More than 40 Richmond youths hit the streets to spread kindness to strangers in the city.
The kindness project, titled Gardens of Kindness, was led by Grade 11 student Miranda Se, who wanted to bring joy to the Richmond community.
They handed out 100 gift packages in the Steveston and Minoru areas in August.
Each package included a handwritten card, a packet of flower seeds, a painted stone and some with a Tim Hortons gift card.
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives provided $500 through their Neighbourhood Small Grant program for Se to purchase supplies for the project.
Se told the Richmond News the idea came from the desire to address feelings of isolation that some people in the community were experiencing.
“Through this project, we hope to not only foster a sense of community within the neighbourhood by preparing the packages together, but to also bring our enthusiasm to the broader community," said Se.
"The purpose of the flowers is for them to bloom into a colourful display that spreads positivity to everyone who sees them. We are pleased that people have been happy to receive our random acts of kindness.”
She mentioned many of the strangers in the Steveston and Minoru areas were surprised and grateful when they were approached by the youth with gifts.
"When they were reading the cards, they looked happy that kids were reaching out outside the community and making that connection," said Se.
"We're just so appreciative and grateful to be able to do this project and meet people in our city."
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