A London, Ontario teenager is expanding a non-profit organization she founded to support hospitalized children, offering creative outlets and a sense of connection during challenging times. Ayona Jaswal, 15, launched The Kindness and Smile Zone last summer, driven by her own experiences with frequent hospitalizations following liver surgery shortly after birth.
Jaswal, a student at A.B. Lucas Secondary School, initially created digital activity packs filled with puzzles and games. The project gained momentum after a young recipient shared a completed Canadian flag activity with her, inspiring Jaswal to believe the initiative could reach more children. “I thought that even if one kid checks it out, they could share their work with me and I could write a little comment back to them and hopefully bring a smile to their face,” Jaswal said.
The Kindness and Smile Zone now provides access to these activity packs online, alongside personalized kindness cards and letters penned by a growing network of volunteers. The organization’s mission is to “provide children the chance to be creative and have fun, even during the hardest times,” according to its website.
The organization has attracted over 25 volunteers from nine countries, including Canada, the United States, India, the Philippines, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Volunteers assist in creating activities and writing letters to hospitalized children. Jaswal has likewise expanded the organization’s offerings to include educational blog posts on topics such as mental health, illnesses, and dealing with diagnoses, as well as a webinar series featuring doctors and medical students.
The Kindness and Smile Zone has also partnered with other organizations, including Stuffies for Smiles, and is a member of London’s Pillar Nonprofit Network. Anahí González, Pillar’s membership specialist, stated the network was “immediately impressed by the care and creativity behind Ayona’s work,” and that the organization exemplifies “community-led action that connects care with creativity in tangible and heartfelt ways.” González added that the organization aligns with Pillar’s commitment to “supporting initiatives that build a more connected and equitable community.”
Jaswal has also been collecting stuffed animals, amassing around 250 in recent months, with plans to donate them to children in hospitals and potentially raise funds for Sick Kids Hospital, where she received treatment. To support the organization’s growth, Jaswal has independently funded efforts by saving approximately $900 from her own allowance and birthday money. She has also self-published a novella, “Colours for Courage,” on Amazon, with proceeds benefiting The Kindness and Smile Zone.
Currently operating without external funding, Jaswal acknowledges the need to begin fundraising and applying for grants to sustain the organization’s expansion. While activities are presently available in digital format, she hopes to eventually offer printed versions. “After doing a collaboration, or seeing a kid share their work with us, that definitely makes me feel like the work and time we’re putting in is a good thing,” she said. “It’s a good way to give back to the community.”
