Stories to Share

Overcoming Grief and Loss

Posted on: August 6th, 2021

Denise knows about loss. Over a short period of time, Denise lost three family members – first her parents, and then, a few months later, her brother also suddenly passed away. The grief was overwhelming, making it difficult to cope. When a family member suggested she move nearby to get additional support, Denise jumped at […]

Thank You for 25 Years of Playing With Purpose

Posted on: August 3rd, 2021

When co-founders Bob Shantz, Richard Dyck and John Unruh joined forces to create the first-ever Friendship Golf tournament, they set in motion the opportunity to Play with Purpose at an event that has now raised more than $1-million to support those who are homeless. This represents thousands and thousands of men finding hope, healing and […]

Because You Helped Katealyn, Now She’s Helping Others

Posted on: July 23rd, 2021

Katealyn’s life has come full circle. When she was young, her mother received support from House of Friendship’s Live and Learn program, getting support to help her manage day-to-day challenges of being a single mother. Years later, Katealyn also turned to House of Friendship for help. After a difficult relationship ended, Katealyn found herself caring […]

No Longer Alone

Posted on: July 9th, 2021

Dorothy Anne isn’t sure how she could have weathered the storms of her life without support. Thanks to the Neighbourhood Food program at Chandler Mowat Community Centre, she didn’t have to. For the past five years, Dorothy Anne has helped provide care to her autistic grandson, after his mother died of cancer. She gave up […]

Reducing Barriers to Addiction Treatment

Posted on: June 18th, 2021

A partnership between the Region of Waterloo, Sanguen Health Services, Stonehenge Therapeutic Services, and House of Friendship will make it easier for those struggling with addiction to get the help they need. In May, House of Friendship’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM) began providing service one day a week at Kitchener’s Consumption and Treatment […]

Tech for Good is Changing the Odds

Posted on: June 16th, 2021

A meeting of minds has led to a creative collaboration that is changing the odds for children in Waterloo Region. At House of Friendship’s virtual Annual General Meeting on June 15, Sandy Currie and Tobi Day-Hamilton shared the story of how Google, Launch Waterloo and House of Friendship came together to provide STEAM (Science, Technology, […]

Mourning the Loss of 215 Children

Posted on: June 3rd, 2021

We are deeply saddened to learn of the remains of 215 children found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last week, uncovered by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation’s investigation. We recognize that local Indigenous communities are mourning this loss and are impacted by the ongoing harm of colonization and intergenerational trauma.  With 139 […]

Celebrating Eid with Our Muslim Friends

Posted on: May 10th, 2021

It’s a special time of the year for our Muslim neighbours – and for the first time, House of Friendship’s Neighbourhood Food program is celebrating with them. Eid al-Fitr is a time when Muslims break their fast of Ramadan with a special meal. This pilot project at the Neighbourhood Food Program is supporting those who […]

Friendship at the Heart of Volunteering

Posted on: April 24th, 2021

Vannah moved to Canada two years ago.  At the time, she was unsure, shy, and unfamiliar with her new community. She hardly knew anyone in her new country. Volunteering with House of Friendship made all the difference for Vannah. “I’ve met a lot of wonderful friends,” she says. For Vannah, her role at the Emergency […]

Volunteers Make an Impact at the Emergency Shelter

Posted on: April 23rd, 2021

“I wanted them to get to know me, outside of my uniform,” says Jesse. “And I wanted to get to know them, too.” Jesse used to be a security guard in downtown Kitchener and often interacted with people experiencing homelessness.  He decided he wanted to develop new relationships with them.  And so, he began volunteering […]