RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

“It’s just a day to celebrate kindness and the whole ‘pay it forward’ mentality,” said Tracy Van Kalsbeek, executive director of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation.

The United States’ national Random Acts of Kindness Day is Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Last year, in celebration of the day, we asked all of our beloved and benevolent Wolfies to share with us stories of ways in which they have either performed or received random acts of kindness and we were so touched by the compassionate hearts in our group. This year, we brainstormed a few simple ways to participate in the spirit of the day that requires very little resources of time or money.

MAIL A POSITIVE POSTCARD

These days, traditional mail is most often either junk or bills. Brighten up someone’s mailbox by sending a couple of uplifting sentences to someone you haven’t seen in a while. 

PAY FOR THE PERSON BEHIND YOU

With many restaurant dining rooms being closed or limited for the past several months, none of us are strangers to the drive-thru lane. Next time you’re grabbing a quick bite or a cup of coffee, try picking up the tab for the car behind you. A few bucks goes a long way in making someone’s day.

TREAT YOUR FRONT LINE WORKERS

COVID hasn’t been kind to any of us, but it’s been especially taxing to those health care workers who have been on the front lines working long hours and extra shifts in over-crowded facilities. Try sending them a meal – some pizzas or sandwiches or a box of donuts or kolaches – to show your gratitude.

OFFER TO BABYSIT

A lot of moms instantly and unexpectedly became stay-at-home moms last year and have been confined with their child/children without much respite. If you know a mom (or parent) who is feeling run down or at her wits end, offer to watch the kids for a couple hours so she can have a little time to herself.

KEEP SOMEONE COMPANY

On the flip side of that coin, there are many people who had to quarantine completely alone. Humans are simply not made for that kind of solitude. If you know someone who has been on their own a lot the last several months, try picking up the phone or (if you can safely do so) go visit them or take them to lunch. A little human interaction can make a big impact.

There are countless other ways to bring a smile to someone’s face with just the slightest bit of effort. Let’s all try to be cognizant that we’re all doing the best we can, and everyone could use a little unexpected pick-me-up from time to time.

Play nice. Be free. Act kind.