Belleville Police Deputy Chief Mike Callahan
“Kindness is contagious.”
The 21st annual Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Week kicked off last night (Monday) with the opening ceremonies at Quinte Mall.
The campaign promotes positive energy to counteract the negative effects of senseless violence in our society.
The ceremony began with a candlelight vigil in memory of all victims of violence and a song from Mrs. Barker’s Grade 2/3 class from Sir John A. Macdonald Public School and included an address from Belleville Police Deputy Chief Mike Callahan.
One student from each high school in the greater Quinte, Hastings and Prince Edward County areas was recognized for performing random acts of kindness.
Committee co-chair Pam Smith says what these students do is exemplary.
Winners from the elementary school poster contest also received awards.
The VARAK program is offered to 62 elementary and 15 high schools.
Smith says that today (Tuesday), the Kindness Crews will be making impromptu stops throughout the region performing random acts of kindness.
Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Week continues through Sunday.
Visit varak.ca for more information or see a schedule of events below.
Kindness Week
Schedule of Events
· March 7 – Kindness When You Least Expect It!
· Kindness Crews hit the streets committing Random Acts of Kindness across the Quinte area
· March 8 – Blue Ribbon of Hope Day
· Everyone is encouraged to prominently display their Blue Ribbons of Hope to symbolize your stand against violence. Ribbons are available at several businesses and stores throughout the Quinte area
· March 11 – Selection, by random draw, of the Kindness Citizen of the Year Award
· Nominate someone who has touched you by their kindness. This is sponsored by the Quinte Mall and Intelligencer. The Kindness Citizen of the Year will have their name placed on the Kindness Pillars at the Kindness Court and receive gifts in recognition of their award from the Quinte Mall.
March 12 – Random Acts of Kindness day
· Any act of kindness you do, no matter how great or how small, proves that there are truly angels among us.
Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness
