Testimonials

Ayona first connected with us in September 2025 when she expressed interest in joining the Pillar community. Through our new Community Membership Program brought to you by Canada Life, we were able to offer Kindness and Smile Zone a complimentary Pillar membership. This program provides free membership to grassroots organizations and nonprofits with operating budgets under $100,000, helping remove financial barriers to connection and support. In 2025 alone, we welcomed 119 organizations through this initiative — and we were thrilled that Kindness and Smile Zone was one of them.

We were immediately impressed by the care and creativity behind Ayona’s work. Welcoming Kindness and Smile Zone into the network and getting to know Ayona has been truly inspiring as we begin building a meaningful relationship with her and her organization. Her work is a powerful example of community-led action that connects care with creativity in tangible and heartfelt ways.

At Pillar, we are committed to strengthening people and organizations across the nonprofit sector and supporting initiatives that build a more connected and equitable community. Kindness and Smile Zone reflects that spirit beautifully, and we are proud to have Ayona and her organization as part of our growing community."

Pillar Nonprofit Network

The Kindness and Smile Zone left such the sweetest and the warmest impression on me! Working with the organizers was incredibly smooth, and I felt comfortable and welcomed throughout the entire experience.  

During the session, I was genuinely inspired by how curious and interactive everyone was, it truly sparked my interest in engaging more with the younger generation. Their interest in asking about public health policies, hygiene products, and applicable facts, meant so much to me. 

 I sincerely wish you and all the attendees the very best in your lives. Stay safe and keep shining! 

Sulaf Daraghmeh, 3’MD student at AAU (Webinar speaker)

My time with the kindness and smile Zone has been amazing. I'm so glad I got to be apart of a growing impact.

Sifa Siraj - Outreach & Partnership Executive (Current volunteer)

Being part of The Kindness and Smile Zone has been a really meaningful experience for me. It inspires me daily to see the world for itself. I also see how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day and remind them that they’re not alone. I’m really grateful to be part of a team.

Shiwali Gupta - Social Media Executive (Current volunteer)

My involvement with The Kindness and Smile Zone has been one of the most fulfilling and purpose-driven experiences of my life. From assembling care cards for hospitalized children to serving as an Outreach & Partnerships Volunteer, this remarkable organization has empowered me to become a genuine catalyst for change! What makes The Kindness and Smile Zone truly extraordinary is its ability to find profound meaning in even the smallest of gestures. Through my continued service, my commitment to servant leadership and intentional community outreach has only deepened. I have come to understand that compassion, when put into action, carries an impact far greater than words can express. As I look ahead, my greatest hope is that my involvement will inspire others to step forward and be the change their communities need.

Payton Ford, Current volunteer

Although I was a volunteer at The Kindness and Smile Zone for only two months, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a wonderful team. Creating activity packs for children and seeing their responses was incredibly fulfilling; I loved that I could help brighten their day. It was a deeply rewarding experience, and I sincerely hope to be a part of this inspiring initiative again in the future!

Janani, Past volunteer

What does kindness mean to you?

• Kindness means showing care, empathy, and understanding, especially when you don’t know what someone else is going through. It’s about choosing compassion, spreading positivity, and making people feel seen, valued, and supported in small and big ways.

• Kindness means being intentional about how we treat others. It’s listening without judgment, offering support when it’s needed, and choosing empathy even when it’s easier not to. Small acts of kindness can make a bigger difference than we often realize.

• Kindness means taking the time to make someone feel valued and happy, even through small actions. It’s about spreading positivity and making the world a little brighter for others.

Responses from community members

What do you enjoy most about being part of this community?

• I enjoy how positive and uplifting the community is. Everyone genuinely wants to help others and spread happiness. It feels inspiring to see people from different places come together with the same goal of making the world a little kinder.

• I enjoy seeing how a small idea can create real impact. The activity packs, kindness cards, and educational posts show how young people can make a difference in the lives of children facing difficult situations.

• I love seeing how even small acts of kindness can inspire others. The community feels welcoming, creative, and empowering, like everyone’s efforts, no matter how little, truly matter.

Responses from community members

What impact has this community had on you?

• I think it's made me realize that I can volunteer in my own specific way. It doesn't have to be a textbook version of volunteering.

• It reminded me how powerful small acts of kindness can be. It’s also inspired me to be more mindful, compassionate, and intentional about how I support others.

• It has been a reminder that kindness can be simple, intentional, and powerful. Seeing the care and effort behind each initiative has inspired me to be more thoughtful and compassionate in my own daily life.

Responses from community members

What would you like to see more of in the future?

I would love to see more stories from people who have been impacted by kindness, as well as more opportunities for community members to get involved in projects that help children and families.

Responses from community members

What impact has this community had on you?

• It has reminded me that kindness really matters and that even small actions can have a big impact. Being part of this community motivates me to look for ways to help others and spread positivity in my own daily life.

• Being part of this community has made me more aware of the small ways I can brighten someone’s day. It’s encouraged me to notice others, be more thoughtful, and even try to spread kindness in my own school and neighborhood.

• It has motivated me to be more intentional in my daily actions and to actively look for ways to help others. It has also connected me to a supportive network of like-minded people.

Responses from community members

Is there a moment, story, or experience within The Kindness and Smile Zone that has inspired you or made you feel proud to be part of this community?

• Yes! I remember seeing the kindness cards that The Kindness and Smile Zone posted online. Reading all the thoughtful messages and seeing how they made people smile really inspired me and made me proud to be part of a community that spreads positivity in such a simple but meaningful way.

• Learning about how the digital activity packs and kindness cards are shared with children who are facing illness or isolation really stood out to me. Knowing that this community is creating real moments of comfort and joy for children made me feel proud to support and be part of such a meaningful initiative. Doing all of this at such a young age and taking the initiative to turn personal struggles into a positive outlet is amazing! Hats off to Ayona and everyone else on the team. I hope you continue to inspire more youth to take action.

Responses from community members