“Everyone deserves kindness; it is essential for us to thrive. Try Some!”

The 2021-2022 Kindness Foundation Scholarship Recipients

January 16, 2023

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 year’s Kindness Foundation Scholarship recipients.

Ashki Shkur

Kindness Foundation of Canada Nadine Marshall  Scholarship

I am originally from Kurdistan but I moved to Canada in 2017. I will be attending the University of British Columbia to study Microbiology and Immunology, with the goal of attending Medical School at UBC as well. While I care greatly about my academics, I also greatly value my extracurriculars. I am especially interested in the topics of empowerment, kindness and giving to people in need. As a refugee, I know the challenges of displacement, vulnerability and exploitation that threaten newcomers in Canada. Which is why I have consistently worked to find ways to make refugees feel safe and supported in making the transition to a new country more accessible. From 2017 to 2021, I have organized the Ride for Refuge, an annual fundraising event supporting refugee claimants in Metro Vancouver. Each year, I lead a team of over 20 riders to fundraise and bring awareness to refugee crises around the world. As captain, I email individuals for donations, recruit participants, and reach out to local bakeries and grocery stores to provide the team with food on the day of the event. I also create the route for the riders and communicate with the team to ensure that we are ready to perform. Through this initiative, I have raised over $6,000 for refugees, and inspired others to start similar initiatives.

Similarly, as an advocate for gender equality, I co-founded the Britannia Girls Can Talk program, which strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students can come together to discuss gender inequality issues without fear of judgment. Through this organization, I hope to spread inclusivity and promote discussion in areas where female issues may be stigmatized. My life experiences have taught me to advocate for social issues and marginalized communities. The trauma and pain associated with my personal journey have made me a persistent advocate and have taught me that building better communities is the essence of life itself.

Lastly, I would like to express my greatest gratitude to the Kindness Foundation for awarding me with The Kindness Foundation of Canada, Nadine Marshall Scholarship.

 

  

Catherine Yap

The Prince of Wales Secondary – Kindness Foundation of Canada Della Paul Memorial Scholarship

The reason I value kindness so much is because I want to be someone I can look up to and respect. To me, kindness can be helping others whether it is with schoolwork or sticking around with friends in need. Kindness also means being nice to yourself. This means loving, caring, and encouraging yourself. So, as I move on into my future, I will continue to work towards being a kinder person to myself and to others.

 Maya Lehman

The Lord Byng Secondary – Kindness Foundation of Canada Della Paul Memorial Scholarship

 Maya Lehman is a graduating student from Lord Byng Secondary School. She has spent the last five years volunteering at the West Point Grey Community Centre, as well as contributing to her school. Maya has spent hundreds of hours working with children in her local community during events, summer day camps, and activity-based courses. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Maya founded and ran her school’s first ever Karaoke club, which has created a safe and supportive environment for over 100 students to express themselves and connect through music and performance. She has also served as a peer counsellor, using active listening and other techniques to serve as a friend, support, and role model to the youth at Lord Byng. In the fall, Maya will be studying at the University of British Columbia, where she plans to major in psychology.

 Lindsey Frankel

The Lord Byng Secondary – Kindness Foundation of Canada Della Paul Memorial Scholarship

 “This past summer, I submitted my artwork as well as a written personal statement to the David Suzuki Art for Climate Justice workshop, which was a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and promote the United Nations COP26 Climate Summit. I submitted my work in the hope that I would be considered to speak on a topic I am passionate about through my art alongside 39 other Canadian artists from all different regions and backgrounds. Once I was selected, my role was to contribute an original painting on the topic of the world’s climate crisis and a written statement about the impact of the crisis on younger generations. From meeting with the other volunteers over virtual workshop sessions, I felt comfort in seeing a community come together to take action over something that often feels hopeless. In our Zoom breakout rooms I was able to meet individuals from all regions of Canada and hearing their perspectives on the climate crisis allowed me to see the issue through a variety of different lenses and circumstances. This project resulted in my artwork being displayed on the David Suzuki Foundation’s website and social media accounts that was used to build momentum for COP26. In addition, over 3,000 posters of our artwork were downloaded and used at a climate justice rally on Parliament Hill in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Summit. The Climate Summit resulted in the signing of the Glasgow Climate Pact and agreement on the Paris Rule Book, commitments by world leaders to focus on achieving a sustainable environment for the future. I feel empowered to have my artwork used in such a way for a cause I believe so strongly in; I hope to continue creating artwork that evokes conversation and has an impact for positive change.”