The week of March 3 – 9 is the 29th Annual Violence Awareness & Random Acts of Kindness (VARAK) week.
The purpose of this week is to promote positive energy to counteract the negative effects of senseless violence in our society.
“I am pleased to report that our 29th Annual Kindness Week anniversary will be a welcome change from this long cold winter and something that we can all look forward to and 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 the winning entries will be displayed at 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. A draw will be held at the conclusion of the week to choose the overall winner who will receive a laptop computer courtesy of Quinte Mall and a printer from the VARAK Program. In addition, two other high school students will each receive a bursary from the VARAK Program.
Below is the schedule of activities for the 29th Annual Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Program from March 3 to 9.
• Monday March 3 – Community Candle Light Vigil
Please take a moment to light a candle and observe a minute of silence at 7:00 p.m. in remembrance of all victims of violence.
• Tuesday March 4 – Kindness when you least expect it!
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!” Special thanks to Lactalis Canada (Black Diamond) and Hawkins Cheezies for their generous donations to the kindness crews.
• Wednesday March 5 – 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 6 – 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 7 – 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 8 – Selection of Kindness Citizen of the Year Award
Nominate someone who has touched you by their kindness. Local newspaper ballots can be submitted to Quinte Mall Guest Services or emailed to qteservice@primarisreit.com. Online ballots are available at www.varak.ca. This award is sponsored by Quinte Mall and Charm Diamonds Centre. Nominations must be received by Friday March 7, 2025. The Kindness Citizen of the Year will have their name displayed on digital signs throughout Quinte Mall and will also receive an award and gifts in recognition of their kindness.
• Sunday March 9 – 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 59 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.
