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Success Story: WarmWishes4Winter

As winter approaches, harsh weather and freezing temperatures can be especially dangerous for individuals in the community who are unhoused or facing financial hardship. Recognizing this need, Youth Creativity Fund recipient Sashreek Arunagiri, alongside his partners John Fu and Michael Zang, launched WarmWishes4Winter, a student-led initiative focused on providing warmth and comfort during the coldest months of the year.

Just before Winter Break, the team created and distributed 100 winter care packages filled with essential items, including gloves, winter beanies, hand warmers, toe warmers, emergency blankets, and handwritten holiday cards. Together, these packages were designed not only to help individuals stay warm but also to offer a sense of care, dignity, and human connection during a difficult season.

Turning Ideas into Action

After receiving the Youth Creativity Fund grant, Sashreek and his team purchased supplies in bulk and assembled each care package by hand. They also invited classmates to create handwritten holiday cards filled with messages of hope, encouragement, and warm wishes.

Once the packages were ready, they were delivered to Ray of Hope, who ensured that all 100 care packages reached community members in need throughout Waterloo Region.

Skills Gained

Through this project, Sashreek and his team developed leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, budgeting, and time management skills. Planning the initiative strengthened their organizational abilities, while working with mentors and community partners built confidence, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

Lessons Learned

One of the most important lessons was the value of working closely with experienced mentors and a community organization. Partnering with Ray of Hope gave him deeper insight into the actual needs of people experiencing homelessness, allowing him to make better-informed decisions and increase the project’s impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Sashreek shared, “Working with mentors and community organizations gave us valuable insight into what people truly needed. Their guidance helped us move beyond assumptions and create an impact that was more thoughtful and meaningful.”

Making a Difference

Sashreek, John, and Michael are proud that their project directly supported 100 community members during the winter months. Beyond providing essential items, they hope the handwritten notes helped recipients feel valued and cared for.

Looking ahead, the group plans to create a website and social media page to document the project and potentially bring WarmWishes4Winter back next year.

Sashreek encourages other students to pursue their ideas, saying, “This amazing program opens real opportunities to turn ideas into action. Learning from past recipients, planning with intention, and asking for guidance can make all the difference in creating lasting impact.”