Our thoughts are with all individuals and families who have been displaced, faced property loss, or experienced fear and uncertainty as a result of the fires and heavy smoke.

We extend our sincere appreciation to firefighters, emergency responders, volunteers, public safety teams, healthcare workers, and community organizations working tirelessly to protect lives and support those in need.

During difficult times like these, compassion, solidarity, and care for one another become especially important. GRFS stands with the affected communities and hopes for the safety of residents, the protection of homes and natural areas, and the swift containment of the fires.

We also encourage everyone to follow local emergency and air-quality guidance and to check on neighbours, seniors, and individuals who may need additional support.

To everyone affected, please know that our community is thinking of you. We wish you safety, strength, and a steady path toward recovery.

Grand River Friendship Society

The post Support for Communities Affected by Wildfires 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.

Together, we can help keep our community warm and supported. Every small act of kindness makes a difference.

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Together with the wonderful senior members of our society, we prepared 29 Christmas gift bags, each filled with lovingly handmade knitted hats, scarves, and gloves. Over the past three weeks, our knitting club came together with care and dedication, creating these items stitch by stitch to support those in need.

We are truly grateful to have met the team at Wellesley Wilmot Resource Centre and to be part of this meaningful act of giving.

From all of us at Grand River Friendship Society, we wish everyone a Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas. May this season bring warmth, kindness, and hope to all.

This event was organized as part of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)-supported Project CARES (Community Activities for Resilient, Engaged Seniors), aiming to encourage older adults to actively engage in social issues.

The post Spreading Warmth appeared first on GRFS.

Motherhood is often discussed through social roles and responsibilities, but we’ll step outside that frame and reflect on questions like:

• What does it mean that when a baby is born, a new woman is also born?
• How is motherhood a spiritual and inner transformation?
• What is reparenting, and how can we mother ourselves?
• Do we have to experience physical childbirth to be a “mother,” or can caring for the vulnerable—like supporting a friend, mentoring someone younger, or caring for an animal—also express the essence of motherhood?
• How are birth and creativity connected?

If these questions speak to you, bring your coffee (and maybe a friend!) and join us.

The post Dialogue Book Club #3 appeared first on GRFS.

As part of her meaningful collage workshop, we learned how art can help us understand, address, and gently heal the wounds we carry within ourselves. Through this creative process, we discovered new ways to release past difficulties and embrace emotional healing.

We are deeply grateful to Hope Engel and her colleague Flora for welcoming us into this beautiful program. It was truly special for us to be a part of their work, and we look forward to following and supporting their future initiatives.

Thank you for creating such a powerful and heart-opening experience.

The post Circles of Friendship appeared first on GRFS.

Clothes • Household Items • Great Deals!

Everything is priced VERY LOW — perfect for students, families, and anyone looking for good finds!

What You’ll Find:

Gently used clothing
Kitchenware & home items
Decor pieces
Small electronics
And much more!

Everyone is Welcome!

Bring friends, neighbours, and anyone who loves bargains!

Don’t Miss It — One Day Only

The post GARAGE SALE! appeared first on GRFS.

As Grand River Friendship Society, we are grateful for the opportunity to support the meaningful work that the Anishinabeg Outreach team does for Indigenous community members. Their commitment to helping and uplifting the community inspires us, and we are honoured to stand alongside them.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to these donations. Together, we continue to build warmth, connection, and friendship in our community.

The post Warmth in Action at Anishnabeg Outreach appeared first on GRFS.