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

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Join this youth-led space this Saturday to connect, learn, and build solidarity.

Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo
March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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This half-day, in-person forum brings together youth, young professionals, and community members to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue around racism, identity, and collective action. Through guided discussions, shared experiences, and community-driven learning, participants will explore how racism shows up in our systems and everyday lives – and how we can work together to challenge it.

Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo
March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Spaces are limited. Ticketed entry.

Registration is required – please register using the QR code or the link included in the flyer to secure your spot.

Registration closes on March 1, 2026. Be sure to save your place and join us for an afternoon of learning, connection, and solidarity.

This initiative is proudly funded by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

Register Now!

The post Voices Against Racism appeared first on GRFS.

With the participation and support of the Region of Waterloo Public Health, the day became even more meaningful. We sincerely thank Public Health for their informative and valuable presentation. A special thank you to Tracy McKay from the Public Health team for sharing her knowledge with us and helping keep our community informed.

We are especially grateful for the presence of Maritza Yawching-Robertson, MPH (she/her), Lead, REDI Partnerships, Strategy, Performance and Partnerships at Region of Waterloo Public Health & Paramedic Services. Having her with us was truly valuable and meaningful.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Shevket Imam, President of the Canada East Turkistan Association, and his wife Gulshen Abdukadir, Author and Communications Specialist. We sincerely thank them for organizing our Uyghur friends and joining our program. Their presence and support made the day even more meaningful.

It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce our foundation to Public Health and to get to know one another better. We hope this collaboration will continue. We are grateful for the chance to spend such a meaningful day together with our Uyghur friends and Public Health.

The post Building Bridges! appeared first on GRFS.