Community Connect - January 2026 WRCF e-newsletter

Community Connect - January 2026
January 2026                                                                View this email in your browser
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WRCF’s monthly e-newsletter to keep you connected to granting information, investing, what’s new, and ways we are mobilizing and collaborating to make an impact in our community.

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Blog: Six Predictions for 2026: A More Connected Waterloo Region

WRCF's President & CEO, Eric Avner, reflects on a world of constant change and shares six 2026 predictions for a stronger and more connected Waterloo Region.

Read more

Community by Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region

Local program and events board with numerous posters
Join WRCF and partners on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:15 PM at the Main Branch of Kitchener Public Library for the official launch of a 5-part Podcast Series - Community by Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region.
We will be hosting a panel discussion to share some thoughts from several community members who are leading local social infrastructure initiatives and featured in the podcast series. 
Register for the in-person event
This event is supported by:

Tune in this weekend for the first episode of our Podcast Series🎧

We’ve partnered with Midtown Radio to launch a new podcast series focused on social infrastructure. This series dives deeper into the themes from Waterloo Region’s 2025 Vital Signs® report.
 
The first episode of Community by Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region will air at 11:00 AM this Saturday & Sunday (January 17 and 18).
Listen to the trailer

Forever in our hearts: Dr. John Moffat

Image of Dr. John Moffat smiling
Dr. John Moffat spent his life in service of community prior to his passing on December 31, 2025. He was integral to the establishment of the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation, a significant part of WRCF’s history, and served as a founding Board Member.

Forever active in the community, Dr. Moffat established the John H. Moffat Fund, which will continue his lifelong support of the Cambridge community.
Read more and consider a donation to his fund

Applications for Kids to Camp Grants close next week

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Approximately $275,000 will be distributed in 2026, focused on providing subsidies for children and youth attending camp.

Applications close: January 21, 2026
Learn more and apply
Group of diverse children smiling together

Since its inception, The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund has distributed more than $1.9 million to support children and youth who reside in Waterloo Region in having a camp experience.

Read about five examples of programs supported through the fund

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Culinary camp arms young newcomers with ingredients to succeed

Youth taking part in WODI's Cook Craft Culinary Camp

Women of Dignity International (WODI)’s Cook Craft Culinary Camp was a month-long in-person day camp that provided hands-on culinary training for children and youth in a fun and engaging environment. This program was supported by The Waterloo Region Record – Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund, held at WRCF.

Read more
Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery Winifred Shantz award graphic
Meaning of Home Contest Graphic

The Meaning of Home contest is back!

Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region is inviting students in grades 4-6 to share their Meaning of Home for a chance to win a grant toward a Waterloo Region build. Every entry is a $10 donation to their local Habitat, and this is a great opportunity for students to learn about giving back to their community while improving their creative writing skills.
Learn more
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Questions?
Contact us at info@wrcf.ca or 519-725-1806

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Blog: Six Predictions for 2026: A More Connected Waterloo Region