15 February 2026 - 11:00 am
Join us for our annual Darwin Day celebration
Our celebration this year consists of our usual brunch at the Huether Hotel, but with complimentary coffee and cake courtesy of SOFREE. Also, two episodes of Dr. Stephen Hawking’s incredible Grand Design film series will be shown: The Meaning of Life and Did God Create the Universe? The series is narrated by award-winning English actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
The Meaning of Life Does life have purpose or meaning beyond mere existence? Drawing on decades of scientific insight and intellectual courage, Dr. Stephen Hawking examines the nature of reality through physical laws of the universe and the perennial human quest for understanding.
Did God Create the Universe? This episode shifts to how the universe came into being. Dr. Stephen Hawking traces human explanations of its origins from ancient myths to modern scientific models. He explains that a universe could arise spontaneously through natural law with no need for a divine architect. He further argues that treating time and causation as principles that precede the universe is a conceptual error, as time itself came into existence with the cosmos. The question of who or what created the universe is flawed because it assumes a temporal framework that does not form until after the universe exists.
We have reserved the Barley Works Boardroom for our event. Enter through the Huether’s front door as usual, go up the stairs, and then up the next flight of stairs.
RSVP is needed by FEBRUARY 13 to: Events@sofree.ca if you will be joining us. We need to know the number of friends in advance to coordinate seating with venue staff.
Donations would be much appreciated. Contributions can be made via e-transfer to: Treasurer@sofree.ca or in cash. You will get a tax receipt for your donation.
The Huether Hotel is at 59 King Street North (Waterloo). Free parking options on Sundays: various street parking; small parking lot behind the Huether Hotel; at the Waterloo Public Library lot at 35 Albert St (just south of Princess St).