Community Connect - September 2026 WRCF e-newsletter

WRCF's monthly e-newsletter

September 2026                                                                View this email in your browser 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. Blog: Your Vote, Your Neighbourhood WRCF's President & CEO, Eric Avner, reflects on the upcoming municipal election and how it is an opportunity to ensure our communities' social infrastructure gets recognized. Read more Lakeshore South Community Association paves pathway to connection "It unites the people from Sunnydale with people from other parts of the neighbourhood and gives easy access to the supports that are available in the area. It's forever a major pathway."  – Adam Clemens, Chair, Lakeshore South Community Association   A fence once stood between Heasley Park and Sunnydale Community Centre, limiting access to food bank distribution, youth programming, and community gathering space. With the help of WRCF's Community Grants, that fence is gone, replaced by a new accessible pathway. Read more SOUND OF SUPPORT: Galt musician Eric Bolton in tune with his community Eric Bolton is a Galt musician who has channeled his love for Cambridge into real community impact – founding Galt Love, co-creating Grand River Pride, and volunteering on WRCF's Arts Grants Committee. His efforts have boosted local tourism, uplifted small businesses, and expanded Pride celebrations across the Grand River watershed. Read more Some of many local events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Wednesday, September 30, 2026 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this date, people across Canada take the time to reflect, remember, and honour those impacted by Canada’s residential school system – the children who never returned home, their families and their communities. Below are some activities happening in our community. We encourage you to keep an eye out for more events linked to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and participate if possible. September 21–25, 2026 – Lunch and Learn Webinars (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation) September 26, 2026 – Gidinawendamin/Ska'nikú•lát 23rd Annual Pow Wow (University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations) September 30, 2026 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations) September 30, 2026 – Sacred Fire: Honouring Survivors and their Loved Ones (O:se Kenhionhata:tie) October 1, 2026 – Indigenous Voices: Stories Across Generations (Waterloo Public Library) Celebrate Welcoming Week and Join the Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival Screenings This September, Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership invites the community to celebrate the people, cultures and stories that make Waterloo Region a welcoming place for everyone. Welcoming Week, September 10 to 19, brings together community organizations across Waterloo Region that are hosting events and activities celebrating belonging, connection and the contributions of newcomers. Everyone is invited to take part, connect with others and help build a more welcoming community. The Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival also returns this year, featuring films that explore migration, identity, resilience and belonging. From September 10 to October 2, the festival will create opportunities to experience diverse stories, perspectives and conversations about migration through screenings and events across Waterloo Region. Learn more and find upcoming events: Welcoming Week Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival Peace Week 2026 Many countries and organizations around the world celebrate Peace Week every year. In Waterloo Region, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at the University of Waterloo hosts a community calendar to help spread peace and connect people across the region. It features a mix of in-person and online events happening locally between September 21-30, 2026. Learn more and submit an event for Peace Week Questions? Contact us at info@wrcf.ca or 519-725-1806 DONATE NOW Connect with us Copyright © 2026 Waterloo Region Community Foundation, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a subscriber to our e-communications. Our mailing address is: Waterloo Region Community Foundation 200-2 King Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 1A3 Canada Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.