Making kind acts commonplace

Mark Pavilons

There's no doubt our world is a troubled bluegreen ball hurtling through space.

The daily news reports from around the globe are proof positive our planet is plagued by conflict, disease, tragedy and natural disasters. It's almost mind-boggling to us here in the west, that somewhere each day children die from malnutrition; trains and ferries wreck killing commuters; mines cave in and suicide bombers claim more innocent lives.

It's also hard to believe that half of the people on our planet have never used a telephone and billions are without clean, running water. It's estimated that 770 million people are classified as "desperately hungry." Again, roughly three billion people (half the global population) get less protein daily than the average domestic cat in the western world.

How many of us here in affluent Caledon ever give such things a passing thought, as we fill our SUVs with super; purchase new plasma TVs for our entertainment rooms, and plan for March break getaways? Just how fat are our cats?

We well fed westerners also coined the term "random acts of kindness." Actually, Anne Herbert scribbled it on her place mat in Sausalito, California in 1982 and it spread like wildfire. Today, our school children are encouraged to participate and become aware of helping the less fortunate. Funny that we instill such noble ideals in our young, yet few adults practise what they preach.

Is it hard to be kind to others? What does it take to make a difference?

Well, there are many around the world who try just that.

An Oregon man bought an ice cream truck in 2004 and drives around giving

away treats to children in his community.

A Los Angeles woman drives around with food in her car, giving it to the homeless.

Another American, for 12 years, read children's letters to Santa at the local post office, and paid several of them a visit, bringing them just what they asked for - a warm blanket or companionship.

And there's Winnipeg's Hannah Taylor, who in 2001 launched the Ladybug Foundation, collecting spare change for the homeless. In five years, Hannah has managed to raise roughly $500,000 and she now tours Canada speaking to young people.

In Iqaluit in Nunavut, there's "Polar Man" who shovels walks for the elderly, entertains kids and patrols the neighbourhoods at night.

Fortunately for the world, there are many such caring souls, who go out of their way to help others. Their contributions may be small, but their intentions, and their hearts, are as big as they come.

Many of us know about spreading good karma and paying it forward. I'd like to see such things as regular parts of every school curriculum. Wouldn't it be nice to include acts of kindness as penance for all those sentenced to community service? How about asking every business in the country to spare one day per month performing charitable acts? If I had the power, I'd consider mandating acts of kindness, to the point they were no longer random, but commonplace.

I'm sure there are many others who share my feelings in this regard. And that brings me to my goal.

I'd like to hear from anyone and everyone in the Caledon community, about your kind acts, genuine gestures, heartfelt heroisms, charitable donations, and compassionate carrying-ons.

From students cutting their hair to make wigs for cancer patients, and little ones setting up lemonade stands to help a neighbour, to anonymous Santas and strangers picking up the tab for your coffee and donut. No matter how trivial, or large, I want to hear about it.

I hope to gather these stories and relay them to readers through the pages of the Citizen, on a regular basis. Fax or e-mail your contributions to me. In our 25th anniversary year, I can't think of a better way to extend our thanks to the community, than by highlighting their good deeds. Let's hear from you, about your efforts to clean up the streets, help the elderly or save a life.

While we write about citizen's accomplishments on a weekly basis, we don't often hear about children giving up their birthday gifts and donating the money to the needy. We seldom get wind of anonymous donations for scholarships; philanthropists funding studies or community organizations; neighbours engaging in an old-fashioned barn-raising, etc.

I can't believe they don't happen. It's more likely that those involved want their anonymity. Consider this my open call.

I truly believe we're all here for a reason. And part of that is to extend a hand when no one asks; to give when the giving stops; to help ease the pain and suffering.

"Be the change that you want to see in the world."

Mahatma Gandhi