Message from Associate Executive Director
今年六月，Across U-hub 見證了 場由青年主導、激勵人
心的行動。這次行動的起點，並非由機構發起，而是來自 一位年輕女生 Melissa Chan 的主動關懷。她在 Instagram 上看到加拿大原住民因山火被迫撤離家園，失 去一切，深受觸動，決心不只停留於同情，而是將感動轉 化為行動。
Melissa 主動聯絡我們，尋求協助以行動實踐關懷，展開 捐贈行動。她指出，在加拿大早期歷史中，原住民曾協助 過早期的華人移民，彼此在逆境中建立了互助友誼。她相 信，今天的新一代有責任回應這段歷史情誼，將關愛延續 下去。
Dickson Yip
我們分頭行事，Melissa 聯絡相關原住民機構，Across呼 籲社區响應，社群很快作出回應，大家積極參與，於短短 五天內創造了難忘的成果：
合共收集 1,800 磅衣物、玩具及生活用品，足以裝滿 一輛小型貨車。
經過義工悉心分類後，1,400 磅最適用的物資已直接送 到有需要的家庭，確保每 份捐贈都發揮最大作用。 $550 禮品卡，支援日常所需。
70 個家庭及個人踴躍捐贈，部分物資多到超乎想像。
20 位義工把近一噸物資細心分類和包裝。
同時，感激多間社區媒體廣泛報導這次行動，讓更多人了 解和參與其中。
Message from Associate Executive Director (con’t)
難忘的人與事
有婆婆為了參與捐贈，獨自乘兩程巴士，帶著汗水與笑容 將物資親自送來。她說：「我不能只坐在家裡什麼都不 做。」她的堅持令人動容。也有新來加拿大的父親，駕車 45分鐘專程幫忙運送物資到密西沙加市。他多次向我們致 謝，其實最值得感謝的是他那份無私奉獻。
幕後的義工團隊 約20位分類義工默默付出，近十小時 無休，不辭勞苦，才能確保每 份善心都能在限時內順利 送達。
當我們將物資送到臨時安置所時，DeerLakeFirstNation 社區成員深受感動，坦言從未想過會收到這麼多支持。這 批物資其後亦會轉贈至Barrie等其他原住民的臨時安置 所，預計將惠及超過4,500名原住民。
善意漣漪，延續希望
AcrossU-hub一直相信“smallaction”的力量。
Melissa的主動燃點了社區的正能量，每 位參與者 無
論是捐贈者、義工還是家庭 都成為改變的一部分。這 個故事，在今天這個充滿不確定和分割的世界裡，顯出團 結、關懷與希望。
這就是我們渴望建立的群體 懂得感恩、樂於回應、勇 於付出。感謝每一位同行者，讓新一代明白，同理與關愛 不只是一句口號，而是每日可以選擇的實際行動。這次行 動，對所有參與的青年都是無比珍貴的鼓勵和肯定。
Melissa在回程時對我說，她今次真切感受到自己「屬於 這個群體」。微小的善舉就能凝聚無限力量，改變的不只 是他人，更是我們的生命和彼此的未來。一切的付出，都 值得。
Message from Associate Executive Director
In June, Across U-hub witnessed a truly moving action led by youth. This did not start with any organization, but with the care and initiative of a young woman named Melissa Chan. She saw on Instagram that Indigenous families in Canada were forced to leave their homes with almost nothing because of wildfires. Melissa was touched and felt that just feeling sorry was not enough she wanted to take real action.
Melissa contacted us directly raising a simple request, "Can we do something, like organize a donation drive?". She shared that, long ago in Canadian history, Indigenous people helped early Chinese immigrants They built friendships by supporting each other in hard times. Melissa believes that our generation has the responsibility to give back and continue this caring spirit.
We agreed no more, Melissa contacted the Indigenous organization right a way, and Across called the community to collect the donated goods. The community responded quickly and strongly In just five days, everyone came together and made an unforgettable impact:
We collected 1,800 lbs of clothes, toys, and daily supplies enough to fill a small truck.
After careful sorting by volunteers, 1,400 lbs of the best and most suitable items were delivered directly to families in need.
$550 in gift cards was donated to support daily necessities.
70 families and individuals made generous donations, many bringing more than we expected.
20 volunteers spent nearly 10 hours carefully sorting and packing almost a ton of supplies.
Message from Associate Executive Director (con’t)
At the same time, we thank all community media agencies for sharing our story, so even more people could learn about and join this effort.
Stories That Touched Us
One grandmother took two bus trips by herself, carrying bags of donations and a big smile, even though she was sweating She told us, “I just couldn’t sit at home and do nothing”. Her determination touched everyone. Another father, who had recently moved to Canada, drove 45 minutes to help deliver supplies to Mississauga. He thanked us many times, but truly, it was his generous heart that inspired us
Behind the scenes, around 20 volunteers worked almost 10 hours non-stop to sort and pack everything Their hard work made sure every act of kindness reached those who needed it, right on time.
When we delivered the supplies to members of the Deer Lake First Nation community who were temporarily staying in Mississauga, they were deeply moved and said they had never expected to receive so much support. These supplies will also be passed on to other Indigenous people temporarily home, including those in Barrie, and are expected to benefit over 4,500 people.
Kindness Spreads, Hope Continues
At Across U-hub, we always believe in the power of “small action”. Because Melissa stepped up, the whole community’s positive energy was awakened Every person who took part whether donating, volunteering, or supporting became part of something bigger. In a world that sometimes feels uncertain or divided, this story shows the power of unity, care, and hope.
This is the community we hope to build: one that is grateful, responsive, and willing to give. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Through this, our youth learned that empathy and kindness are not just words they are real choices we can make every day
For all the young people who helped, this experience was encouraging and gave them a sense of belonging Melissa told me afterwards that, for the first time, she truly felt like she belonged to this community. Small acts of kindness really can gather great strength not only changing the lives of others, but also our own. Every bit of effort was worth it.
A Neighbourhood Makeover: Youth in Action
On a hot and sunny June 21, a team of enthusiastic young volunteers from Across U-hub rolled up their sleeves for a meaningful mission a neighbourhood makeover along Warden Avenue, from Steeles Avenue to Denison Street.
This initiative is part of Across U-hub’s recent commitment through York Region’s Adopt-a-Road program As adopters, our role is to help keep the area clean, vibrant, and safe by doing regular cleanups and reporting any concerns to the Region.
Despite the heat, the volunteers tackled the challenge with great energy. In just two hours, they collected 22.5 lbs of garbage, leaving the area noticeably cleaner and more welcoming. It was a powerful reminder that small acts can make a big difference when it comes to building a stronger, more caring community.
For many, this wasn’t just about picking up litter — it was a chance to reflect on community responsibility. One participant shared that this was her first time joining such a program in Canada. Back home, she explained, street cleaning is handled solely by the government, and the idea of volunteering for it would seem unusual. “I never thought I could play a part in caring for the city I now live in,” she said. “It feels good to contribute in a real way ”
Tiffany Ore
Through hands-on efforts like this, Across U-hub continues to empower youth to be active citizens — shaping their communities with pride, purpose, and care.
