Welcome to the "Smiles Across Borders" blog, where we invite you to participate in a significant journey. Our focus is on fostering connections and transcending borders, all with the goal of making the world a better place. In this inaugural post, we're here to share our accomplishments and give you a glimpse of our future vision.
It was in the elementary classroom that Founder & President Michael Wang participated in an activity of writing to imaginary pen pals. He was disengaged because these students were imagery and identified a gap in creating meaningful connections. Later on he sparked an idea that would later transform into "Smiles Across Borders." Fast forward to the challenges of COVID-19, and Michael's vision became a reality. With just a pen and paper, he bridged the gap between students in developed nations and those in developing countries, fostering empathy and global understanding. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we see the impact of heartfelt letters changing lives worldwide!
At 'Smiles Across Borders,' our mission is clear. “To create a global exchange of love and compassion by sending handwritten letters internationally to students in developing countries while promoting volunteerism among youth”. It's a journey driven by empathy.
Our progress has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the York Region Summer Company Grant, a vital foundation for our mission. This grant has given us the resources we need to broaden our reach and create a more significant positive impact.
For those seeking a deeper insight into the program that has brought us to this point, you can find comprehensive information on our blog page through the provided links. However, our journey encompasses more than just financial support; it revolves around forming meaningful partnerships. Collaboration is at the core of our efforts, and the results have been truly rewarding. We have actively reached out to over 100 potential collaborators, and it's worth noting our successful connections with schools in five different countries, a significant milestone. Additionally, we're proud to mention that we've garnered the support of over 1,000 dedicated volunteers who have played a crucial role in our mission's success. Notably, our partnership with schools in Uganda facilitated through the Haba an Haba food bank, the largest food bank in Uganda, stands out as a significant achievement.
Their mission aligns seamlessly with ours, and we're honored to be associated with their impactful work. The impact of 'Smiles Across Borders' reflects the dedication of our volunteers and supporters. Our initiative thrives with over 5,000 letters sent and participation from over 50 schools. These heartfelt letters have made a difference and created lasting connections. We're pleased to share that our mission has expanded into various schools across various countries including Canada, the U.S.A., China, and many more. Within Canada, we have connections from British Columbia to Alberta, and Ottawa, and even international institutions in California. But this is just the beginning.
Your involvement can start with donating through our website or joining our program. When you sign up, our dedicated volunteer coordinator will provide guidance on the letter-writing process, along with instructions on where to send your heartfelt messages. All the information you need is available on our website, and we encourage you to take part in this with us.
As we embark on this journey together, we're confident that we can make a positive impact on the world and create connections that know no borders.
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