Celebrating 30 years of Random Acts of Kindness 

March 9th – 15th is the 30th Annual Violence Awareness & Random Acts of Kindness Week – seeking to promote positive energy to counteract negative effects of senseless violence in society – during a week of self-guided acts.

“Although we dedicate this week to acts of kindness, kindness is something that should happen every day in our lives,” says Chris Macdonald co-chair of the committee. “We need to welcome it, acknowledge it and share the kindness with others. I would like to thank the greater Quinte, Hastings and Prince Edward County communities for the support you have shown and for embracing our ideology that kindness is contagious and to please pass it on.”

Committee members decorating outside the Picton library branch in this file photo include: Margie Robb, Chris Macdonald, Pam Smith and Nancy Roberts.

Macdonald started the week with her sister Pam Smith, in memory of Macdonald’s son Mark Fyke, who was shot and killed while on a school trip in Florida in 1996. Less than four months after his death, Belleville’s Becky Middleton was raped and murdered while in Bermuda. Shawn Keegan was shot and killed in Toronto just a few months later.

The blue ribbons of hope were the idea of Mark’s sister Jen, as a visual reminder that violence makes victims, and to encourage random acts of kindness.

Local area elementary school students have been invited to participate in colouring and poster contests. Winning entries will be on display at Quinte Mall. Elementary school winners will receive a certificate of achievement, a plaque and a Quinte Mall gift card in recognition of their accomplishments.

High schools are also invited to nominate a student as their Kindness Citizen. A draw will be held at the conclusion of the week to choose the overall winner who will receive a lap top computer courtesy of Quinte Mall and a printer from the VARAK Program. In addition, two other high school students will each receive a bursary from the VARAK Program.

Below is the schedule of activities for the 30th Annual Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Program from March 9th to the 15th.

Monday March 9: Community Candle Light Vigil
Take a moment to light a candle in the comfort of your home and observe a minute of silence at 7 p.m. in remembrance of all victims of violence. VARAK also asks that people send love and light to the victims and families from Tumbler Ridge.

Tuesday March 10: Kindness when you least expect it!
On Tuesday and throughout the week, Kindness Crews will be passing on acts of kindness and appreciation. Areas targeted this year by the Kindness Crews include, Belleville, Trenton, Madoc, Marmora, Wellington, Bloomfield, Picton, Consecon, Frankford and Stirling.

“If you receive an act of kindness, please pass the kindness on, remember kindness is contagious,” added Macdonald, noting special thanks to Lactalis Canada (Black Diamond) and Hawkins Cheezies for generous donations to the Kindness Crews.

Wednesday March 11th: Blue Ribbon of Hope Day
Everyone is encouraged to prominently display and wear their Blue Ribbons of hope and if you do not have one, wear blue to symbolize kindness. Blue Ribbon donation boxes are available at various locations throughout Quinte Mall and in the greater Quinte and Prince Edward County communities.

Thursday March 12th: Thankful Thursday. Take some time out of your day to text, message or call and thank someone who has touched your life with their kindness.

Friday March 13th: Friendly Friday. Surprise a family member, friend or neighbour with an inspirational note, flowers, an email, a card or some other act of kindness to let them know how much you appreciate them.

Saturday March 14th: Selection of Kindness Citizen of the Year Award. Nominate someone who has touched you by their kindness. Ballots can be submitted to Quinte Mall Guest Services or emailed to qteservice@primarisreit.com. Online ballots are available at www.varak.ca This award is sponsored by Quinte Mall and Charm Diamond Centres. Deadline for nominations must is Friday, March 13th. The Kindness Citizen of the Year will have their name displayed on the digital signs throughout Quinte Mall and will also receive an award and gifts in recognition of their kindness.

Sunday March 15th: Random Acts of Kindness Day
Any act of kindness, no matter how small, can have the greatest impact and proves that angels truly are among us.

The VARAK program is offered to 59 area elementary schools and 14 high schools and is made possible by the generosity and support of service clubs, local businesses and other organizations within the greater Quinte community.

“Remember the only thing better than receiving an act of kindness, is giving one!”