of while building leadership skills, friendships, and confidence along the way.
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 gives youth the opportunity to experience leadership by doing it. Teams identify a community need, develop an idea, and plan and lead their own project. Along the way, participants build skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, responsibility, and decision-making while gaining confidence and seeing the real impact of their actions. Their journey concludes at the Community Impact Gala, where they share, celebrate, and reflect on what they accomplished together.
Youth-led
Leadership
Development
Youth build confidence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through practical leadership experiences.
Stronger
Communities
Youth connect across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences while building friendships, understanding, and belonging.
Recognition &
Celebration
Youth share their impact, celebrate their achievements, and receive recognition for their leadership and contributions.
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 (17+) per team to guide and support the youth
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Middle School Division:
Grades 6–8
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High School Division:
Grades 9–12
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 bring their projects to life, complete the leadership journey, document their impact, and create a short video to share their story at the Gala.
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 can participate by forming a team of 5–8 youth with one mentor/advisor (17+) to guide and support them.
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