Testimonials

At The Kindness and Smile Zone, Ayona Jaswal and our team are honored by the incredible people who make our mission possible! Every smile shared, kindness spread, and partnership built reflects the heart of our growing movement.

Take a moment to read these heartfelt words and stories shared by our diverse community, from our dedicated volunteers (past & present) and team executives to incredible community partners, organizations, guest speakers, event participants, government officials, and supporters. See firsthand how, together, we are spreading hope, comfort, and connection both locally and around the globe!

Learn more here and here.

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 The 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 The Kindness and Smile Zone was one of them.

We were immediately impressed by the care and creativity behind Ayona’s work. Welcoming The 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. The 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

In his 1 year anniversary recognition letter for The Kindness and Smile Zone, Premier Ford shared: "Know that you’re contributing to a more compassionate province and helping shape a future where service, leadership and hope flourish because of people like you."  

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario 2026

In his recognition letter, Mayor Morgan highlighted: "To all involved with The Kindness and Smile Zone: your compassion, initiative, and service are strengthening our community and reaching far beyond it." 

Josh Morgan, Mayor of London Ontario 2026

In his recognition letter, MP Lawton shared: "The Kindness and Smile Zone exemplifies the positive impact that young people can have when they commit themselves to serving others." 

Andrew Lawton, MP of Elgin—St. Thomas—London South 2026

In her recognition letter, MP Kayabaga shared: "You are proof that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but changemakers today." 

Arielle Kayabaga, MP of London West 2026

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 (Past Webinar speaker)

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 joined The Kindness and Smile Zone recently, I have already felt welcomed and supported. What I enjoy most is being part of a community that shares the same goal of spreading kindness and making a positive impact. This experience has motivated me to develop my skills, connect with people from different backgrounds, and contribute to meaningful work. I look forward to continuing my volunteer journey and taking part in more projects with the team. 

Kawtar, Current volunteer

Working with The Kindness and Smile Zone has been an incredibly uplifting experience. What I enjoy most is the supportive, welcoming environment and the shared goal of spreading positivity. Being part of a community that genuinely cares about making a meaningful, cheerful impact on people's lives has really inspired me and made me feel connected to something bigger. Ayona’s leadership has helped make this experience extra special. 

Manya Mehrotra, Current volunteer

I had the privilege of working as the Co-Director of the Fundraising, Grants, and Awards Team, and I truly enjoyed being part of The Kindness and Smile Zone from the very beginning. It was an inspiring experience to help support a youth-led mission that brings joy, comfort, and hope to children in medical settings. Being part of such a caring and dedicated team has been incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its growth and impact.

Harshini K, Past 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

I love being able to connect with people and make a difference in children's lives. I have been able to meet amazing people who support my vision of the future.

Saiesha T., Current volunteer

I enjoy how welcoming and nice the people are, and I also enjoyed working here since it does not have much pressure. 

Volunteer

An amazing volunteer experience that makes it easy to give back. Knowing that our work creates tangible joy and comfort for pediatric patients is truly special

Raissa G., Current volunteer

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

Sifa Siraj, Past 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 the team.

Shiwali Gupta - Social Media Executive (Current 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.

• Real action and selfless intentions. Kindness is the consistent choice of showing genuine empathy and consideration to others without expecting anything in return.

• To me, kindness means helping others, treating them with gentleness and softness, and showing them appreciation.

Responses from community members

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

• The fact that this community is so helpful and supportive, especially Ayona. She is so supportive and sweet like she has answered so many of my questions even if they are obvious or basic to know about. Also the fact that we get to connect with so many different people with different ideas. 

• 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.

• I’ve just joined but so far it seems like a beautiful way to give back to the community, network with like minded individuals and grow my resume.

• Love the connection, teamwork, and support from everyone and the shared cause to make a positive difference! Appreciate Ayona's helpful leadership that ensures everything goes smoothly.

• Enjoy being able to help others, lend them a hand, and lift them out of their sadness to give them new hope in life, while constantly developing myself as an ambitious person with clear goals.

• Being able to help others, not hurting anyone (generous/humble) and being there for anyone who needs you/help.

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.

• It made me gain more experience and knowledge that includes leadership skills, despite the fact that this was my first time working this type of an position.

• I am still new here, but from looking at the Instagram account, I felt that they are amazing and that I want to be like them—leaving my mark and name in people's hearts.

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.

• As a founder of an organization I also used so many types of ideas that this organization uses like having a master document. This community is genuinely amazing to work with.

• This community has really helped me enhance my skill set, meet some great people,  build experience, and make a real world impact.

• I mean, working all these thing's does make me feel proud to be part of to.

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