A group of Grade 11 Elgin Park Secondary students spread holiday cheer on the streets of downtown Vancouver on Dec. 12.
Julie Wang and six of her friends decided to be secret Santas to strangers, handing out wrapped presents like chocolate, DVDs, mugs and candles.
The group got the idea from a YouTube video of Toronto high school students raising money on internet to give gifts to strangers, said Wang.
"My friends and I thought it would be a really good idea to do that in Vancouver," she said.
After donating $10 each to the cause – and with some help from their parents – the group hit the streets of Vancouver with their gifts.
"People were really confused and some were really excited," Wang said. "It felt really good."
The group also handed out emergency blankets to the homeless, she said.
"They were so happy, and it is the season of giving, so you should give," Wang said.
The group put their plan into action in a rush this year, but Wang said they plan to d a bigger and better job next year.