A 16-year-old Richmond student recently gave out winter care packages to community members in need to spread warmth during the holiday season.
"I know the holidays can be kind of hard for a lot of people. And I thought, by putting together some care packages, it would just make things a little bit easier and put a smile on some people's faces," said Eden Wu, a student from Steveston-London secondary.
Wu distributed her care packages at St. Alban Anglican Church on Dec. 12, which included bandages, instant noodles, gloves, socks and Christmas cards.
The care packages are part of Wu's community initiative, Project PacKits, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Since the project's inception, she has distributed all kinds of care packages to people in need including hygiene and back-to-school packages, many of which are delivered in reusable bags made by Wu.
Wu's passion for giving was inspired by her family mission trip to the Pandita Ramabai Mission Centre in India a few years ago, where she was welcomed with generosity and kindness.
In particular, a friendship bracelet from one of the girls at the centre remains close to her heart after all these years.
"I know it was just a small gesture, but it just warms my heart a lot. And it reminded me (of) the power of giving," Wu explained.
To "carry on the idea of giving," Wu decided to start her care package initiative.
The point of the project extends beyond "materialistic things," she said, adding the project's tagline is "love included."
"I want it to also be a reminder (to recipients) that they are loved during the holiday season. Or if they're struggling through anything, that someone is looking over them and caring about them."
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