Everybody Deserves a Smile (EDAS) Returns for Season 22

Comox Valley Schools is proud to support the launch of Season 22 of Everybody Deserves a Smile (EDAS), a student-led compassion and service-learning project running from November 14 to December 10.

This year, students from 22 participating schools are learning about empathy, compassion, and social responsibility while working together to create 1,500 care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness or deep vulnerability. Of these, 1,200 care packages will be delivered locally to 20 Comox Valley support agencies, with 29 partner agencies supported in total across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

EDAS is hosted by École Puntledge Park Elementary, with packaging days scheduled for December 11, 12, and 15, followed by local deliveries from December 12 to 16. An adult EDAS team will also deliver care packages to Victoria shelters and to individuals living in Vancouver.

New this year, EDAS is expanding its heart-centered work with two meaningful additions: handcrafted Indigenous care packages to honour Elders and Indigenous community members, and appreciation packages for local support-agency staff to recognize the front-line workers who care for our most vulnerable residents.

How the Community Can Support
EDAS is currently collecting scarves, wool socks and toques in adult sizes with the greatest current needs being women’s medium and men’s XL size items.

Donations can be made at several community drop-off locations in Comox, Courtenay, and Cumberland, including the Comox Community Centre, local Vancouver Island Regional Libraries, RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty, and the Evergreen Club at the Florence Filberg Centre.
Information about how to donate is on the EDAS website https://edas.ca/ or donations can be made by cheque payable to EDAS or Everybody Deserves a Smile.

EDAS continues to be a powerful example of student leadership, kindness, and active citizenship in action. Comox Valley Schools is grateful to all students, staff, families, and community partners helping to make this year’s campaign a success.

Program Contact Chantal Stefan
InspireChange@edas.ca | 250-792-0804