Small acts of kindness aren’t necessarily even planned, but can make a big difference for both the giver and receiver.Īs Claudia explains, “even very simple acts of kindness can make more of a difference than you might realise. She is Visiting Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Sussex, where she was part of the team behind The Kindness Test which launched in 2021 and was the world’s largest in-depth study on kindness with more than 60,000 respondees. Research suggests that performing random acts of kindness brings positive benefits to the giver both mentally and physically.Ĭlaudia Hammond is an author and the presenter of The Anatomy of Kindness on BBC Radio 4. Chris Macdonald went on to start the VARAK program the following year.Random acts of kindness (RAK) are defined as selfless acts given to another person to positively affect their mood or wellbeing. Fyke was shot moments after using a pay phone to call his mother at home. Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness started after Mark Fyke, a young man from Belleville, was murdered while on vacation in Florida in 1996. The VARAK program is offered to 60 area elementary schools and 13 high schools and is made possible by the overwhelming generosity and support of service clubs, local businesses and other organizations within the greater Quinte community. 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. All citizens are encouraged to open their hearts for the good of others. Sunday March 12 – Random Acts of Kindness DayĪny act of kindness, no matter how small, can have the greatest impact and proves that angels truly are among us. The Kindness Citizen of the Year will have their name permanently displayed on a pillar in the Kindness Court at the Quinte Mall and will also receive other gifts and prizes. The Quinte Mall along with the Intelligencer, the Community Press, the County Weekly News and the Trentonian as well as Charm Diamond Centres are once again sponsoring the “Kindness Citizen of the Year Award.” Online ballots are available at The community is encouraged to nominate individuals who have demonstrated acts of kindness and a draw will be held on Saturday March 11 to select the winner.

Saturday March 11 – Kindness Citizen of the Year 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. Take some time out of your day to text, message or call and thank someone who has touched your life with their kindness. Wednesday March 8 – Blue Ribbon of Hope DayĮveryone is encouraged to wear blue as a stand against violence and to promote kindness. Chris Macdonald also stressed, “If you receive a random act of kindness, please pass the kindness on, remember kindness is contagious!” Areas targeted this year by the Kindness crews include Belleville, Trenton, Madoc, Marmora, Wellington, Bloomfield, Picton, Consecon, Frankford and Stirling. On Tuesday and throughout the week Kindness crews will be passing on acts of kindness and appreciation. You are asked to remember the people of the Ukraine and the unthinkable violence that they are currently enduring. in remembrance of all victims of violence. Monday March 6 – Community Candle Light VigilĮveryone is invited to light a candle and observe a minute of silence at 7 p.m. In addition, two other high school students will receive a bursary from the VARAK Committee.īelow is the schedule for the 27th Annual Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Program from March 6 to the 12. A draw will be held during the week to choose the overall winner who will receive a laptop computer and printer courtesy of the Quinte Mall. High schools are also invited to nominate a student as their Kindness Citizen. Winning entries are displayed on the pillars in Kindness Court at the Quinte Mall. Local area elementary school students have been invited to participate in colouring and poster contests and will submit their entries electronically. “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.” “Over the past two years our program has had some definite challenges which has changed our format somewhat, but I am pleased to report that our 27th Kindness Anniversary will be a welcome distraction and something that we can all benefit from,” says Chris Macdonald co-chair of the committee. The week of March 6 – 12, 2023 is the 27th Annual Violence Awareness & Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Random acts of kindness week 2023