Next week marks the 28th Annual Violence Awareness & Random Acts of Kindness Week.
From March 4 – 10 the program will be promoting positive energy to counteract the negative effects of senseless violence.
Co-Chair Chris Macdonald says the program has faced some challenges over the past few years resulting in changes to their format but their message remains the same.
The week will include a candlelight vigil in remembrance of all victims of violence, acts of kindness by Kindness Crews across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, Blue Ribbon of Hope Day on March 6 and Random Acts of Kindness Day on March 10.
The Kindness Citizen of the Year Award will be handed out on Saturday.
The colouring and poster contest is open to local area elementary school students and the winning entries will be displayed on the pillars in the Kindness Court at the Quinte Mall.
Elementary School winners will receive a Certificate of Achievement, a plaque and a Quinte Mall gift card in recognition of their accomplishments.
High schools are also invited to nominate a student as their Kindness Citizen, with the winner to receive a laptop computer and printer courtesy of the Quinte Mall and twos receiving a Bursary from the VARAK Committee.
Read the entire week’s schedule below:
• Monday March 4 – Community Candlelight Vigil
Please take a moment to light a candle and observe a minute of silence in remembrance of all victims of violence.
•Tuesday March 5 – Kindness when you least expect it!
On Tuesday and throughout the week, Kindness Crews will be passing along 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 6 – Blue Ribbon of Hope Day
Everyone is encouraged to prominently display and wear their blue ribbons of hope and if you do not have one, please wear blue to symbolize kindness.
• Thursday March 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – Selection of Kindness Citizen of the Year Award
Nominate someone who has touched you by their kindness. Online ballots are available at www.quintemall.com and www.varak.ca. This award is sponsored by Quinte Mall and Charms Diamonds Centre. The Kindness Citizen of the Year will have their name permanently displayed on a pillar in the Kindness Court at Quinte Mall and will also receive other gifts in recognition of their award.
• Sunday March 10 – 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.
The VARAK program is offered to 60 area elementary schools and 14 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.
Remember the only thing better than receiving an act of kindness, is giving one!
