Do A Favour empowers youth in Grades 6–12 to identify community needs, design meaningful service projects, and lead positive change. Through teamwork, mentorship, and hands-on experience, participants build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, form new friendships, and create stronger connections across diverse communities.

Youth-Led Ideas with Real Impact

Youth self-registered to form teams of five to eight members with each team consisting of one mentor or advisor thereto guide or support the team. Young people move from identifying a need to planning and delivering a project, documenting its impact, and sharing their story.

• Middle School Division: Grades 6–8
• High School Division: Grades 9–12
• Team size: 5–8 youth
• Support: One mentor or advisor per team

Every participant receives a Certificate of Achievement, verified volunteer hours, and community leadership recognition. Outstanding projects will also be recognized in both age divisions, with awards ranging from $450 to $1000.

The 2026 Do A Favour Journey

• September 8: Registration opens
• September 26: Registration closes and mentor orientation takes place
• October–November: Teams put their community projects into action
• November 22: Final project submissions are due
• November 28: Youth achievements are celebrated at the Community Impact Gala

The new Do A Favour page brings together full program details, participation requirements, frequently asked questions, registration access, and the Team Portal in one place.

Explore the Do A Favour Program Register Your Community Organization

Helping Young People Turn Ideas into Action

Do A Favour is an initiative of Grand River Friendship Society. By giving youth meaningful responsibility, practical guidance, and a platform to share their achievements, the program supports civic engagement and encourages a new generation of community leaders.

The post Do A Favour Youth Leadership Program Is Now Live appeared first on GRFS.

The Academy now has a dedicated page on the GRFS website, where families, volunteers and community partners can learn about its purpose, planned programs and commitment to inclusive recreation.

Inclusive Sports. Stronger Communities

GRFS Sports Academy focuses on children and youth who may face financial, social, cultural or accessibility barriers to organized sports. Its programs prioritize newcomers, families with limited incomes, girls, youth with disabilities and those with limited access to recreational opportunities.

Participants are welcomed regardless of experience, ability or athletic performance. The focus is not elite competition or performance-based selection. It is about learning fundamental skills, building confidence, making friends and enjoying positive experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Opportunities to Play, Learn and Grow

The Academy plans to offer beginner-friendly and recreational activities in soccer, basketball, volleyball, field hockey and multi-sport programming. Its approach also includes fundamental movement skills, physical literacy, youth leadership and volunteer development.

Activities may include weekly recreational sessions, introductory clinics, seasonal camps, community tournaments and family-oriented sports events. Programs will be adapted to participants’ ages, abilities and accessibility needs.

Through these opportunities, GRFS aims to support physical well-being, teamwork, social connection and a stronger sense of belonging among children and young people.

Reducing Barriers to Participation

Programs are offered free of charge or at a low cost whenever possible. The Academy is also developing an equipment lending system to help eligible participants access essential sports equipment during programs.

Depending on available resources and program needs, accessibility supports may include subsidized participation, adaptable activities, beginner-level instruction and culturally responsive communication with families.

Safe, inclusive and participant-centred coaching is central to this approach. Youth leaders and volunteer coaches receive guidance and training to help create welcoming recreational environments.

A Community Initiative Under GRFS

GRFS Sports Academy operates under Grand River Friendship Society. It is a registered business name, not a separate legal entity; its programs, partnerships and activities are administered by GRFS.

The Academy welcomes collaboration with schools, municipalities, sport organizations, community groups, businesses and individual supporters. Volunteering, equipment donations, sponsorships and access to facilities can help make community sport more accessible.

Explore GRFS Sports Academy

We invite families, prospective participants, volunteer coaches and community partners to visit the Academy’s page to learn more about its vision, planned programs and ways to get involved.

Explore GRFS Sports Academy

For enquiries about participation, volunteering or partnerships, please contact GRFS.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, belong and grow through sport.

The post Introducing GRFS Sports Academy: Inclusive Sports for Children and Youth appeared first on GRFS.

Weekends can be more than a break from the school week. They can also be a time for children to learn new skills, explore their creativity, build friendships, and grow in a supportive community environment.

REGISTRATION FORM

The Grand River Friendship Society Weekend School is a 14-week enrichment program designed for children from Preschool to Grade 5. Running every Saturday from September 19 to December 19, 2026, the program brings together language learning, values education, technology and STEM activities, mind games, and creative experiences in a welcoming and engaging setting.

A Meaningful Weekend Learning Experience

Weekend School is designed to support children’s academic, social, emotional, and personal development while giving them opportunities to learn and enjoy time with their peers.

Throughout the program, students will participate in age-appropriate lessons and activities that encourage curiosity, confidence, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and positive relationships.

Rather than focusing on a single subject, the program offers a balanced learning experience where children can explore different areas of development each week.

What Students Will Explore

Language Lessons

Students will take part in age-appropriate language activities designed to strengthen speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and communication skills in an interactive and enjoyable way.

Technology & STEM

Children will be introduced to age-appropriate technology and STEM learning through engaging hands-on activities. Sessions may include basic coding concepts, problem-solving challenges, creative technology projects, and activities that encourage curiosity, logical thinking, and innovation.

Values Education

Lessons will explore important values such as respect, kindness, responsibility, honesty, patience, sharing, cooperation, and good character, helping children connect these values with everyday life.

Mind Games

Engaging games and challenges will help students strengthen attention, logical thinking, problem-solving, strategy, teamwork, and decision-making skills.

Art Activities

Through drawing, crafts, design, and hands-on creative projects, children will have opportunities to express themselves and develop their imagination and creativity.

Learning, Friendship and Belonging

An important part of Weekend School is creating an environment where children feel safe, welcomed, and connected.

Alongside structured learning, students will have opportunities to work together, make new friends, share ideas, and participate in activities that encourage cooperation and a sense of belonging.

Over the 14 weeks, the goal is to create a meaningful weekend experience where children can learn, create, explore, play, and grow together.

Program Details

Ages: Preschool to Grade 5
Dates: September 19 – December 19, 2026
Schedule: Every Saturday
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Duration: 14 Weeks
Program Fee: $300 CAD

The GRFS Weekend School is designed to make Saturdays meaningful, educational, and enjoyable while supporting children as they develop new skills, friendships, confidence, creativity, and positive values.

A weekend of learning can become the beginning of a lifelong love of growth, discovery, and community.

REGISTER FOR WEEKEND SCHOOL 

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As GRFS continues to expand its programs and community impact, we are looking for dedicated, skilled, and community-minded individuals who are interested in contributing to meaningful work in education, sport, mentorship, youth development, and community engagement.

Several of the newly listed positions will support our Football for Learning initiative, delivered with support from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. These roles will contribute to a program that brings together football training, academic support, mentorship, and youth development for children and young people in our community.

Join a Mission-Driven Team

Working with GRFS means becoming part of an organization focused on creating inclusive opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting people through education, recreation, mentorship, and service.

Depending on the position, team members may contribute to areas such as:

• Youth and community programming
• Education and learning support
• Sport and recreation
• Program coordination
• Mentorship and participant engagement
• Community outreach and administration

We value professionalism, collaboration, responsibility, inclusion, and a genuine commitment to community impact.

Opportunities Supporting Football for Learning

Some of the current openings are connected directly to Football for Learning.

Through this FIFA-supported initiative, GRFS is expanding access to free football training, academic support, and mentorship. New team members will help strengthen program delivery and create positive learning and development experiences for participating children and youth.

These positions are part of GRFS’s broader effort to build strong, sustainable programs while creating opportunities for qualified individuals to contribute their skills in a meaningful community setting.

View Current Openings

Applicants can review available positions, role requirements, and application instructions through the GRFS Careers page:

https://grfsociety.ca/careers/

View Current Opportunities & Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to review each posting carefully and apply directly through the instructions provided on the Careers page.

GRFS is committed to building a welcoming and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

We look forward to connecting with individuals who want to use their skills, experience, and passion to help build stronger people, brighter futures, and stronger communities.

The post GRFS Announces New Career Opportunities appeared first on GRFS.

The post Football for Learning Expands for Fall 2026 with Free Soccer and Academic Support appeared first on GRFS.

Taking place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Terry Fox Run will once again bring communities across Canada together to honour Terry Fox’s legacy of courage, determination, and hope. The annual event is a community-based fundraiser supporting cancer research and welcomes people to participate at their own pace. (Terry Fox Foundation)

For GRFS, taking part is also an opportunity to encourage young people to experience community service through action, work together toward a shared goal, and contribute to a cause that has touched families and communities across Canada.

Youth in Action for a Meaningful Cause

Through Team GRFS, youth, volunteers, families, and community members can come together not only to participate in the Run, but also to help raise funds for cancer research.

The initiative reflects GRFS’s commitment to youth engagement, social responsibility, volunteerism, and active participation in the wider community. By joining the Terry Fox Run, young people have an opportunity to see how individual efforts can become part of something much larger when a community works together.

Participation is not about competition. The Terry Fox Run is designed as an inclusive community event, allowing participants to walk, run, or take part at a pace that works for them. (Terry Fox Foundation)

Continuing Terry Fox’s Legacy

Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in 1980 with a vision of raising awareness and funds for cancer research. Decades later, his determination continues to inspire people across Canada and around the world.

The Terry Fox Foundation describes the annual Run as a tradition involving hundreds of Canadian communities, united by the shared goal of supporting cancer research and carrying Terry’s vision forward. (Terry Fox Foundation)

By forming Team GRFS, our youth and community members are proud to be part of that continuing legacy.

Join or Support Team GRFS

Community members are invited to join Team GRFS, support the team’s fundraising efforts, or make a donation toward cancer research.

Kitchener Terry Fox Run
Sunday, September 20, 2026

View the Official Kitchener Terry Fox Run Page

Team GRFS

Join Team GRFS or Support Our Fundraising

Every participant, supporter, and donation contributes to a collective effort to advance cancer research while keeping Terry Fox’s message of hope and perseverance alive.

GRFS looks forward to joining the Kitchener community on September 20 and seeing our youth, volunteers, families, and friends come together for a meaningful cause.

One team. One cause. For Terry.

The post Team GRFS Joins the 2026 Kitchener Terry Fox Run appeared first on GRFS.

The festival will bring families, friends, and community members together for a welcoming day centered around Turkish cuisine, culture, friendship, and community connection.

A Taste of Turkish Culture

Food has a special way of bringing people together. The Turkish Food Festival will offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy a variety of traditional Turkish foods while experiencing the warmth and hospitality that are an important part of Turkish culture.

More than simply a food event, the festival is designed as a community gathering where people from different backgrounds can meet, spend time together, and build new connections in a friendly and inclusive environment.

Food, Family and Community

GRFS community events aim to create spaces where everyone feels welcome. The Turkish Food Festival is open to families, youth, seniors, friends, neighbours, and anyone interested in discovering Turkish food and culture.

Whether visitors come to enjoy the food, meet new people, or spend a relaxing Sunday with family and friends, the festival will provide another opportunity to celebrate the diversity and community spirit of Waterloo Region.

Event Details

• Event: Turkish Food Festival
• Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
• Time: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
• Location: Grand River Friendship Society
• Address: 1117 Snyder’s Road East, Baden, ON N3A 3L2
• Admission: Free
• Registration: No registration or ticket is required
• Contact: info@grfsociety.ca

Join Us

Turkish Food Festival
Sunday, September 20, 2026
12:00 PM–6:00 PM

We look forward to welcoming the community for a day of delicious food, friendship, cultural sharing, and meaningful connections.

Bring your family and friends and enjoy a taste of Turkish culture together.

The post Turkish Food Festival – September 20 appeared first on GRFS.

Five Days of Learning Through Play

Each day offered new opportunities for children to explore, experiment, stay active, and work together.

Participants enjoyed team-building challenges, tower-building activities, drawing and guessing games, soccer, volleyball, Spikeball, Frisbee, relay races, and other recreational activities.

Creative sessions gave children opportunities to design keychains, paint canvases, work with play dough, and express their ideas through art.

STEM activities added another dimension to the program. Through Robotix, egg-drop challenges, paper-airplane experiments, water rockets, and other hands-on projects, participants were encouraged to think critically, test ideas, solve problems, and learn through experimentation.

More Than Activities

Kids To Camp 2026 was designed to provide much more than a week of summer recreation.

GRFS sought to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children could develop friendships, strengthen confidence, communicate with others, respect differences, and experience a meaningful sense of belonging.

Through shared games, challenges, creative projects, and team activities, participants experienced the importance of cooperation, supporting one another, and appreciating people from different backgrounds.

These experiences reflect GRFS’s broader commitment to helping children and youth grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically while building stronger connections within their communities.

Made Possible Through Kids to Camp Funding

The program was made possible with support from The Waterloo Region Record – Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund, held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Grand River Friendship Society gratefully acknowledges this important support, which helps reduce financial barriers and provides children and youth across Waterloo Region with access to meaningful summer learning, recreation, and community-building opportunities.

This funding enabled GRFS to create an accessible program where participants could learn, play, build friendships, discover new interests, and create positive summer memories together.

Thank You to Our Program Community

GRFS extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, parents, volunteers, mentors, community partners, and supporters who contributed to the success of Kids To Camp 2026.

The dedication of volunteers and mentors, the trust of families, and the enthusiasm of the children helped create a positive week filled with learning, laughter, teamwork, and new friendships.

As the program comes to a close, GRFS is grateful for the connections created and the experiences shared throughout the week.

Kids To Camp 2026 — Building friendships, building confidence, and building community.

The post Kids To Camp 2026 Brings a Week of Learning, Friendship and Community to GRFS appeared first on GRFS.

Grand River Friendship Society is pleased to recognize the support of the City of Waterloo through the 2026 Sports & Recreation Grant Program, helping GRFS continue and expand its Weekly Open Soccer Program.

The program provides welcoming and accessible opportunities for newcomer youth and adults, mentors, families, and other community members to participate in regular recreational soccer activities.

Building Connections Through Sport

GRFS uses community sport as more than an opportunity for physical activity. Weekly soccer sessions create a positive environment where participants from different cultural and social backgrounds can meet, build friendships, stay active, and develop a stronger sense of connection and belonging.

The open and inclusive structure of the program encourages participation regardless of previous soccer experience. By reducing barriers to recreational opportunities, GRFS aims to create a space where participants feel welcomed, supported, and connected to their community.

The City of Waterloo’s support will help GRFS strengthen the program and reach more participants while continuing to provide regular soccer opportunities throughout the year.

Supporting Inclusive Recreation

Through the Weekly Open Soccer Program, participants have opportunities to:

• Stay physically active and support healthy lifestyles
• Build friendships and social connections
• Connect with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Strengthen teamwork and communication
• Develop a greater sense of community belonging
• Participate in accessible and welcoming recreational activities

These outcomes reflect GRFS’s broader commitment to using education, mentorship, recreation, and community engagement to bring people together and strengthen inclusive communities.

Thank You, City of Waterloo

Grand River Friendship Society sincerely thanks the City of Waterloo for supporting inclusive recreation and recognizing the value of accessible community-based sports programs.

This contribution helps GRFS continue creating opportunities for youth, adults, mentors, newcomers, and community members to connect through soccer in a friendly and supportive environment.

We are grateful for the City of Waterloo’s investment in initiatives that encourage active living, friendship, inclusion, and stronger community connections.

Play together. Connect together. Grow together.

The post City of Waterloo Supports Expansion of GRFS Weekly Open Soccer Program appeared first on GRFS.

Strengthening Connections Through Shared Experiences

From exciting rides and plenty of laughter to meaningful conversations and quality time together, the day provided a wonderful opportunity for students and mentors to strengthen their connections and create lasting memories.

Mentorship Beyond the Classroom

At GRFS, mentorship goes beyond academic and career guidance. It is about building trust, offering consistent support, creating meaningful relationships, and walking alongside young people as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

Supporting Students Through an Important Year

As our Grade 12 students continue through their final year of high school, we are grateful to the mentors who continue to encourage, guide, and support them along the way.

A sincere thank you to all of our mentors, volunteers, and youth who made this experience so memorable.

Here’s to more friendship, growth, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments together!

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