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.

The post Community Gathering for Türkiye vs Australia World Cup Match Night appeared first on GRFS.

Grand River Friendship Society volunteers are delighted to invite our community to the 21st Turkish Food Festival on Sunday, June 21, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

This special community gathering will bring together families, friends, neighbours, and community members for a warm day of delicious Turkish food, friendship, and togetherness. Guests will enjoy traditional favourites, homemade treats, and more.

This year’s festival is especially meaningful as it takes place on Father’s Day. We invite families to come together, honour fathers and father figures, and enjoy a memorable day in a welcoming community atmosphere.

During the event, there will also be a Yard Sale, offering another great opportunity to shop, connect, and support GRFS’s community programs.

Your participation helps support Grand River Friendship Society’s ongoing educational, youth, family, cultural, and community-building initiatives.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and share this special day with someone new.

Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Grand River Friendship Society
Adress: 1117 Snyder’s Rd East, Baden, ON

Good food. Great people. Stronger community.

Everyone is welcome!

The post 21st Turkish Food Festival: A Father’s Day Community Celebration appeared first on GRFS.

The program began with an overview of graduate (master’s) opportunities, offering valuable insight into future academic pathways.

Throughout the seminars, key themes included:

• Understanding the human experience
• Empathy and inclusive perspectives
• Engaging with knowledge and ideas
• The importance of intercultural dialogue

These conversations encouraged reflection, learning, and a deeper understanding of how individuals can contribute positively to their communities.

A special session was also held with GRFS mentors, focusing on mentorship, communication, and human-centered approaches to guidance.

This well-attended program created a meaningful space for both academic and social growth.

Thank you Respect Graduate School for your valuable partnership and contributions.

We look forward to continuing impactful collaborations together

The post Collaboration: GRFS x Respect Graduate School appeared first on GRFS.

Suleyman Eris
Cemal Turk
Ergun Capan

Program Schedule:
• 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM: Gathering
• 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Seminar-1
• 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Break
• 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Seminar-2

Location:
Shantz Mennonite Church
2473 Erbs Rd, Baden

We especially invite our high school (Grade 11+) youth to join this inspiring evening. Let’s come together to learn, share, and grow as a community.

Please note: Weekly sessions will be replaced by this program for the week.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The post Community Gathering Seminar appeared first on GRFS.

The event was filled with music, dancing, beautiful henna designs, and meaningful conversations. Our inspiring guest speaker added great value, and the shared moments over snacks and laughter created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

It was a beautiful opportunity to celebrate women, connect, and strengthen our sense of community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event so special

The post Women’s Day Henna Night appeared first on GRFS.

Attendees will have the chance to connect with emerging professionals across various fields, gain insights into career pathways, and build relationships that extend beyond the classroom. Whether you’re exploring your next steps or looking to grow your professional network, NextGen is all about learning from one another and building a strong, supportive community for the future.

Bonus Opportunity: Get your resume and LinkedIn profile reviewed in just 10 minutes by experienced professionals. Receive personalized feedback, practical tips, and actionable insights to help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Proudly organized by the Young Professionals Waterloo Region Team at Grand River Friendship Society.

The post NextGen: Connect, Learn, Lead appeared first on GRFS.

Join the Spring Wellness Fair for a fun and engaging PD Day experience for children, youth, and families!

Face painting
Storytelling circle
Theatre activities
Music & colouring
And more!

Friday, April 24
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
65 Hanson Ave, Kitchener

Register using the QR code on the poster or visit their page for more details:
@kwmulticultural

Let’s continue supporting and uplifting community initiatives together

The post Family Centre Spring Wellness Fair appeared first on GRFS.

On March 21, over 450 participants joined us at St. Agatha Community Centre for a vibrant and memorable gathering. The day began with breakfast and continued with children’s gifts, a festive play area, raffles, and a variety of fun activities.

The joy of children, warm conversations among families, and the strong sense of togetherness made this day truly special. Through games, laughter, and shared moments, we celebrated the values of community, care, and connection.

We sincerely thank all our dedicated volunteers and wonderful guests who helped create this beautiful atmosphere.

Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful Eid filled with happiness and connection.

The post Eid Celebration appeared first on GRFS.

Program Schedule

10:30 – 11:30 | Breakfast Enjoy a delicious breakfast .

13:00 – 12:45 |

11:30 – 12:45 | Stage Program

• Host: Abdurrahman Ardac
• Speeches by Ünal K. and Ashley (Eid greetings)
• Presentation of Ramadan activities
• Eid gifts for children
• Reflections from elders
• Raffle draw
• Art competition results (chocolates for all participants)
  • Categories: Grades 1–3 and middle school
• “Do I Know My Child?” quiz (5 fathers will receive prizes)
• Kahoot quiz
• Plaque and appreciation presentation
• Table visits: “How was your Ramadan?”
• Student representative speech or letter

12:45 – 14:00 | Youth & Children Competitions Children and teens will participate in fun and energetic games and challenges.

• Cotton candy
• Balloons
• Henna
• Chocolate fountain
• Face painting
• Candy stand
• Photo booth

14:00 – 15:00 | Closing- Cleanup & Wrap-up

Families and friends will gather to celebrate Eid, enjoy activities for children, and strengthen the bonds of our community while sharing in the joy and spirit of the holiday.

The post Eid Celebration appeared first on GRFS.

We were honored to have Liberal Party MP Tim Louis join us, enjoying the diverse tastes and engaging with our community. His support and presence were truly appreciated.

Our Executive Director Cumali Sahin, Director of PR Berat Berberoglu, and our dedicated volunteers warmly welcomed visitors and ensured everyone experienced the hospitality and spirit that makes our community so special.

The event wasn’t just about food—it was about connecting hearts, building friendships, and sharing the richness of Turkish culture. We are so grateful to everyone who braved the weather and made this day possible.

Because love is a verb, today showed how acts of kindness and community gatherings can create lasting bonds.

Thank you all for your support, and we look forward to more events together!

The post GRFS Food Festival Update: A Day of Flavor and Community appeared first on GRFS.