Each year on September 30, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring residential school Survivors, remembering the children who never returned home, and recognizing the experiences of their families and communities.

The day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, represented by the message “Every Child Matters.” It is an opportunity to learn about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, listen to Indigenous voices, and reflect on the importance of respectful relationships and reconciliation.

At Grand River Friendship Society, we believe education, dialogue and understanding are essential to building stronger communities. Today, we encourage our community to take time to learn, listen and reflect.

We remember the children who never returned home, honour Survivors and their families, and recognize the strength and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

Every Child Matters.

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We extend our sincere gratitude for their visit and for the knowledge and insights they provided. It was a privilege for our organization to learn from them. Learning is only the first step. When we listen deeply, support families, uplift Indigenous voices, and act with care—love moves from feeling to practice. That’s why at GRFS, Love is a Verb.

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Each package included a cozy baby blanket, an orange shirt made specially for mothers, a baby onesie, hand-knitted baby socks, handmade bibs, and small lavender sachets—lovingly prepared by our seniors.

We’re grateful to stand in solidarity, to share kindness across communities, and to remember that the future of all children deserves love, dignity, and hope. At GRFS, service turns compassion into movement—that’s why we say: Love is a Verb. ????

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.

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But remembrance alone is not enough.
Reconciliation means action, courage, and genuine relationships — ensuring Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and valued in our communities, classrooms, and workplaces.

At GRFS, we commit to walking together, side by side, in the spirit of truth, respect, and reconciliation.

Every Child Matters.

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