B.C. boy celebrates 9th birthday with surprise greetings, including one from Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds

Amonth after his parents began collecting them in secret, nine-year-old Damien Smith was finally able to see all the birthday cards and gifts sent to him from around the world including avideo greetingfrom none other thanVancouver-born movie star Ryan Reynolds.

Moving to the Shuswap from Coquitlam, B.C.,in early October, Damienhad difficultymaking friends in his new town ofSalmon Arm, B.C., and feared he would have a lonely birthday.

His parents,Tiffanie Trudell and Thomas Smith,came up with a solution they shared their son'spredicament on Facebook and asked anyone and everyone to send him birthday cards.

The couple received more than 1,200 birthday wishes and gifts from as far away as India, New Zealand and Norway, but hid them all until theysurprised Damien on Saturday.

That's when Smith took his blindfolded son to theliving room filled with birthday treasure and his friends singing Happy Birthday.

"Here [are] cards all the way around the world telling you how important you are," Trudell said when the boy opened his eyes.

Damien and his father then watched a video greeting sent by Reynolds, who plays the superheroDeadpool in Marvel'sDeadpoolmovies.

WATCH |Ryan Reynolds tellDamien Smith what they have in common:

Deadpool star sends birthday greetings to Damien Smith

4 years ago

Duration 1:14

"You're not alone," says Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds to the nine-year-old Salmon Arm, B.C., boy.

"I relate to your story a lot because I also went to a new school," Reynolds says in the video. "I remember how alone I felt and unseen I felt."

"When you feel suffering and when you feel bad about something, you say it's because you feel like you're the only one.You're not alone,"the actor says before wishing the boy a Happy Birthday.

WATCH| Damien Smith's jaw drops as he listens to Ryan Reynolds' greeting:

Damien Smith watches a video greeting from Ryan Reynolds

4 years ago

Duration 2:29

Nine-year-old boy takes in good wishes from the Hollywood star with his father, and has a big hug with his mother.

Seemingly astounded by the superstar's wishes, Damien hugged his mother, who teared up with joy.

The lucky birthday boy also received a free Deadpool themedbirthday cake from a Salmon Arm bakery.

"It's so amazing, I was so shocked," said Trudell.

In his Facebook post, Smith wrote that his sonhas self-confidence issues and doesn't always feel accepted.

Trudell saidReynolds' video and the other birthday wishes he received have given Damien a "newfound confidence."

"The world right now is going through something crazy,"she said. "And it's nice that my son gets to see a bright light and shares it with everybody around the world."