Cumberland Woman To Receive Medal Of Good Citizenship

A Cumberland woman is among 15 British Columbians to receive the Medal of Good Citizenship for their dedication and selfless service to their communities.

Premier David Eby says each of the recipients embodies the traits of generosity, kindness and sacrifice for the benefit of others.

Chantal Stefan is being recognized for her work with the homeless in the Comox Valley, and beyond.

Chantal founded the Everybody Deserves a Smile project in 2004 after witnessing a man looking for food in the garbage.

She began making care packages to leave out for homeless people, and later brought her program with her after accepting a teaching position at Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary School in Courtenay, eventually involving students through afternoon clubs, and in the classroom.

To date, Chantal has inspired schools and communities to paint, write, bake, write cheques and donate woolen wear to the tune of 23,000 holiday care packages for homeless shelters, soup kitchens, support agencies, and those living on the streets.

More than 13-hundred people will receive care packages this Christmas, with 910 of those benefiting from shelters in the Comox Valley - other packages will travel to shelters across Vancouver Island, and as far away as Montreal and London, England.

Chantal and the other recipients will be presented with medals at in-person ceremonies throughout the province in 2023.