Helping Her Community and School, One Good Deed at a Time

December 9, 2011

Through community and school involvement, eighth grader Imani Abukar proves that you can make a difference in your community, and that no good deed is too small or unappreciated.

On Tuesday, November 8^th, Ryerson Community School hosted the “Start of Day Celebration” in honour of the Rick Hansen 25^th Anniversary Relay as it passed through Toronto. Part of the ceremony includes passing on the Rick Hansen Medal; one of Ryerson’s students, eighth grader Imani Abukar, was chosen as the school representative Medal-Bearer. She received the medal that was created by the Royal Canadian Mint and in turn passed it on to a subsequent member of the Relay team. She also received her own medal to commemorate her involvement in this event.

Although the original Man in Motion Tour was started by Hansen to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries, it has since evolved to become a force that inspires hope and seeks to make a difference in the world. Part of the 25^th Anniversary Relay focuses on individuals who through their deeds and actions have made changes for the greater good. The Medal-Bearers chosen as representatives were selected for the positive contributions they have made to their communities and in the lives of others. Imani is a great example of someone who has made an impact in her community.

“Imani was chosen for her contributions around the school. […] She also devoted many volunteer hours at two local community centres,” says Ray Chong, the guidance teacher at Ryerson Community School.

Imani has devoted a lot of time and effort to her school and community. When asked what types of activities she is involved in, Imani states that she does the morning announcements, and is part of various sport teams as well as the student cabinet. She also volunteers at the local community centre and is involved in mentoring younger students. One would think that youth would prefer to spend time having fun, not thinking about others, but Imani believes in what she is doing and likes not only the satisfaction she gets from helping others, but seeing the positive effect she has. “It’s a good thing to be helping others,” she says. “It brings a smile to people’s faces, it makes them happy and you know you’re doing a good deed.”

When it comes to working with younger students, Imani realizes that a lot of them have potential to achieve great things but that sometimes they lack the proper direction or guidance from those around them. As a result, they may lose hope and give up without ever realizing what they are capable of. Imani believes that what they need is someone who believes in them and is willing to work with them to help them find direction. She is glad to offer them support when others may give up too easily.

“It’s a good thing to help others, especially young people. It’s good to teach kids not to give up but to keep trying and do their best.”

Imani is a great example of how anyone can make a difference, no matter what their age, and that no contribution is too small.

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