Our Impact

Read our latest newsletter to see our impact!

Because of the Circle of Kindness, The AOK project has been able to assist children and youth with the following:

Dance Lessons
Recreational Activities
Summer Camp
Sports equipment
Program registration fees
Noise cancelling headphones
Art Supplies
Tuition Assistance
Counselling and Assessments
And more...

"I received a computer monitor from The AOK Project. This helped my mental health by making my life easier to do homework and video editing which I enjoy. To help complete the Circle of Kindness I helped a friend who was having a hard time, and I made sure that she talked to the school counsellor who could help her. "
- Wellness Grant Recipient, Age 16

“I received a speaker and headphones from The AOK Project. Music really helps to calm me, because sometimes I feel like my thoughts are all over the place and helps centre/ground me. I like to make cards for people in older person homes, because they might feel alone and they might feel like they don't have anyone and it is nice to help them feel less alone.

- Wellness Grant Recipient, Age 15

KINDNESS BAGS

Each year The AOK Project distributes Kindness Bags full of essential items to youth who are attending mental health programs. Many volunteers join our Circle of Kindness to help assemble the Kindness Bags

The AOK has supported the following youth organizations with our annual Kindness bags for their youth:

Vancouver Coastal Health
Richmond Mental Health
UNYA
Covenant House
VACFSS
Neighbourhood Houses
Ray Cam Community Centre
Richer Program
Broadway Youth Resource
South Vancouver Youth Centre

150 gift bags containing gift cards for groceries and personal hygiene items were distributed throughout the holiday season by The AOK Project to youth with mental health challenges in Vancouver.

"I am writing to say how grateful we are to you and the others at AOK for involving us in this wonderful program. Too often insufficient finances create major barriers for countless vulnerable youth. To receive an unexpected gift such as this during the pandemic, and especially at this time of holiday celebration, will no doubt be a significant and pragmatic boost to young people dealing with mental health challenges and financial hardships."

- Mental Health Clinician

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Volunteers Assembling Kindness Bags (above)

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Mental Health Programs distributing bags (above)

TESTIMONIALS

“It was such an absolute JOY getting to drop off the holiday Kindness Bags provided by the AOK Project to our team. I felt like Santa’s little helper, and received multiple messages from my clients saying how happy and thankful they were for the gifts. Making someone’s day made MY day. Thanks to the AOK Project for helping spread seeds of kindness in such a hard time for everyone.”

- Katrina, Mental Health Clinician

"Dear Acts of Kindness For Mental Health Foundation. I just wanted to share how happy the art supplies from The AOK Project made my youth. She asked to open the rainbow looms right away to start making bracelets, while we had our session. She was so excited to share that she plans to complete the Circle Of Kindness by making bracelets for her friends and family as a surprise, and texted them right away to ask their favorite colours. By the end of session, she had 4 bracelets made, and was so sweet to see her give one to her community centre worker right away. After I got home, this youth texted me to ask what my favorite colours are.

My heart melts. This support for her mental health comes at the perfect time, she is going through rough times and these funds are one of the few protective factors she looks forward to and is keeping her going. Much much respect and gratitude for what The AOK Project does."

- Cynthia, Mental Health Clinician

"The AOK Project has helped award funding for extracurricular activity, which allowed my client to register for golf courses and participate in community-based physical activity of his choice supporting his mental health plan. It was also very helpful in helping him learn about the gift of kindness and promoting it among his peers. AOK is a valuable community resource!"

- Paula, ADHD Clinician

"The AOK Project not only addresses immediate financial barriers but also cultivates a culture of kindness beyond individual recipients. By blending generosity, empowerment, and community building, it stands as a testament to the transformative potential of compassion in youth mental health."

- Cassie Courtnall Marketing & Project Coordinator for the Courtnall Society for Mental Health

SPREADING KINDNESS WORKSHOPS

We coordinated Circle of Kindness workshops for youth organizations in Vancouver to emphasize the benefit acts of kindness have on mental health. The workshops were led by Jasmin Mahdal and Arshdeep Kaur Waraich, who are both Master’s students from Adler University. The workshops featured a presentation and interactive activities that resonated with the youth.

"We want to give thanks to The Cedar Cottage Neighborhood House, The West Alternate Program, and The Kidsafe Program which gave us the opportunity to spread kindness through our workshops to their youth. We had so much fun and learned a lot about the importance of spreading kindness!"

-Jasmin and Arshdeep, The AOK Project 2022 Social Justice Interns

THE AOK PROJECT GOES TO SCHOOL

The AOK Project goes to school as Richmond teachers Sasha and Jessica spread kindness with their grade 3 and 4 students. Students learnt how spreading Acts of Kindness (AOK) builds compassion and empathy all while reflecting on how being kind has a positive impact on their mental health and well being.