Do something nice for people and maybe they’ll return the favour. That’s what the Community Foundation hopes will happen when it hosts its seventh annual Random Act of Kindness Day this week. CEO Tracey Vavrek says the day gives people the opportunity to do something kind for someone else.
“Random Act of Kindness Day is a great opportunity for everyone in our region to do just a little something extra for others. We know that we have tremendous kindness already through our communities and this is a day where we say let’s just do a little bit more.”
The Community Foundation has been hosting RAK Day in the city since 2012. Vavrek says there are many ways to participate including volunteering with a local group or helping someone with their groceries or yard work.
Vavrek says a report put together by the Foundation called Vital Signs shows that one in five people don’t feel like part of their community. She hopes this day will help fix that.
“We recognize that our community moves fast and that we don’t always have the opportunity to get to know our neighbours or to reach out and offer an extra smile to someone else… Random Act of Kindness Day is not only about doing some great things for others, but it’s also to help the individual to feel more connected.”
This year, the foundation will also be collecting donations of non-perishable food items, winter clothing pieces and personal hygiene items. Everything collected will then be donated to local organizations. Vavrek says something as small as a hat or a pair of socks can make a difference in someone’s life.
“Extra socks can make a world of difference for someone if they’re out in the field working or just need a little extra warmth because they don’t have the resources to access on their own.”
Donations can be dropped off from October 29th to November 2nd at the Community Foundation’s office inside Centre 2000. Random Act of Kindness Day will be held on November 2nd.