The Somali Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (SCAWR) began to form as an unincorporated, grassroots community organization in 1992, as many Somali people arrived in the community as refugees, and needed community and social support. In 1994 the organization was incorporated with a volunteer board of directors.

In the proceeding years, the organization developed a variety of social programs and opportunities, such as summer BBQs and soccer tournaments, along with social and educational support, such as Homework Club and the International Language Schools.

For thirty years, SCAWR has remained as a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization, providing programs, supports, and advocacy on behalf of the Somali – and often the broader African – population in Waterloo Region.