At just 13 years old, Ayden Zbikowski of Burlington, Ontario is proving that age is no barrier to impact. What began as a personal goal to help neighbours in need has grown into a youth-led, self-run food drive that’s making a measurable difference in his community—and inspiring others to do the same.
“I wanted to do something bigger,” says Ayden, who previously raised $500 for Ronald McDonald House Charities through door knocking and flyer drops. “Something I could be involved in from the planning to the outreach to the action.”
That “something bigger” has since become a full-scale grassroots campaign in support of the Burlington Food Bank. Since launching his initiative, Ayden has raised over 690 pounds of food and $570 in monetary donations, including a single-weekend pickup of 104 pounds with the Carreiro Team, a local real estate group.
Armed with QR-coded flyers and a drive to make giving easier, Ayden has personally delivered over 1,400 flyers across Brant Hills and Tyandaga. Residents can scan the code to schedule food pickups, which Ayden collects himself and delivers directly to the food bank.
He’s also created a growing online presence, with over 424 Instagram followers and more than 30,000 video views on his page, @aydenzburl, where he documents his journey and promotes participating businesses.
Supporting Local, Fighting Inflation
Ayden’s food drive isn’t just about donations—it’s also about collaboration. He’s partnered with 16 local businesses, offering social media exposure and flyer distribution in exchange for hosting donation bins or hanging posters.
“In a time of inflation and economic pressure, I felt it was more important than ever to rally around the places that make our city strong,” he said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community.”
Current donation bins include:
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The Block Co. – A downtown Burlington cheese and charcuterie bar featuring live music.
Ayden has also collaborated with businesses like Meg’s Octopus Garden, Jeff’s Guyshop, Royal Pepper Hot Sauce, and La Creme De La Creme Creamery, helping amplify the campaign through joint social posts and in-store promotions.
Recognition from Leaders
Ayden’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s met with Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan to discuss expanding his food drive into Burlington’s community centres, a proposal that’s currently under review by the city.
He’s also received social media shoutouts from MP candidate Emily Brown, and was named a Youth Ambassador by the Burlington Food Bank.
How to Support
Residents can support Ayden’s initiative in two key ways:
🔹 Monetary donations: A custom donation link created by the Burlington Food Bank is available here:
👉 https://burlingtonfoodbank.ca/?page_id=8806
🔹 Drop off food donations:
📍 Now until August 2, 2025, donations can be brought to:
The Block Co.
395 John St., Burlington, ON
“This Is Just the Beginning”
Ayden’s vision is to make it easier for people to give, while empowering young leaders and supporting the local economy.
“This food drive is self-run, community-powered, and just getting started,” he says.
If his results so far are any indication, Burlington’s future is in good hands.
📸 To see Ayden’s updates, partnerships, and photos, follow @aydenzburl on Instagram.
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