This day is an important opportunity to recognize the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures, while also reflecting on the importance of listening, learning, respect, and reconciliation.

At GRFS, we believe that building stronger communities begins with understanding one another’s stories, acknowledging the past, and walking forward with humility, care, and shared responsibility.

We remain committed to fostering respect, inclusion, cultural understanding, and meaningful community connection.

Today and every day, we honour Indigenous Peoples and their enduring presence, knowledge, resilience, and contributions.

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The program created a welcoming and heartfelt atmosphere where community members had the opportunity to connect, celebrate, and strengthen friendships. With people from different cultural backgrounds coming together, the gathering beautifully reflected the spirit of unity, belonging, and togetherness that GRFS values deeply.

Children enjoyed many cheerful and engaging activities throughout the event, creating joyful moments and lasting memories for families. The celebration was not only a festive gathering, but also a meaningful opportunity to reinforce friendship, build community bonds, and share the joy of Eid in an inclusive environment.

We were also pleased to welcome Eda Dede, who attended the program on behalf of MPP Aislinn Clancy. We sincerely appreciate their presence and support.

Grand River Friendship Society thanks all participants, volunteers, families, and community members who contributed to making this program warm, inclusive, and memorable.

At GRFS, we are grateful for every opportunity to bring people together and build a community rooted in kindness, respect, friendship, and belonging.

Eid Mubarak!

The post Eid al-Adha Community Gathering & Children’s Festival appeared first on GRFS.

This year’s theme, “Do Not Be Daunted,” offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on courage, resilience, and the human capacity to remain hopeful and steadfast during challenging times.

We deeply appreciated the thoughtful conversation with Anne Marie Webster, Fauzia Mazhar, and Krishna Gaitonde, moderated by August Adelman. Their reflections highlighted the wisdom found across different faith, spiritual, and philosophical traditions, and reminded us of the importance of shared understanding, appreciation, and cooperation.

At GRFS, we value opportunities that bring people together across diverse backgrounds to strengthen dialogue, mutual respect, and community connection.

Thank you to Interfaith Grand River for organizing this meaningful and longstanding community gathering. We are grateful to be part of conversations that help build a more inclusive, resilient, and connected Waterloo Region.

http://www.interfaithgrandriver.org

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The Waterloo Region Immigrant Survey is now open!

If you were born outside Canada, whether you are an immigrant, refugee, international student, claimant, or temporary worker, this is an important opportunity to share your experiences and help shape future services in our region.

Your feedback can help improve supports in areas such as:

• Housing
• Employment and education
• Health and well-being
• Belonging and community connection

The survey takes about 10–20 minutes
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Anonymous and voluntary

At GRFS, we believe that every voice matters. By sharing our experiences, we can help build a more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive Waterloo Region for everyone ????

Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit:
www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/ImmigrantSurvey

The post The Waterloo Region Immigrant Survey is now open! appeared first on GRFS.

For many, Victoria Day marks a long weekend, the arrival of warmer days, and time spent with family, friends, and neighbours. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the diverse communities that make Canada a place where people from many backgrounds can live, learn, and grow together.

At Grand River Friendship Society, we believe that strong communities are built through understanding, inclusion, and meaningful connection. Days like this remind us of the importance of contributing positively to the society we call home.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and meaningful Victoria Day

The post Victoria Day: A Moment to Reflect on Community and Belonging appeared first on GRFS.

Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS) is proud to announce that we have received funding from the Government of Canada’s Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) – Events Component to present the United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival.

This exciting community event will take place on:

Saturday, July 11, 2026
Victoria Park Pavilion, Kitchener, Ontario
Free and Open to the Public

About the Festival

United in Voices is a one-day intercultural festival designed to bring people together through:

•  Live multicultural music and performances
•  Youth-led dialogue sessions
• Art and storytelling activities
• Community organization booths
• Cultural exchange and celebration

The festival aims to strengthen intercultural understanding, promote inclusion, and create meaningful opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

Live Performance by Duende Kings

We are delighted to welcome the internationally acclaimed music group Duende Kings, who will perform a free two-hour live concert as part of the festival.

Known for their vibrant blend of flamenco, Latin, and world music influences, Duende Kings will bring an unforgettable musical experience that reflects the spirit of cultural diversity and unity.

Our Vision

At Grand River Friendship Society, we believe that dialogue, art, and shared experiences have the power to build stronger and more inclusive communities.

United in Voices is more than a festival. It is an opportunity to:

Foster mutual understanding across cultures and faiths
Address racism and discrimination through community dialogue
Empower youth as leaders and bridge-builders
Create a stronger sense of belonging for everyone

We are excited to offer an event that we hope will become a meaningful and lasting tradition in the Waterloo Region.

Funding Acknowledgement

This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program.

The post United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival appeared first on GRFS.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to introduce our community, share the work we are doing at GRFS, and connect with diverse organizations across the region. Throughout the evening, we exchanged ideas, explored future collaborations, and built meaningful relationships that we hope will grow into long-term partnerships supporting our community.

We are grateful to everyone who visited our table and contributed to such a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. Events like these remind us of the importance of belonging, connection, and celebrating the diversity that makes Waterloo Region feel like home

The post Multicultural Connections 2026 appeared first on GRFS.

Wednesday, May 6
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Kitchener Public Library

Meet new people
Experience different cultures
Connect with community organizations
Snacks and children’s activities provided
Interpretation available in multiple languages

We look forward to seeing you there and connecting with our amazing community

The post Multicultural Connections 2026 appeared first on GRFS.

As Grand River Friendship Society, we were truly happy to be part of this meaningful gathering alongside our friends and youth. On the evening of February 26, we came together in a warm and welcoming space, where we had the opportunity to learn more about our hosts and share in meaningful conversations.

It was a beautiful evening where everyone had the chance to introduce themselves and share their experiences. We deeply value these kinds of gatherings, as we believe that getting to know one another is essential for building stronger and more understanding communities.

We are grateful to have been included in this program and would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved.

The post Bridging Cultures appeared first on GRFS.

May this sacred month bring peace, reflection, compassion, and renewed hope to every home and every heart. Ramadan reminds us of the importance of generosity, gratitude, and caring for one another — values that connect communities across cultures and borders.

Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful month filled with blessings, unity, and wellbeing.

The post Ramadan Mubarak appeared first on GRFS.