The month of February is generally associated with the feelings of love and kindness. We show our loved ones how much them with cards, chocolates and flowers on Valentines Day, but why not do more in 2011? February 14 - 20 is Random Acts of Kindness week. Celebrate all the little things you do for others, and be sure to Pay it Forward when you are treated with kindness. Then try to continue all year long!
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
aims to create help everyone create a better world by increasing engagement in kind actions. On this website you will find kindness ideas, you can share your own ideas, and read stories about random acts of kindness. Teachers will also find resources on how they can implement these ideas into the classroom.
It can be so easy to brighten the world around you - the smallest things such as saying "please" and "thank you" can make a difference. On this page, Oprah shares 35 simple things you can do to spread a little kindness. Oprah also has a listing of 24 Random Acts of Kindness to Last Throughout the Year to keep you motivated all year long.
You don't have to be an adult to make make a difference. RandomKid brings kids together to share their ideas to make a better tomorrow. It's as simple as Selecting a World Issue, Choose a Solution and Make it Happen!
Have you been touched by a Random Act of Kindness? Why not Pay it Forward? With Pay it Forward you do a favor for another person ~ without any expectation of being paid back. Indeed one would request that the recipient of that favor do the same for someone else ~ ideally, for three other people. The Pay it Forward Day website shares how to be involved, how to get inspired, resources for educators and free products to help create a ripple effect. Mark it on your Calendars! Pay it Forward day is April 28, 2011.
Pay it Forward @ your library
Feeling inspired? Why not watch the "Pay it Forward" movie or read the book. Both are about twelve year old Trevor McKinney who decides to accept a challenge his teacher gives him to come up with an idea to change the world for the better and to put it into action. These items are available for loan with your Stratford Public Library card. DVD | Book
Sometimes all it takes is a hug. Read about the real story of a man who's mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives and the movement that became a global phenomena.
Wouldn't it be an amazing feeling to help give a family a home? That's what Habitat for Humanity is all about - providing accessible home ownership to hard working low income families. Through the use of donations, volunteer labour and donated materials, quality homes are built then sold to families in need without the barriers they would otherwise face. You can help at home or abroad. Learn more by visiting the main Canada site (above) or learn more about Habitat on a local basis by visiting Habitat for Humanity Stratford-Perth
While we are on the topic of kindness, why not share a little with your library? There are so many ways you can give back to your library: contribute, be a Friend, volunteer, promote... the list goes on and on. February is Library Lovers' Month - share the love.
Volunteers are the Heart of our community - and a wonderful way to share your kindness. VIP assists in the coordinating of volunteers with volunteer opportunities. Visit their website to see possible opportunities that interest you. Their website is currently under construction, however you can browse available volunteer opportunities in the Huron Perth area from Give Help. Get Help.
