The week of March 6 – 12, 2023 is the 27th Annual Violence Awareness & Random Acts of Kindness Week.
“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. “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.”
Local area elementary school students have been invited to participate in colouring and poster contests and will submit their entries electronically. Winning entries are displayed on the pillars in Kindness Court at the Quinte Mall.
High schools are also invited to nominate a student as their Kindness Citizen. 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. In addition, two other high school students will receive a bursary from the VARAK Committee.
Below is the schedule for the 27th Annual Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Program from March 6 to the 12.
Monday March 6 – Community Candle Light Vigil
Everyone is invited to light a candle and observe a minute of silence at 7 p.m. in remembrance of all victims of violence. You are asked to remember the people of the Ukraine and the unthinkable violence that they are currently enduring.
Tuesday March 7 – Kindness Crews
On Tuesday and throughout the week Kindness crews will be passing on acts of kindness and appreciation. Areas targeted this year by the Kindness crews include Belleville, Trenton, Madoc, Marmora, Wellington, Bloomfield, Picton, Consecon, Frankford and Stirling. Chris Macdonald also stressed, “If you receive a random act of kindness, please pass the kindness on, remember kindness is contagious!”
Wednesday March 8 – Blue Ribbon of Hope Day
Everyone is encouraged to wear blue as a stand against violence and to promote kindness.
Thursday March 9 – Thankful Thursday
Take some time out of your day to text, message or call and thank someone who has touched your life with their kindness.
Friday March 10 – Friendly Friday
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.
Saturday March 11 – Kindness Citizen of the Year
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 www.quintemall.com and www.varak.ca. 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. 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.
Sunday March 12 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
Any act of kindness, no matter how small, can have the greatest impact and proves that angels truly are among us. All citizens are encouraged to open their hearts for the good of others. 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.
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.
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. Fyke was shot moments after using a pay phone to call his mother at home. Chris Macdonald went on to start the VARAK program the following year.
