Working outside of Work

A couple years ago, while working on the Free the Children - Me to We moment in Ontario. I was surrounded by individuals that have each earned their way to the event by: raising money to build a school, collecting clothes for those in need or anything/ everything that make a difference in someone else’s life. 

I told myself I would start something of my own. And that’s how ProjectSmile was started. On November 15th, 2017 I set the intention to give back this Holiday Season and give up a bit of time to volunteer at a Soup Kitchen (which landed 20 spots at the Good Shepherd Ministries in Toronto) and collect needed items for those that could use the support. 

Why the Good Shepherd Ministries shelter? Well, everything and anything helps. With a lot of the support from Toronto and the east end of the city. Good Shepherds also was looking to fill a couple volunteer positions, this worked out amazingly!

As humans, we consume so much! All be do is buy and make purchases, which results in clutter and producing our own form of “waste.” I wanted to do something about it so with some research and planning ProjectSmile launched it’s pilot project on December 30th, 2017. 

• Fact: Shelters of any short will not accept used items due to safety/ health concerns

Why should you donate to your local Salvation Army? The Salvation Army in Canada is a great non-profit organization that provides anything and everything in the support of others through: Food Services, Emergency Disaster Services, Housing and Shelters, Social Services, Thrift Stores and much more! (to add to the list, the SAprovides discounts and shopping vouchers to shelters to provide a shopping experience to those who know what they needs and can buy what they want!)

The idea started from one group of friends and led to another. Soon we had many communities interested in participating and collecting for the clothing drive. Many more wanted to come out to volunteer which was a great problem to have and something really fun to organize because everyone was doing it with their best intent first. 

With everyone’s combined efforts, hard work and warm hearts we made any impact of: 

• 45 bags to the Salvation Army (used articles)
• 12 bags to the Good Shepherd Ministries (new articles) 
• 3 hours of Soup Kitchen volunteering 

To everyone who made a difference, THANK YOU! Click here to read the article written by Salvation Army

For more photos and inspiration… Let’s connect on your next idea - [email protected]