The program began with a shared first session in the GRFS garden, where participants gathered in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to listen, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations.

During the second session, participants continued in separate men’s and women’s discussion groups. This format created a comfortable space for more focused conversations, personal reflections, and open dialogue around family life, communication between spouses, and strengthening relationships within the home.

Throughout the evening, participants received practical and valuable information that could be applied in their daily family lives. The conversations were sincere, respectful, and enriching, and the warm atmosphere helped everyone feel comfortable sharing ideas and experiences.

We were very pleased to receive positive feedback from participants, many of whom expressed how useful and meaningful they found the sessions.

GRFS sincerely thanks our guest speakers, Clinical Psychologist Musa Sarıcı and Psychological Counsellor Nurcihan Tahmilci, for sharing their knowledge and experience with our families.

We also thank all the families who attended and contributed to the welcoming spirit of the evening.

At GRFS, we believe that stronger families help build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

Strong Families. Strong Communities. A Better Future.

The post Families Brought Together through Second Family Conversation appeared first on GRFS.

As part of the community engagement activities connected to United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival, youth participants came together for another meaningful workshop focused on reflection, creativity, and positive change.

The workshop began with a simple but powerful question:

“What is one thing you would change about the world?”

Working in small groups, participants shared their thoughts and explored important issues affecting communities locally and globally. Their conversations touched on themes such as:

• Environment
• Poverty
• Education
• Bullying
• Health

Through sticky notes, group discussions, collaborative thinking, and creative expression, youth reflected on real challenges facing our world and imagined ways to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and connected future.

The workshop provided a space for young people to express their voices, listen to one another, work as a team, and transform their ideas into meaningful artistic expression.

We concluded the day by celebrating everyone’s contributions, sharing information about upcoming community events, and capturing memories together.

A sincere thank you to all the youth participants, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this workshop a success.

Every idea shared and every brushstroke painted reminded us that change begins with reflection, creativity, and the courage to imagine a better world together.

For more information : United in Voices

The post Youth Workshop Encourages Creativity, Reflection and Positive Change | United in Voices appeared first on GRFS.

Grand River Friendship Society invites our community to come together and watch the Canada vs Morocco FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at the GRFS office.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the World Cup together, support Team Canada, and share a meaningful community moment with friends, families, youth, and neighbours.

Date: Saturday, July 4
Match Time: 1:00 PM
Location: GRFS Office
1117 Snyder’s Road East, Baden, ON

Whether you are a passionate soccer fan or simply want to enjoy the atmosphere with the community, everyone is welcome to join us.

Let’s come together, celebrate the spirit of sport, and cheer for Canada in this exciting World Cup journey.

Go Canada!

#GRFS #CanadaMorocco #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #TeamCanada #CanadaSoccer #WorldCupWatchParty #CommunityGathering #SoccerCommunity #FootballBringsUsTogether #StrongerTogether #WaterlooRegion #KitchenerWaterloo #BadenOntario #ExploreKW

The post Canada vs Morocco World Cup Watch Gathering appeared first on GRFS.

Grand River Friendship Society is excited to announce the launch of the first program under GRFS Sports Academy, offered as part of our Football for Learning, supported by the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

This summer, GRFS Sports Academy will offer a free 7-week soccer program during July and August for children and youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

The program is designed to welcome students of all skill levels and provide a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment where young people can learn soccer skills, build confidence, stay active, make new friends, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Through this FIFA-sponsored initiative, GRFS will use the power of soccer not only as a sport, but also as a tool for learning, teamwork, leadership, discipline, respect, and community connection.

Participants will have the opportunity to develop age-appropriate soccer skills while also learning important life values such as cooperation, perseverance, fair play, responsibility, and mutual respect.

At GRFS, we believe that sports can bring young people together, open doors to meaningful friendships, and create safe spaces where children and youth feel supported, included, and inspired.

We are deeply grateful to FIFA for sponsoring this important initiative through the Global Citizen Education Fund and helping us create free, accessible, and meaningful opportunities for children and youth in our community.

Program Highlights:

• Free 7-week soccer program
• Open to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students
• July and August
• All skill levels welcome
• Sponsored by FIFA through Global Citizen Education Fund
• Delivered under GRFS Sports Academy
• Focused on soccer skills, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and belonging

Grand River Friendship Society looks forward to welcoming children, youth, and families to this exciting summer program.

For more information about Football for Learning program please click .

REGISTRATION LINK

The post FIFA-Sponsored Summer Soccer Program for Children and Youth appeared first on GRFS.

Today, we celebrate the spirit of community, friendship, diversity, and belonging that brings people together across Canada. This special day is an opportunity to appreciate the many cultures, stories, and contributions that make our communities vibrant, welcoming, and strong.

At GRFS, we are grateful to be part of a community where families, youth, volunteers, neighbours, and friends can come together, support one another, and build meaningful connections.

May this Canada Day bring joy, peace, gratitude, and beautiful moments with loved ones.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Canada Day! ????

The post Happy Canada Day! appeared first on GRFS.

As part of the preparations for United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival, a group of youth, community members, and partner organizations came together on June 13 at Kitchener Public Library (KPL) for a meaningful workshop focused on creativity, connection, and community dialogue.

Through a hands-on punch knitting workshop, participants designed and created individual squares inspired by themes of peace, hope, growth, compassion, and global community. Each piece reflected a unique voice and perspective, while also contributing to a larger collective vision of belonging, unity, and shared understanding.

This workshop offered participants an opportunity to:

• Build community through art
• Encourage dialogue and collaboration
• Learn a new creative skill
• Share ideas for a more peaceful and connected world

The activity beautifully reflected the spirit of United in Voices, where art, culture, dialogue, and community come together to strengthen inclusion and mutual understanding.

A special thank you to our partners, youth participants, volunteers, and community members from GRFS and the wider local community for making this workshop such a memorable and inspiring experience.

Together, we were reminded that even small threads can come together to create something beautiful, meaningful, and lasting.

For more information : United in Voices 

The post Threads of Peace Workshop | United in Voices appeared first on GRFS.

Grand River Friendship Society is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that has affected communities in Venezuela.

Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and all individuals and communities facing fear, uncertainty, displacement, and loss during this difficult time.

In moments of disaster, compassion, solidarity, and shared humanity become even more important. As a community organization rooted in care, friendship, and service, GRFS stands in heartfelt solidarity with the people of Venezuela and with Venezuelan communities here in Canada and around the world.

We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected and hope for strength, healing, and safety for families, rescue workers, medical teams, and everyone involved in the recovery efforts.

May the days ahead bring comfort, support, and hope to those impacted by this tragedy.

The post Statement of Solidarity with Venezuela appeared first on GRFS.

Following our first session held during the winter camp, this gathering will continue in a warm and meaningful atmosphere, bringing families together for a thoughtful evening of conversation and reflection.

We are honoured to welcome two valued guest speakers:

Musa Sarıcı
Clinical Psychologist

Nurcihan Tahmilci
Psychological Counsellor

The program will focus on family life, communication between spouses, strengthening family bonds, and creating a healthier and more supportive home environment.

Protecting the family means protecting the future.

Strong Families
Strong Communities
A Better Future

Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: GRFS Garden

Program Schedule:
Session 1: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Break: 7:45 PM – 8:15 PM
Session 2: 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM

Please note: The seminar and conversations will be held in Turkish.

We warmly invite all our families to join us for this meaningful evening focused on family communication, mutual understanding, and stronger family relationships.

The post Family Conversations Series #2 appeared first on GRFS.

Throughout the day, visitors came together to enjoy the warm atmosphere, connect with one another, and experience the spirit of community through food, friendship, and shared moments. The festival created a beautiful space where people of all ages could gather, celebrate, and feel a sense of belonging.

Children added special energy to the day as they played soccer, enjoyed the open space, and shared cheerful moments with friends and families. The program also included meaningful Father’s Day activities, making the day even more special for families who joined us.

More than a festival, this gathering became a celebration of togetherness, cultural connection, family, and community spirit. It was inspiring to see people from different backgrounds come together, share smiles, build friendships, and enjoy a welcoming community environment.

GRFS sincerely thanks all guests, families, volunteers, and community members who contributed to making this event such a memorable and uplifting day.

At Grand River Friendship Society, we are proud to create spaces where culture, friendship, family, and community come together.

The post Turkish Food Festival Brought Communities Together appeared first on GRFS.

GRFS is one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, selected to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund from a highly competitive pool of more than 3,500 applicants from around the world.

The event brought together community leaders and elected officials, including MP Tim Louis, MP Bardish Chagger, MPP Aislinn Clancy, Acting Mayor Jason Deneault, Regional Councillor Stephanie Goertz, Green Party Mike Morrice, and other community stakeholders.

Guests received a comprehensive presentation on the Football for Learning program and its anticipated educational, social, and athletic impact on children and youth across the Waterloo Region.

The initiative uses football as a tool for education and youth development, helping participants build teamwork, leadership, communication, confidence, social responsibility, and other essential life skills. In addition to football activities, the program includes academic tutoring, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities designed to support newcomer and underserved youth.

During the presentation, organizers highlighted the significance of GRFS being selected among only 27 organizations worldwide and emphasized the importance of investing in local youth through innovative education and sport-based programming.

Following the formal program, guests joined children and youth for a friendly soccer match. The activity provided an opportunity for community leaders and participants to connect on the field while demonstrating the unifying power of sport.

The event also featured a congratulatory message from former NBA player and human rights advocate Enes Kanter Freedom, who visited GRFS several years ago. In his message, he expressed his support for the initiative and commended the organization for its continued commitment to empowering young people through education and leadership development.

GRFS representatives noted that Football for Learning is more than a sports program—it is an international youth development initiative that combines education, mentorship, leadership, and inclusion to help young people reach their full potential.

The organization expressed its gratitude to FIFA, Global Citizen, community partners, elected officials, and supporters whose encouragement and collaboration are helping create brighter futures for children and youth in the Waterloo Region.

Message from former NBA player and human rights advocate Enes Kanter Freedom:

The post GRFS Introduces FIFA Football for Learning Program to Regional Leaders appeared first on GRFS.