Everyone Deserves A Smile Comox Valley Celebrates 20th Anniversary

A Comox Valley Schools program that has become a cornerstone of giving back marks its 20th anniversary this year.

Active for 12 years in Comox Valley Schools, Everyone Deserves a Smile has 22 schools participating this season.

This year, the initiative expands its reach beyond the local community, touching lives in
Campbell River, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, qathet, and Red Deer school districts.

Spearheaded by a team at Ecole Puntledge Park, students and staff from various schools collaborate in preparing and distributing care packages.

Over 26,000 care packages have been distributed to those in need or experiencing homelessness.

This year, the preparation days are scheduled for December 7th and 8th.

The program does need donations by next Tuesday, December 5th:
• For 900 Men/Non-Binary individuals: Woolen socks, XL-sized toques, and
scarves.
• For 500 Women: Woolen socks, medium-sized toques, and scarves.

The district says the program, while brightening the lives of those who receive the packages, also impresses upon students the importance of the choices they make today in setting a course for their futures.

Below are the designated locations where physical donations can be dropped off:

• Ecole Puntledge Elementary (primary drop-off location)
• Comox Community Centre
• Vancouver Island Regional Libraries in Comox, Courtenay, and Cumberland
• Starbucks, Near Boston Pizza Location:
• Uptown Yarns
• Coastal Community Credit Union, Near Superstore
• Evergreen Club in the Florence Filberg Centre
• RE/MAX Realty, Courtenay
• Studio IPF: Inner Pursuit Fitness