NDSS students are teaming up with local elementary and pre-schools to distribute care packages to area homeless shelters. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Nanaimo students bringing everyone Christmas smiles and gifts

Nov 30, 2019 | 11:56 PM

NANAIMO — A group of Nanaimo high school students are doing their part to ensure no-one goes without a Christmas present this year.

Students at Nanaimo District Secondary School are partnering with local elementary and pre-schools to build Christmas care parcels for those experiencing homelessness in the area.

Their goal is to create and donate 450 care packages to local shelters which will be handed out to those in need.

The project is done through non-profit organization Everybody Deserves A Smile (EDAS).

Local team lead and grade 12 NDSS student Elise Therrien told NanaimoNewsNOW their care packages include warm winter clothing, toothbrushes and toothpaste donated from local dentist offices, homemade cookies from a Nanaimo pre-school and cards made by elementary students.

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“(We’re) learning compassion, selflessness and giving to those who can’t afford it,” Therrien said. “Especially in Nanaimo, homelessness is a big issue. It’s important to raise awareness about that issue but also help people in need.”

The NDSS chapter of EDAS is spearheaded by the school’s leadership class of about 30 students. Another 30 are supporting through their roles on student council.

Donations can be made via collection boxes at NDSS, Quarterway, Hammond Bay, Departure Bay, École Pauline Haarer and Forest Park elementary schools, VIU or by emailing edas.nanaimo@gmail.com.

The EDAS project started in Edmonton in 2003 but is centred mainly on Vancouver Island. Similar groups in Campbell River, Port Alberni, Duncan, Victoria and other Island communities also collect donations for their local homeless shelters.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley