NANAIMO — People experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo will receive care bags filled with essential items thanks to a student-led initiative organized by Georgia Avenue Elementary School.
Students and staff spearheaded the Everybody Deserves a Smile Project, collecting items such as tuques, gloves, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. They also painted care bags, made cards and baked cookies, all of which will be distributed through local non-profit organizations.
Students packed the care bags on Thursday, Dec. 18, with Grade 7 students taking on leadership roles. While the original goal was to prepare 150 bags, organizers expect to deliver 220 by the project’s completion.
Georgia Avenue vice-principal and project lead Megan Barritt-Flatt said the initiative expanded through collaboration with several Nanaimo-area schools.
“I know people at every school, so I’ll ask if anyone is interested in participating,” she said. “This year, Hammond Bay baked the cookies, Quarterway made cards, Rutherford and Nanaimo Christian School painted bags, and Georgia Avenue painted bags and collected donations. Rutherford also gathered a large amount of supplies.”
Community members also played a key role. Barritt-Flatt said donations were gathered through social media outreach, while individuals volunteered their skills. School secretary Lori Currell and Randerson Ridge education assistant Billi-Jean Reeve knit tuques, and local dentists donated toothbrushes and toothpaste. The dental hygiene program at Vancouver Island University provided toothpaste.
“People know this project exists,” Barritt-Flatt said. “They often wait for this time of year and reach out to support it.”
The project serves as a cross-curricular learning opportunity, teaching students social responsibility alongside practical math skills.
Georgia Avenue Grade 7 students said the initiative is especially meaningful during the holiday season.
“Some people don’t know how hard it is to be unhoused,” said student Lennon Stewart. “It’s really sad to see people without a home or someone to celebrate Christmas with.”
Student Mackenzie Callow added that the care bags address everyday needs. “Everyone deserves a smile,” she said. “Some people don’t receive gifts or have access to basics like gloves, tuques, toothpaste and toothbrushes that people need every day.”
