Stories to Share

  Mavis and Joe Punambolam had a history of helping others. They never thought they’d ever be in need themselves. Mavis and Joe both had steady work, in good paying jobs. They managed to pay their bills on time, and were helping their three oldest children go to university. They didn’t have any extra set […]

WATERLOO REGION – Everybody deserves a special holiday meal, including a turkey. That’s the inspiration behind the annual Turkey Drive of the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club. Now in its 12th year, the Rotary Turkey Drive helps ensure that no family is left behind at Christmas time. Every year, more than 4,000 hampers are delivered to local […]

Fredlyne is thriving in her community and growing as a leader, thanks to your support of our Neighbourhood programs including House of Friendship’s Courtland Shelley Community Centre! Fredlyne is one of many children who benefit each year from our preventative work in low income neighbourhoods throughout Waterloo Region. Research is clear that poverty stacks the […]

Sarah is focused on one goal these days – finishing her studies, and geting a job as a personal support worker. She can see the goal on the horizon – after several years of study, Sarah hopes to complete her training this December. “I can’t wait to work,” said Sarah. Sarah, 33, came to Canada […]

It took Tasneem Jamal a long time before she was able to approach writing her family’s story. There was just too much emotion. “It gestated for decades,” said Jamal. “When I finally sat down and wrote it, I was 40.” Jamal’s family story, as told in Where the Air is Sweet, chronicles an Indian family’s […]

The first time Lydia tried crack cocaine, she was hooked. “I did crack once, and I was addicted. It was an instant downhill from there.” Lydia had turned to drugs to numb the anxiety and panic triggered by recurring memories of a childhood trauma. She was in her mid-30s with a job, a family and […]

It all began with a hug. Susan had been through a lot. She had just left an emotionally abusive relationship, and was struggling. She had moved to Kitchener, with her only connection a family member. At 62 years of age and reeling from the drastic change her life had taken, Susan was unable to work. […]

Thank you! On Wednesday, July 11, more than 150 golfers joined together to Play with Purpose, helping support the Charles Street Men’s Shelter. It was a beautiful day on the links for golfers at Grand Valley Golf & Country Club and Doon Valley Golf Course. Golfers enjoyed a variety of fun activities, from chipping and […]

Matthew never expected that he could become homeless. It wasn’t part of the plan. Matthew shares his journey from homelessness to housing stability, with help from House of Friendship’s Charles Street Men’s Shelter.

Ali arrived in Canada with little more than the clothes on his back. In 2016, Ali and his family travelled from Colombia to Canada as refugees, making the journey across the Canadian-American border by foot. He, his wife and their two children each had a backpack. Everything else had been left behind. “It was very […]