By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In Burlington, acts of compassion aren’t reserved for adults. Sometimes, they come from the hearts and hands of our youth, like 13-year-old Ayden Zbikowski, who recently led his own food drive in support of the Burlington Food Bank, raising an impressive 692 pounds of food and $570. His initiative proves that no matter your age, there’s always a way to make a difference.
Zbikowski, who hasn’t personally experienced food insecurity, felt compelled to take action after learning about its impact on others. “If I were in that position, I would want organizations like the Burlington Food Bank to be in a position to provide,” he shared.
To get started, Zbikowski created and delivered flyers explaining his cause, speaking directly to neighbours and adding a QR code linking to a food donation pickup form. “I also documented the campaign on Instagram to help spread the word further,” he said. His digital outreach, paired with face-to-face conversations, highlighted a key message: food insecurity affects people in our own backyard, and we all have the power to do something about it.
Zbikowski didn’t do it alone. His parents supported him throughout the campaign, driving him to pick up donations and deliver them to the Burlington Food Bank. The staff at the Food Bank also played a critical role, offering guidance and even creating a custom donation link to make giving easier. “They were really helpful,” Zbikowski noted. “They shared advice and supported different parts of the planning.”
The response from the community was positive. “Not a single local business I approached denied taking my flyer,” Zbikowski said. “Even franchise managers tried to see how they could help.” Neighbours were open to conversation, receptive to his cause, and generous in their support, whether by placing food on their porch or offering words of encouragement.
Despite the strong community response, Zbikowski acknowledged that support from peers his own age was limited. “I haven’t had much of a response from people my age,” he said, although he has seen some engagement from older youth on Instagram. Still, Zbikowski hopes more kids will consider getting involved. “If you have an idea, just go for it,” he encouraged. “Start with something small that feels doable. You could even turn something fun, like your birthday or a team event, into a way to raise food or money.”
His experience has reshaped how he sees his city. “It’s shown me that people care,” he reflected. “When you step up, your community steps up as well.”
The Burlington Food Bank, the organization Zbikowski chose to support, serves as a critical lifeline for those facing food insecurity. Their doors are open to anyone in Burlington who needs help, and yes, children can go on their own to pick up food or snacks, even if their parents are hesitant to ask for help. Zbikowski’s food drive continues through Aug. 2, 2025, with non-perishable donations accepted at The Block Co. Monetary donations can be made online at the Burlington Food Bank website here, and anyone inspired by Zbikowski’s story is encouraged to start a drive of their own. Resources are available at burlingtonfoodbank.ca/food-drives.
