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Calgary's 'Smile Gang' helps strangers to prompt a million grins

Akeam Francis has rounded up some friends to help strangers move, do their dishes, work in their yards ... anything the "Smile Gang" can do to lend a neighbourly helping hand.

Akeam Francis of Calgary wants to lend a neighbourly helping hand, and get others to do so

David Bell · CBC News ·
Akeam Francis posted an ad on social media offering to help fellow Calgarians and says he's had a huge response. 'I just want people to know that there is a guy that is helping regardless of the type of help you need.' (Akeam Francis)

This story was first published on March 30.

Akeam Francis wants to make a lot of Calgarians smile, just by giving a hand. 

He started a Facebook page offering to help strangers — by picking up their deliveries, doing their dishes, whatever help they need.

"I don't really know why I am doing it, I just like helping out people," Francis told CBC News.

"The dishes, yard work, moving, picking up deliveries, anything that I can possibly do, I do. I'll do a grocery run with you if you don't have a truck," the 22-year-old said.

"I just want people to know that there is a guy that is helping regardless of the type of help you need."

Robert Zubot says he's on a limited income and Akeam Francis and the Smile Gang helped him move: 'I think he is an excellent man.' (CBC)

In exchange, he asks for donations for his vehicle and food.

"I have been getting donations and just little tips just to keep me going. To be honest, all I am looking for is a little gas money and a hot meal."

On Wednesday afternoon, Francis and friends, who refer to themselves as the "Smile Gang," helped a low-income man move.

Robert Zubot said the assistance was invaluable.

Akeam Francis's goal is to help a million people and make each of them smile. 'I really want to encourage young adults to come by and actually want to be a helper. Helping your neighbour without it being a big thing.' (CBC)

"I think he is doing one heck of a marvelous job and he likes to help everybody out, which is good," Zubot said.

"I think he is an excellent man. He is a nice guy and bends over backwards."

Francis says some of the calls he has taken since he started about two weeks ago really stand out.

"If they don't have family members, then you can't just really call your family and say, 'Hey I need your help,'" he explained.

"I just really want to be a friend to everybody."

Akeam Francis, left, and the 'Smile Gang' hope to lighten the load for a lot of Calgarians. (CBC)

His goal, over time, is to help a million people and make each of them smile.

"I really want to encourage young adults to come by and actually want to be a helper," Francis said.

"Helping your neighbour without it being a big thing, it is just a natural occurrence, that is what I am going for."

With files from Mike Symington

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