How I know small acts can mean big things for new Afghans in N.L.

This First Person piece was written by Leisha Toory, a student at Memorial University in St. John's.For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please seethe FAQ.

When I landed at the St. John's airport in January 2020, I was welcomed by the remnants of asnowstorm, still going from the day before.

It was the first time I had ever seen a winter storm.

I grew up in Dublin with its mild climate and I wascoming from my home, the tropical island Mauritius, so this first winter storm wascertainly a memorable and unique experience.

I was underdressedand underprepared. I waswearing a zipper jacket and clothing that was too thick for winter in Mauritius, but too thin for St. John's. Idid not have the earmuffs, warm gloves, appropriate boots or anythick fuzzysweaters. So, standing in line with my suitcases outside the airport at 2 a.m. while waiting forcab with the sharp winter winds harshly pricking my face, I was praying that my bare, frozen,numb fingers would not fall off.

My name is Leisha, and this is my letter to the community of St. John's, as the city welcomes some new arrivals.

In late October, more than 100 Afghan refugees landed in St. John's.Ever since, I have constantly been checking for updates onhow things are unfolding for them, and howwe can contribute to make theirexperience positive.

As I was reading the news articles, one piece ofinformation in particular stood out:even though the hotel heater was at 25C, they were still very cold.

My experience with the winter is absolutely not the same as theirs. My journey to St. John's is by no means similar to theirs. But on humanitariangrounds,as an international student away from homewho wasn't prepared forwinter in Newfoundland, it fills my heart with inspiration to learn ofthe massive, commendable support ofthe wonderful St. John's community support so strong that the Association for New Canadians has closed donations until everything they've received so far can be distributed!

But there are still ways to help. You might not be aware the city welcomed the refugees, or that they're still acclimatizing to their new environment.The goal behind my wordsis to simply convey the message that we can team up as a community to provide warmth for thecoming winter through small acts of kindness and coziness as the St. John's community hasalways been delivering!

Simple gesture, profound impact

We can spread the word. Sharing a simple welcome note either verbally or on social mediaestablishes a conversation and perspective of acceptance, support and positivity. This simplegesture consolidates a community that is founded on safety, welcome and opportunity. It canease the pathway of rebuilding lives, setting up safe homes and thriving in peace. It can fosterunderstanding and meaningful connectedness. After all, a climate of respect and inclusion is thecornerstone of harmonious community cohesion.

My words may not change their situation, but I do believe inkindness. I believe we all have kindness in our hearts ready to be emanatedin the community.

As Islamic scholar Hamza Yusuf said, "Words move hearts, and hearts move limbs."

Evenif one person reads my words and says,"I can help,"it will make a big difference.

I learnedat a very young age that the smallest support can create a robust chain of big differencesby motivating others to join in.

In 2013, two hours of torrential rainfall caused flash floods inMauritius and the catastrophe swept into the densely populated area of Canal Dayot.

Immediately afterward, the Mauritian people put forward a massive social solidarity campaign to restore normalcy, through donations and various other means of help.This streak of nationhood and solidarity in hours of need, resilience and community action haveall become part of our common culture.

When one person takes the small step of helping, it is a colossal action towardpositive change. It is not necessarily the number of people; it is the action that reverberates theimpact.

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