Spot the differences.
Thanks to Tony for the Bel-Air photos.
On Sat. Oct. 19 a major community-wide event dubbed “Rock the world with kindness” will take place at the Bells Corners United Church, 1:00 – 4:30.
It’s NOT a religious affair though, unless you worship kindness and inclusiveness.
It’s NOT your parents’ fun day either – there won’t be bouncy castles, cotton candy, corporate sponsors or schmoozing face-painting politicians. No one will be asking for money or trying to sell you anything (except for the idea that kindness is worth celebrating).
And there might be a polka band!
This is a true community grassroots “Fun Day” for everyone, not just for people with small kids, pet-lovers, car aficionados or other special interest groups. No big-ticket corporate-subsidized attractions like pony rides, just many amazing examples of the milk of human kindness.
It’s not easy organizing a community event of this scale, so hats off to the team. Many of them were involved in planning the very successful Bells Corners Eco-fairs in 2011 and 2012.
Here’s a recent letter from one of the organizers:
Hello Friends,
I thought you may be interested in the latest updates for the Mitzvah Day, which is now called “Let’s Rock the World with Kindness” fair. Please pass along to anyone who may be interested. Appreciate any ideas or help you may have to offer.
Medical studies have shown that acts of human kindness are helpful for the recipient and the giver, and even for those who witness acts of kindness. We are hosting an event for all ages to join together in performing acts of kindness.
Looking for volunteers to kindly help with this event. Please email me for more info. Here are some needs:
1. Setup Crew (noon-1:00)
2. Cleanup Crew (4:30-5:00)
3. Cooking/Baking Crew (11:00-1:00)
4. Kindness Ambassador Crew (greeting, giving Kindness cards & cookies)
5. Car washing Crew (1:00-4:30)
6. Making Kindness Bracelets (like Friendship bracelets) (1:00-4:30)
7. Helping young children to make crafts
8. Raking leaves Crew (1:00-4:30)
9. Learning how to turn pillowcases into girl’s dresses for Africa
10. Turning milkbags into sleeping mats & tote bags (1:00-4:30)
11. Help pack Christmas & Birthday boxes for children (1:00-4:30)
12. Plant exchange Crew (1:00-4:30)
13. Crochet or knitting Group (scarves, teddies, tote bags) (1:00-4:30)
14. Help with advertising and bringing friends (before Oct. 19)
15. Your idea here…
What’s in it for you?
1. The Cryptoparty is an opportunity for everyone, whether you
graduated with a degree in computer science or just found the power button
on your laptop. Come learn how to make using your computers more secure, and
share your knowledge with others. Bring a laptop if you have one.
2. Bring your photographs or artwork to enter into the contest. The theme is “Rock the World with Kindness” (details on the website)
3. You will receive Smiles, Kind words, a Kindness card and an opportunity to do something kind for someone else.
4. You will learn about local groups and charities. You may even meet a new friend.
5. Is there a helpful kindness that you or your group would like to receive? Perhaps we can help.
6. If you belong to a group or charity who regularly offers kindness to the world? Would you like to set up a booth at this fair on Oct. 19?
Things you can bring to donate:
1. Old computers (working or not) which will be rejuvenated & sent to schools in Costa Rica
2. Old candles and wax bits (which will be melted down and sent to 3rd world for fuel & light)
3. Shoe boxes and small toys/games for Birthday/Christmas boxes for underprivileged children
4. Plants for the Plant Exchange (if you know the name, please label it)
5. Food for local food bank (FAMSAC)
6. Nearly-new formal dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry, unopened cosmetics and hosiery for Fairy Godmother charity. The Fairy Godmothers turn underprivileged teens into prom princesses.
Please help!
The world needs more kindness!