After feeling a lack of social and emotional connection due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the desire to connect with others within my community who might also be feeling the same. As this was not physically possible, I began a community service project called “Smiles for Miles.”
With many families already facing hardships before the pandemic, my goal was to ease their worries and brighten their spirits by assisting them with their needs. In September, with the Christmas season quickly approaching, I reached out to Burnaby Family Life and was fortunate to partner with them for the upcoming Christmas campaign. I was made aware families were in need of various daily necessities such as soap bars, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and shampoo. I applied and was awarded a community service grant from NSG.
In December, with the help of the grant and donations from generous donors, I began sewing face cloths to be made into toiletry kits. After many visits to local pharmacies and grocery stores for products as online ordering was not feasible due to purchase limits, I was finally able to assemble 120 daily necessity kits wrapped in sustainable packaging. On December 21, the kits were delivered to Burnaby Family Life where they were later distributed to immigrant families and single mothers within my community. Although I was not able to personally meet the families, I was able to experience their reactions through Photos which brought a sense of fulfillment I will not soon forget.
Being able to support my community and bring smiles during such an uncertain time has been the most rewarding part of my service project. My goal is to bring awareness to others so they may understand the importance of community involvement and what little acts of kindness and support can do to bring our communities together. I look forward to continuing my community involvement bringing smiles for miles!
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