Every year in February, the Caring and Sharing Exchange launches Kindness week in Ottawa. Throughout the week, they recognize citizens who have participated in exceptional acts of kindness and share your kind stories within the community. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. The West Team believes in practicing genuine kindness everyday, everywhere and to everyone. Here are some ways that you can practice being kind.
PRACTICING KINDNESS
Share your good fortune by donating to a charity, but remember that many charities need more than money. Donate blood, stem cells, or become an organ donor. Give your loyalty points to a charity. Donate your clothing, house-wares or furniture, or bring your gently used toys to shelters for abused women and children. Or bring toiletries to local shelters for the poor or homeless.
Volunteer your time, energy and talents to help a worthy cause. There are many wonderful organizations in our community who rely on the kindness of volunteers to provide programs or services in our city. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community by lending your unique skills to a group in need.
Take the time to say thanks to the people who help you every day – from the bus drivers who take you to and from work, to the coffee shop and restaurant staff who serve you, to the police officers and security guards who strive to keep you safe and free from harm. And the next time someone opens the door for you, helps you carry your bags, or does anything extra special for you, express your appreciation.
There are countless people in our community who are kind everyday: Nurses, doctors, hospital workers, home health providers and the relatives and neighbours who care for others at home or close to home. Acknowledge their kindness. Tell them you value their generosity and caring. They deserve the recognition.
The next time someone is kind to you, make a conscious effort to pay that kindness forward by being kind to another person. That way, you multiply the impact of kindness. You feel good, you help another to person feel good and you make a positive difference in the daily life of our community.
Share Your Story with the Caring and Sharing Exchange
Do you have a story about an act of kindness that you witnessed, performed, or received? Help inspire kindness across our city by sharing it here.
Source: www.caringandsharing.ca
