Kindness for Newcomers at Christmas

While delivering toys to newcomers, Detective Constable Mustafa Popalzai was asked whether he was a real police officer by a boy who was surprised to have someone in uniform bearing gifts over the holidays.

The boy was among nearly 1,000 newcomer children between the ages of 10 days old to 14, who received toys and essential items as part of Project Hope fifth annual Christmas Toy Drive on December 13.

“This is what the Christmas season is truly about, giving back, caring for others, reaching out with compassion and being there for those less fortunate,” said Popalzai, who himself came to Canada as a child as a refugee from Afghanistan. “The real joy of the season comes from putting a smile on a stranger’s face through simple acts of kindness, a universal language that can break down the toughest of barriers.”

For the last five years, Mustafa Popalzai and Sergeant Farzhad Ghotbi, with support of other Service members, have helped newcomers feel welcomed by delivering toys during the Christmas season by collecting toys and essential items.

This gesture not only brings joy to families but also helps build positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

About $150,000 worth of donations were handed out on December 13 at five locations across the city.

“This was by far out biggest and most successful event in terms of the diverse communities that received items,” said Popalzai. “Also, it was the first time, we served the Ukrainian community and about 200 kids came out.”

The toys, winter clothing and essential items were delivered to Ralph Chiodo Family Immigrant Reception Centre, the Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society, Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services, Raddison West Hotel and Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto.

This year, 30 Centennial College Police Foundations students helped at the event.

In August 2021, Popalzai and Ghotbi started Project Hope to support thousands of people who came from Afghanistan with nothing more than the clothes on their back after the collapse of the government.

Project Hope has donated over $1.5 million worth of goods in the last five years.