Stories to Share

One Moment Changed Everything

Posted on: December 12th, 2022

Adam’s life changed in just one moment, when he fell from a roof on a construction site.  In some ways, he was lucky – his injuries (broken ribs, a twisted back and an injured spleen) weren’t life-threatening.  But in other ways, he wasn’t so lucky. That’s because his doctor prescribed opiates for his pain and […]

Thank You Lexington Public School!

Posted on: December 7th, 2022

Following Thanksgiving this year, Lexington Public School’s Grade One and Two classes came up with an idea – to help those without holiday meals at Christmas.   This one idea resulted in a massive fundraiser operated by the students in partnership with Kernels Popcorn at Conestoga Mall. For five weeks, these classes collected popcorn orders […]

Our Team is Growing – Be a Part of Something Special!

Posted on: December 1st, 2022

We are thrilled to share that the House of Friendship team is growing! Big things are coming to our shelter program, and we are now hiring for several new, critical positions. At House of Friendship, we genuinely believe in what we are doing every day. We aim to make a difference for the members of our […]

Celebrating 20 Years of Rotary Turkey Drive

Posted on: November 25th, 2022

It all started with a single thought. “Wouldn’t it be nice if children in need could also have a turkey dinner for Christmas?” Barry Abelson had this revelation while visiting House of Friendship’s Emergency Food Hamper program in December 2003 and realized that families only received cans of food. Barry thought they deserved better at […]

Hockey Helps the Homeless Raises $285,000!

Posted on: November 17th, 2022

Congratulations to the team at Hockey Helps the Homeless Waterloo Region, which raised an incredible $285,000 at this year’s tournament, held in October. This creates a nine-year total of $1.9-million, setting up the team to reach the $2-million milestone at its 10th anniversary of supporting local shelters, including House of Friendship. Thank you to the […]

Building Community Through Food

Posted on: September 23rd, 2022

A group of women who love cooking and community have joined together to provide meals for seniors and people living on their own in the Chandler Mowat neighbourhood. Through a ‘Love My Hood’ grant from the City of Kitchener, and with support from House of Friendship and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, just over […]

“We Believe in What You are Doing”

Posted on: September 16th, 2022

An innovative approach that was already underway before COVID-19 struck has proved a lifesaver for local organizations – and Lyle S. Hallman Foundation is leading the way. Typically, large grantors like Lyle S. Hallman Foundation require lengthy application processes, creating an extra burden on nonprofit organizations – both in applying for grants, and reporting back […]

You Helped Me Get the Life I Have Today

Posted on: September 9th, 2022

The day that Nancy realized she was out of food was a tough one. “It was really embarrassing to have to ask for help,” said Nancy. “It was deeply humiliating. But I was desperate.” Back in 1969, the 17-year-old had just started her studies at the University of Waterloo. Nancy was all set for her […]

A Warm Welcome

Posted on: August 19th, 2022

For Sabrina, living in Canada is a dream come true. Sabrina and her family came here two years ago to escape the growing violence and chaos in her home country of Argentina. “It was very dangerous,” said Sabrina. “When you arrive home from work, you have to keep an eye out. You have to get […]

Kindness is a Choice

Posted on: August 5th, 2022

Jim Furlong knows what it’s like to grow up with very little. As an orphan, Jim stayed in foster care. He often got in trouble at school, and struggled to find his place in the world. When he was 12, Jim had to make a choice. He could either provide labour on a farm, or […]