Aldergrove kids spread kindness across the community

Credit Saman Dara/Aldergrove Star Abby News

Liana Aigro felt proud watching her daughter, 11-year-old Everleigh, hand out flowers and cards to residents at Bellevue Park Seniors Living.

“It’s so important for kids to learn kindness,” Aigro said. “The world really needs it. We even made a new friend today we’re going to go back and see.”

Everleigh, a Grade 5 student, has participated in the Aldergrove Business Association’s (ABA) Kids for Kindness event before. Last year, she helped at Home Hardware, putting away items and opening doors for customers. This year, she said, she enjoyed spending time with seniors.

“She’s just a sweet kid, and she really enjoys helping,” Aigro said.

The third annual Kids for Kindness event brought about 40 children together on Saturday, March 7, to volunteer across the community. Activities included serving snacks at seniors’ homes, helping at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, assisting local Aldergrove businesses, picking up litter, and crafting cards.

“It was amazing to see the number of kids and parents who came out,” said Jodi Steeves, president of the ABA. “The kids were up for anything.”

This year, organizers added a new benefit: each child who volunteered received $10, with the goal of keeping half for themselves and giving the other half away to someone else in kindness.

Raman Randhawa attended with her two children, with her youngest being just two-years-old, and emphasized teaching kindness from an early age.

“I want my kids to learn how to give back, whether it’s to nature, animals, or people,” she said.

“This is the perfect opportunity for them to see how small acts can make a big difference.”

After a busy hour of volunteering, the children gathered at the Elks Hall for pizza, candy, and a 360-degree selfie experience to celebrate their efforts. Many said the highlight of the day was meeting new people and seeing the joy their actions brought to others.

The event also featured a raffle with prizes including a year-long family pass to the Greater Vancouver Zoo valued at $275, VR family passes, gift cards, and cash prizes.

Steeves said the turnout doubled compared to previous years and hopes to expand next year to accommodate more children.

“At this time in the world, it’s just nice to see all these people show up today and willing to just spread a little bit of joy,” concluded Steeves.