A handful of Abbotsford and other B.C. students are doing their part to help the ever-growing homeless population within the Lower Mainland.

Recently, members of the Abbotsford Smile Foundation and the UBC Bhangra Club travelled to the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood in Vancouver, equipped with a ton of supplies for those in need.

Abbotsford Smile Foundation president Jason Kailey explained that the two student-led groups worked together to hand out a total of more than 200 care packages and 150 blankets.

"We remain committed to addressing the needs of our local community, ensuring that we provide consistent support to those facing homelessness," Kailey said. "We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and hope to continue expanding our efforts to make a positive impact."

This is not the first time that the Abbotsford Smile Foundation has done something like this, with the group handing out 300 care packages to the Abbotsford homeless population in 2023.

Efforts like these have become increasingly important as the Metro Vancouver homeless population continues to grow each year, surpassing 4,821 individuals in 2023, according to data from the Homelessness Services Association of BC.