NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada, Motion Canada and Kintetsu World Express Canada are proud to announce their “Happier Smiles” holiday giving campaign in support of Covenant House Vancouver, the charity dedicated to helping at-risk and homeless youth across BC.

The companies partnered together to distribute warm clothing and food items to homeless youth on Friday December 10.

Covenant House Vancouver supports youth aged 16 through 24 who are experiencing, or are at-risk of experiencing, homelessness. Many of the youth who access Covenant House have been abused, suffered trauma, and experienced neglect. Besides providing basic needs like food, shelter and immediate health services, the organization said it tries to prepare homeless kids to live successful and independent lives.

The companies are thrilled and humbled to be part of this initiative to support homeless youth and are thankful for the truly amazing work of everyone who has rallied around this cause by donating and managing the logistics to deliver 100 knapsacks each filled with an assortment of warm clothing and meal kits. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant greater challenges for youth who are experiencing homelessness, particularly because it’s difficult to distance from others and practice good hygiene without a safe place to stay. In addition, youth experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk for infections, chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems, and many have experienced trauma and mental illness. The care packages and meals will be provided to help vulnerable youth in Vancouver's communities be warm and ready for winter weather.

The teams behind the Happier Smiles Holiday Giving event have been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of their corporate volunteers. The clothing drive was generously supported by CMYK Global Group of Companies who donated fleece sweatshirts, winter hats and track pants at a discounted rate, and by Kintetsu World Express Canada who arranged for transport of the care packages and meal kits to Vancouver.

“With recent flooding and mudslides affecting transportation around the Vancouver area, we are fortunate to be able to assist with providing air freight service of the clothing items to Covenant House Vancouver as part of the Happier Smiles Campaign,” says Thomas Smith, President, Managing Director Kintetsu World Express Canada. “We often get caught up in day-to-day business but taking time to give back for a great cause like this gives us a new perspective on our own lives and work. We hope to assist in any way we can to give these deserving young people every chance to succeed in their life ambitions.”

“Covenant House is such an incredible organization because of their commitment to youth in our community,” says Sandy Anderson, Operations Manager, Motion Canada. “What they do goes beyond the immediate needs of homeless youth, and also builds trust and confidence and prepares them for a bright future. That’s what fits so well with the values of Motion Canada; we know how important it is to have someone that believes in us, and someone we can rely on, as we work together in pursuit of a common goal. We hope that Motion’s support shows the youth experiencing homelessness that there are people who care and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

“NTN is committed to making a positive impact in our local communities through our Community Spirit program Happier Smiles, Happier Faces," says Phil Schmidts, Director, Aftermarket, NTN Canada. "That's why we're especially proud to stand with Covenant House Vancouver to make life a little easier for those less unfortunate who have been marginalised, abused, and are just struggling to get by. The principals that Covenant House stand for includes basic human rights such as food, clothes, shelter, medicine, love, trust, personal development and a meaningful existence. We are very proud to be involved with this drive to provide some material comforts and a hot lunch to the Covenant House community."

For over 20 years, Covenant House Vancouver has provided unconditional love and absolute respect to youth experiencing homelessness. Services range from outreach and drop-in, to residential and support services that enable youth to transition into independence successfully. To join NTN, Motion and Kintetsu World Express in helping more youth smile and live happier, healthier lives, visit www.covenanthousebc.org to learn more.

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