Kindness is contagious – pass it on!

Random Acts of Kindness crew members Pam Smith and Nancy Roberts were among crews who spread kindness and blue ribbons of hope across the Quinte area this week. Susan deWolfe file photo

The 21st annual Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Week begins Monday in the region. Volunteers were in the County last week placing blue ribbons of hope in local businesses and on downtown trees and poles.

“The purpose of this week is to promote positive energy to counteract the negative effects of senseless violence in our society,” said Chris Macdonald, co-chair of the committee.

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 also a victim of a random act of violence while in Bermuda.

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.

Since, during March, the group promotes acts of kindness in the Bay of Quinte area at 15 high schools and 62 elementary schools.

“Community interest, awareness and involvement have grown substantially since our program began 21 years ago. I would like to thank the greater Quinte, Hastings and Prince Edward County communities for the support you have demonstrated and for embracing our ideology that kindness is contagious and to please pass it on.”

To kick off the week there will be opening ceremonies Monday, March 6th, at 7 p.m. at the Quinte Mall Kindness Court. The ceremonies include elementary and high school student recognition awards and a candlelight vigil in memory of victims of violence.

On Tuesday, March 8th, the Quinte Mall Kindness Crews will be bestowing good deeds on unsuspecting recipients. Kindness Crews will be performing random acts of kindness on scheduled and impromptu stops in Belleville, Trenton, Madoc, Marmora,Tweed, Wellington, Bloomfield, Picton, Frankford and Stirling.

“If you receive a random act of kindness, please pass the kindness on. Remember kindness is contagious,” said Macdonald.

Wednesday, March 8th is Blue Ribbon of Hope Day. Everybody is invited to wear and display blue ribbons throughout the week as a symbol of hope. Lapel ribbons are available at various outlets throughout the community.

Pam Smith noted the committee is promoting a Facebook ‘It’s a Sign of the Times’ campaign inviting and encouraging displays of kindness messages, such as from businesses on their exterior signs, or by Facebook users taking a picture of a sign with the kindness message and posting and sharing on Facebook.

“Together let’s spread the message of kindness,” said Smith.

The “Kindness Citizen of the Year Award”, nominated by the community, is to be announced Saturday, March 11th. The recipient will have their name displayed on a pillar at the Kindness Court in Quinte Mall and will also receive gifts and prizes.

The week concludes Sunday, March 12th, called, Random Acts of Kindness Day.

“All citizens are encouraged to open their hearts for the good of others. Random acts of kindness are those special deeds that we can do that take an extra effort of being kind when we are not expected or required to do so,” said Smith. “Remember if you see someone without a smile today, give them yours.”