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:

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Today, we honour the love, guidance, patience, sacrifices, and quiet strength that fathers bring into the lives of their families and communities.

At GRFS, we recognize the important role fathers play in building strong families, supporting young people, and helping create caring, responsible, and connected communities.

We are grateful for every father and father figure who leads with kindness, supports with love, and inspires the next generation through their example.

Wishing you a meaningful and joyful Father’s Day filled with appreciation, warmth, and beautiful moments with your loved ones.

#GRFS #FathersDay #HappyFathersDay #Fatherhood #Family #StrongFamilies #Community #Gratitude #LoveAndSupport #FamilyValues #StrongerTogether #WaterlooRegion #KitchenerWaterloo #ExploreKW

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This day is an important opportunity to recognize the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures, while also reflecting on the importance of listening, learning, respect, and reconciliation.

At GRFS, we believe that building stronger communities begins with understanding one another’s stories, acknowledging the past, and walking forward with humility, care, and shared responsibility.

We remain committed to fostering respect, inclusion, cultural understanding, and meaningful community connection.

Today and every day, we honour Indigenous Peoples and their enduring presence, knowledge, resilience, and contributions.

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GRFS Dialogue Book Club came together for its final gathering of the season, closing another meaningful chapter filled with stories, reflections, friendship, and heartfelt conversations.

For our June gathering, we explored the theme of Women, Sisterhood & Authenticity through a thoughtful discussion inspired by the Barbie film and Reshma Saujani’s TED Talk, “Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection.”

As always, our conversation went far beyond what we watched and listened to. Together, we reflected on perfectionism, courage, authenticity, self-acceptance, and what it truly means for women to support, uplift, and understand one another.

What began as a book club five years ago has become so much more than a reading circle. It has grown into a friendship bridge built through books, films, shared stories, honest reflections, laughter, vulnerability, and meaningful dialogue.

Through each gathering, women come together not only to discuss words and scenes, but to connect through shared feelings, personal experiences, and mutual understanding. Over time, this circle has become a space of trust, belonging, and connection that deepens with every meeting.

We are grateful to every woman who brought her voice, presence, and perspective to our circle this season. Thank you for every conversation, every insight, and every shared moment.

New stories, new conversations, and new journeys are waiting for us. If you feel called to be part of this circle, you are always welcome to join us.

See you next season …

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The program brought together 20 university students for an enjoyable afternoon of friendship, conversation, and community connection. In the welcoming outdoor atmosphere of the GRFS garden, participants had the opportunity to spend quality time together, strengthen friendships, and build a stronger sense of belonging.

This gathering was more than a social activity. It created a supportive space where students could connect, relax, share meaningful conversations, and enjoy being part of a caring community.

GRFS sincerely thanks the Mentorship Team, volunteers, and all participants who contributed to making this program a warm, joyful, and memorable experience.

At GRFS, we are proud to support university students through mentorship, friendship, guidance, and community-building opportunities that help young people feel connected, supported, and valued.

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As football fans around the world followed the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, Grand River Friendship Society was pleased to share this special moment with community members in Waterloo Region.

As a proud FIFA Education Fund grantee, GRFS hosted an outdoor big-screen watch gathering for the Türkiye vs Australia FIFA World Cup group match. Under a beautiful summer night sky, participants came together to enjoy the excitement, energy, and community spirit of the game.

Throughout the match, emotions rose, anticipation grew, and football fans followed every moment with great interest. The game showcased strong competition, tactical discipline, and the passion that makes football a truly global sport.

Australia won the match 2–0, but the real winner of the night was friendship, togetherness, and the universal spirit of sport that brings people together.

This gathering was more than a match screening. It became a meaningful community event where people of different ages came together, strengthened connections, shared excitement, and enjoyed a memorable evening in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We sincerely thank everyone who joined us for this special night. We look forward to coming together again at future community events.

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These special gatherings gave students the opportunity to explore new places, express their creativity, build friendships, spend quality time with mentors, and create lasting memories together.

Grade 9 students enjoyed a fun pottery painting experience, where they explored their creativity, designed unique pieces, and shared meaningful time with friends and mentors.

Grade 10 students visited the beautiful village of Elora, exploring local boutiques, cafés, bookstores, artisan shops, scenic attractions, and the charming surroundings of Elora Mill and Victoria Park. The day was filled with discovery, laughter, friendship, and memorable moments.

Grade 11 students spent the day in Toronto, where they explored the city and enjoyed a bike ride around Toronto Islands. With beautiful waterfront views, great food, and plenty of fun, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect, strengthen friendships, and enjoy the city together.

These monthly outings are an important part of our mentorship program. They provide students with opportunities for personal growth, meaningful conversations, community building, leadership development, and unforgettable shared experiences.

We sincerely thank all of our mentors, students, and families for making these moments so special.

At GRFS, we are proud to support youth through mentorship, friendship, guidance, and opportunities that help them grow with confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.

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This visit provided a wonderful opportunity for our teams to come together, strengthen community connections, and learn more about the valuable resources, programs, and creative spaces available through the library.

Participants explored innovative learning environments, discovered opportunities for youth engagement, creativity, and community learning, and took part in meaningful conversations about how community organizations and public institutions can work together to support children, youth, and families.

We are sincerely grateful to the Idea Exchange team for their warm hospitality and for sharing their knowledge, vision, and commitment to community learning with us. Strong partnerships and collaboration play an important role in creating more opportunities for learning, engagement, creativity, and growth.

GRFS and YANKI look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and continue building meaningful connections that benefit youth, families, and the wider community.

Thank you to Cambridge Public Library and Idea Exchange for hosting us and making this visit such a valuable and inspiring experience.

https://cambridgepl.ca

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The camp provided a valuable opportunity for young mentors to renew their motivation, strengthen friendships, build team spirit, and enjoy a supportive learning environment away from their regular routines.

Throughout the camp, participants took part in both reflective and recreational activities, including swimming, barbecue, games, group conversations, and shared community time. The program created a warm atmosphere where youth could connect with one another, recharge, and grow together.

As part of the camp, four seminar sessions were delivered on important mentorship and personal development topics:

• Mentorship Follow-Up and Its Importance
• Time Management
• Character Education
• The Importance of Consultation and Shared Decision-Making

These sessions helped student mentors reflect on their responsibilities, develop stronger leadership habits, and better understand the role of mentorship in supporting younger students and building a positive community culture.

GRFS thanks all mentors, volunteers, and team members who contributed to making this camp a meaningful, enjoyable, and inspiring experience.

At GRFS, we are proud to support youth mentorship, leadership development, character education, and meaningful friendships that help young people grow with confidence, responsibility, and purpose.

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Join us for an exciting night filled with football spirit, community connection, tea, coffee, and light refreshments. Families, youth, friends, and community members are all welcome to come together and enjoy the match in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Date: Saturday night, June 13
Gathering Time: 11:59 PM
Match Time: 12:00 AM midnight
Location: GRFS Backyard
1117 Snyder’s Road East, Baden

Tea, coffee, and refreshments will be served.

Please bring your own comfortable chairs.

Come with your family, friends, and team spirit as we enjoy the excitement of football together under the stars.

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