With over 70 students, our program kicked off with laughter, creativity, and community spirit. From outdoor games and arts & crafts to music, storytelling, and team-building fun, each moment is designed to inspire curiosity and connection.

At GRFS, we believe love isn’t just a feeling—it’s something we do. And every smile shared, every helping hand offered, and every friendship formed reminds us that Love is a Verb.

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Guests will enjoy a vibrant array of traditional Anatolian dishes, from savory döner and içli köfte to sweet baklava and Turkish ice cream. With cotton candy for the kids and a feast of warm hospitality for all, this family-friendly festival promises joy for every age. Handmade foods, smiling faces, and cultural pride fill the air—making it not just a meal, but an experience to remember.

At GRFS, we believe love shines through shared meals, kind conversations, and generous servings from the heart. This festival is a reminder that love isn’t just said—it’s cooked, served, and celebrated.

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Held at the Kitchener Public Library, the room was filled with laughter, memories, and heartfelt conversations. Long-time friends, dedicated volunteers, and new supporters came together to reflect on two decades of service, growth, and connection. We shared stories, honoured our journey, and embraced the warmth of being together again.

The evening featured a touching award presentation, live music by Abdullah Andusesen, and a nostalgic video presentation highlighting the early days of the foundation. We also marked a significant leadership moment with a heartfelt transition between our outgoing and incoming Executive Director and Education Coordinator.

This celebration reminded us that Love is a Verb—not just a saying, but something we live out every day through kindness, compassion, and community. Thank you to everyone who made the night so special. Here’s to the next chapter of friendship and impact!

? Swipe through to see some of our favourite moments from the night.

The post Honouring 20 Years of Heartfelt Moments ❤️ appeared first on GRFS.

? Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
? Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
? New Venue: Kitchener Public Library – Lower Level Theatre
? Address: 85 Queen St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 2H1

The heart of the event remains the same—an evening of reconnection, gratitude, and reflection on the 20 inspiring years of the Grand River Friendship Society. We look forward to seeing long-time friends, dedicated supporters, and new faces as we celebrate this incredible milestone together.

At GRFS, Love is a Verb—expressed in community, compassion, and consistency. We can’t wait to share this special evening with you.

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From 7 PM to 9 PM, we will reunite with long-time friends, supporters, and volunteers who have helped shape the mission and legacy of GRFS. It will be a time to rekindle memories, share stories, and honour the spirit of unity and service that has guided us over the past 20 years.

At GRFS, we believe love is shown through action—through shared laughter, deep conversations, and showing up for one another. This special anniversary reminds us that community grows stronger through care, connection, and continuity.

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MP Bradford presented a special certificate of recognition to GRFS, acknowledging our dedication to fostering inclusivity, support, and cultural connections in the community. We truly appreciate her encouragement and commitment to building stronger ties within our region.

The visit was made even more special by sharing a traditional Turkish breakfast, where we exchanged meaningful conversations over delicious food, reinforcing the power of unity and collaboration.

Moments like these remind us that love is a verb—it’s in our actions, in our service, and in the connections we build together.

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MP Chagger shared her appreciation for the progress GRFS has made over the past year, and we deeply value her commitment to fostering inclusivity and collaboration. The highlight of the visit was sharing a traditional Turkish breakfast, a beautiful moment of cultural exchange and warm hospitality.

Together, we continue to build bridges, strengthen our community, and create a future filled with opportunity and support. Love is a verb, and today was a wonderful reminder of how small actions and genuine connections make a big difference.

The post A Warm and Inspiring Visit with MP Bardish Chagger appeared first on GRFS.

Tim Louis expressed his admiration for the incredible progress GRFS has made over the past year, which truly means a lot to us. He also delighted everyone with a beautiful piano performance that brought so much joy to the room! To top it all off, he enjoyed a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast, sharing in the warmth and hospitality that make our community so special.

It was truly a day filled with meaningful conversations, music, and shared moments of kindness. Love is a verb, and today reminded us of how powerful connection and collaboration can be.

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