SUNNYVILLE — Long before they were fundraising for community spaces or teaching swimming lessons, twin sisters Ainlee and Langston Van Sickle were quietly leaving handwritten notes and small treats on neighbours’ doorsteps, hoping to brighten someone’s day.
They were around eight or nine years old at the time, according to their mother, Tera Dorrington, and the gesture was simple. Some neighbours didn’t have family living nearby, and the girls wanted to make sure they felt remembered. The family jokingly began calling them the “little kind fairies.”
Years later, that instinct to look out for others hasn’t faded.
Earlier this year, Ainlee and Langston competed at a major UCA cheerleading competition in Florida, an experience that required months of fundraising and strong community support. Dorrington said the response from Sunnyville and surrounding communities was overwhelming and it sparked something deeper for the girls.
“We were so overwhelmed and excited by the local support, the girls wanted to do something for the community, too, to give back and to say thank you,” she said.
During one of their fundraisers, the twins collected food and donations for the local food bank, an effort Dorrington said made them especially proud. This year, they decided to continue that spirit of giving by raising funds for the Sunnyville Community Hall.
“They view the hall as a place that supports elders and youth, combats food insecurity, and supports social and mental health,” Dorrington said. “They wanted to help support these efforts of the community centre.”
For Ainlee and Langston, giving back is simply a part of who they are.
“We just like to help others and be involved in our community,” Langston said. “Making others smile makes us feel good.”
Ainlee credits the people around them for shaping that outlook.
“We have many role models at school and in the community who do a lot of good work and are always helping others,” she said. “They inspire us to be involved. We just like to help and make a difference.”
Now 15, the twins balance school, competitive cheerleading, volunteer work, and part-time jobs as swim instructors and national lifeguards at the SAERC pool, all while maintaining strong academic standing. Despite their busy schedules, Dorrington said they still make time for the small acts of kindness that started it all.
“They still do this today,” she said, referring to the notes, treats, and check-ins with neighbours and seniors.
Municipality of the District of Guysborough Councillor Mary Desmond, who represents District 2 (Lincolnville, Sunnyville, Upper Big Tracadie), said the girls’ compassion has been evident from the get-go.
“Ainlee and Langston Van Sickle were leaders at a very young age,” Desmond said. “Their dedication to giving back and helping others has taught them a strong commitment to compassion and empathy.”
Looking ahead, the twins say they plan to keep showing up when they’re needed and lending a hand where they can.
“When we see an opportunity to help, we get involved. It gives us the opportunity to help our community and learn from them,” Ainlee said.
Langston agreed. “We just want to be remembered as positive and helpful people who care.”
Dorrington said both girls hope to attend StFX and continue cheerleading for as long as possible. But for now, Ainlee and Langston are focused on something simpler – continuing to spread kindness one small act at a time.
