(Submitted photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Jayda's Kindness Project 2020

Local girl’s kindness shines in support of Turning Point

Dec 11, 2020 | 9:42 AM

“Try to be as kind as possible and spread joy… not just at Christmas.”

That’s the message Jayda Monilaws is sharing with the community this winter season.

On Wednesday, Jayda surprised Turning Point staff with a large donation of essential items and a large cheque for the city’s most vulnerable, all part of #jaydaskindnessproject.

For the past few years, Jayda has supported marginalized groups in the community by raising awareness and support with an annual cupcake fundraiser and through her kindness project. While this year has been hard on everyone, Jayda recognized some people have it harder than others. It’s for that’s why she chose Turning Point as her organization of choice.

“I wanted to help those who could really use it,” shared Jayda excitedly with eyes shining brightly above her mask. “I want to make people smile.”

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

Turning Point staff say they hear every day from their clients about how isolated their lives have become as a result of the pandemic. They also say they’ve seen an alarming increase in overdose deaths within Red Deer and surrounding communities, and although Turning Point’s Overdose Prevention Site remains open 24 hours a day, client capacity has been reduced – something that has likely caused more people to use alone.

“No one should feel alone or not loved… they aren’t alone,” Jayda said firmly. “Everyone matters. I just like to hear that they know someone in the community cares.”

Jayda’s mom, Nicki Monilaws, said she’s proud of the mindset Jayda has to leave the world a better place.

“We think there is always an opportunity for extending kindness, and everyone deserves compassion, love and kindness,” shared Nicki.

While collecting donation items for Turning Point, Jayda and her mom received a $500 cheque made out to Turning Point, donated by Frank and Stacey Massner at MAS-PRO.

They also received several essential warm clothing items (mitts, scarves, and toques), snacks (granola bars and fruit cups), hand and feet warmers, hygiene items, and $400 worth of small McDonald’s gift cards. These items were donated by Red Deer community members and businesses backing Jayda’s mission.

“This support is critical for those most vulnerable in Central Alberta,” said Mitchell Danser, Turning Point’s Communications + Community Engagement Coordinator. “Not only will these donations support healthier, safer lives, but they will also help to spread Jayda’s message, that these individuals are loved, valued, and not forgotten.

“That message is needing to be shared throughout the community more than ever.”

Jayda’s mom wants everyone to know that kindness doesn’t always have to be a big gesture. Sometimes the tiniest actions can make the biggest impact.

“All of these ‘small’ donations [Jayda’s] collected adds up to a very large donation of love, hope and kindness,” shared Monilaws. “We’re wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and we hope these acts of kindness from the community show people we all care.”

(Mitchell Danser, Turning Point)