Packages of Care
Story By: ELLISPark.co I Oct 4, 2023
When you radiate kindness, your actions positively impact the lives you touch. Ashley's Place, a volunteer-driven project founded by Kim Doucet named in memory of her late daughter, exemplifies this transformative power of kindness. Since it was founded in 2015, Ashley’s Place has evolved into a true community sanctuary, where anyone in need can find a helping hand.
"We provide a safe, inspiring environment for those who need some guidance," says Doucet. “We've watched lives change dramatically. They go from sleeping all day to waking up early in the morning and participating in activities throughout the day. That's something that we'd love to see grow,” she says.
Many remarkable initiatives at Ashley's Place involve caring for members of society that often go unnoticed, a quality embodied by Doucet's daughter, Ashley, who worked at a group home. Doucet recalls when Ashley came home saddened by a girl about to age out of the system at 18 despite feeling unprepared. “[Ashley] didn't feel she was ready, she was so upset,” says Doucet.
Years later, after Ashley had passed away, Doucet encountered two high school students collecting essential items like towels, utensils and tea towels for housewarming gifts aimed at teens aging out of foster care. Drawing inspiration from these girls and from her daughter's experiences in group homes, Doucet began crafting similar care packages filled with new and handmade items to support vulnerable youth as they transition toward independence. "I knew Ashley would have loved that," she says.
Doucet's giving and generous energy has inspired many others to continue spreading Ashley's kind spirit. She recalls a boy celebrating his eighth birthday at Ashley's Place four years ago. On his birthday invitations, he asked his friends to bring items useful for someone experiencing homelessness. His classmates responded with overwhelming generosity, donating enough essentials like socks, toiletries and snacks to create 100 of what Doucet calls “blessing bags,” each packaged with a handmade card. “We keep one [of the blessing bags] on hand just to share the story. The front of the card says ‘You are loved’ with hearts drawn around it,” says Doucet.
Ashley's Place also holds another cherished tradition: its annual Christmas blessing. The organization is ramping up preparation for the event, which culminates in a heartfelt delivery the week before Christmas Day. Volunteers assemble 400-500 packages, each filled with new and handmade items like slippers, hats, scarves and other thoughtful gifts. The team starts delivering at dawn, visiting hospitals, retirement homes, homeless shelters, women's centres and group homes. What makes Ashley's Place special is its personal touch. "We don't just drop our donations; we mingle with the people receiving them,” Doucet says.
CAA is all about supporting good neighbours, and Ashley's Place is the perfect example of the impact that a group of dedicated individuals can have on their fellow community members in need. We’ve provided Ashley’s Place resources to help make sure the spirit of giving can happen year-round.
Interested in learning more about Ashley’s Place? Follow the Facebook group here to get in touch.
