Our Story

Born from a passion for the performing arts and a desire to bridge generations

How We Started

It all began with a simple yet powerful idea: let our talented students share what they love, and in return, bring smiles to those who need them most.

As students at Appleby College, we witnessed firsthand the incredible talent within our community: singers, dancers, musicians, and performers of all kinds. At the same time, we recognized that many seniors in our local care homes could benefit from the energy, creativity, and joy that young people bring, and students needed more opportunities to perform.

What started as weekly performances at Vistamere Retirement Residence has grown into a movement across the Canada. We've learned that every performance is more than just an act: it's a heartfelt gift that the seniors will remember forever.

Today, we're expanding across Canada, empowering student ambassadors to start their own chapters and spread this joy in their communities.

Meet Our Co-Leaders

Three passionate students who turned a simple idea into a movement that's touching lives across Canada

Ishaan Grotra

Ishaan Grotra

Hi, I'm Ishaan, a Grade 10 student and the founder of Perform for a Smile. The arts have always been...

Arjun Kulkarni

Arjun Kulkarni

My name is Arjun, and I'm a Grade 10 student excited to serve as the co-lead of this inspiring arts...

Joy Li

Joy Li

My name is Joy, and I'm a Grade 9 student excited to serve as a co-leader this year! I have...

See Us in Action

Moments of joy, connection, and the magic that happens when generations come together

Young performer sharing their talent
Seniors enjoying performances
Community gathering
Performance in action

What Drives Us

Our core values shape every performance, every connection, and every smile we help create

Spreading Joy

Every performance is a gift of happiness, creating moments that brighten both performers' and seniors' days.

Building Connections

We bridge generations, fostering meaningful relationships between young performers and wise seniors.

Growing Skills

Young artists develop confidence, stage presence, and performance skills in a supportive environment.

Creating Impact

Every performance creates lasting memories and demonstrates the power of community service and the effect it has.

Our Mission

To bring joy and connection to seniors across Canada through student performances, while providing young artists with opportunities to develop their skills and make a positive impact in their communities.

Get in Touch

Have questions or want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you.

Contact Us

Ready to bring joy to your community or have questions about our program? We're here to help you get started.

info@performforasmile.org