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Week 9

It never hurts to be prepared, whether you are traveling abroad, weathering a storm (actual or metaphorical), or simply staying in alone for the night. This week I am going to share with you a variety of emergency resources available to you from across the country so that in the event you ever find yourself or a loved one struggling you can have a head start at betterment. Of course these are not the only options available to you, but they are the largest, most recognizable institutions and have the ability to answer questions/concerns and help steer you in the right direction(s).

1) Food Banks Canada works with countless smaller organizations and communities throughout the country to help provide fresh and non-perishable food items to those in need every day. On the organization’s main website there is a tool you can use that will help you identify a food bank near you and will provide you with the relevant contact information for that location.

2) The LifeLine Canada Foundation provides the contact information for mental health and crisis resources throughout the country. Crisis resources are broken down by country-wide available lines to provincial and even city-local contact centers. These resources and lines are open and available 24 hours a day, every day of the year if you or anyone you know needs help and/or someone with which to talk.

3) Bon Voyage, but... is a pocket guide available and issued by the Canadian government that includes a variety of information ranging from your time prior to traveling, your time abroad and your return home. Experienced travelers will likely want to dismiss this guide, but in my opinion it includes one piece of fundamental information that is very comforting. Inside, the guide lists the location and contact information for Canadian embassies abroad. It only takes one moment for a crisis to evolve and knowing where to find help could even save your life.

4) Telehealth Ontario is a provincial toll-free phone service that residents can call to ask medical questions, get general advice and be directed to the appropriate level of care and/or resources. Upon calling you will be connected to a registered nurse who can then relay information, and connect you with another resource (crisis line) or specialty (doctor or dietician) if needed, and depending on your current situation and needs.

5) Ending Violence Association of Canada collaborates with a variety of other organizations and institutions to educate and respond to gender based violence on a national level. Listed on the main website are available services in each province/territory to aid those suffering from sexual and/or domestic violence and abuse. This website and any linked websites also provide guidance on how to clear your browsing history for those who are in these types of situations.

6) YMCA Canada and local branches are a wealth of information, community and aid. Each branch may offer different variations of services, but for the most part offer: health and fitness services, children's camps, employment services, financial aid, and various community initiatives. Local centers help serve their immediate communities and are often funded by local governments, organizations and institutions. Use the main website’s location tool to find your local center and view the services offered in your community.

7) Emergency Management Ontario links residents to the province’s emergency response plans for a variety of possible emergencies and provides information on how to be prepared for such instances. Residents can read up on official evacuation plans, radiological/nuclear response plans, and health pandemic plans. The website also provides information on how to prepare for winter storms and subscribe to be Alert Ready with mobile and social media emergency alerts.

#randomactsofkindness #YMCA #Ontario #Canada #mental health #foodbanksofcanada #gethelp #endingviolence #emergencyresponse #travelsafe

Week 8

In an effort to kick start my community and by extent other individuals and communities, this week I left 7 Tim Horton’s gift cards of $3.00 each on 7 strangers vehicles. Included, was a brief message that read: “Hello there! I run a blogging project which focuses on promoting random acts of kindness in our community. I have randomly, and unknowingly selected you as today’s recipient of 1 of 7 $3.00 Tim Cards. I am hoping this will help warm your day, and maybe even inspire you to pass along a similar gesture in the future. Enjoy!”

I have hopes that this gesture and explanation will be both a warmly received gift as well as a spark to ignite some actions and succeeding chain reactions within my local community. There is the belief that we are inherently good, and although I likely will never know the results of this campaign, let alone this single act I want to believe that at least some of those people I chose this week will carry the good forward and not dismiss such a simple gesture and request.

#randomactofkindness #TimHorton's #giftcards #7strangers #inspiration #theinherentgood #passingitalong

Week 7

It looks like I have gotten a little delayed with my posts, so bear with me as we do a little bit of catching up in the next few days. For this seventh week of makeup random acts of kindness I give you 7 book recommendations. Reading is one of my favourite pastimes and I’m so glad that I have gotten back into it the last 2 years or so. For a long time in my early twenties I really didn’t do much recreational reading, but once I began to dive in again I rediscovered my love of it. Today, I am hoping at least one of these titles may spark a similar interest for you. Not all of these books fall into the same genres so hopefully there will be something here for everyone in some capacity. Without further ado I recommend the following to you:

- Tell No One by Harlan Coben: this novel is a non-stop thriller that follows the main character on his pursuit to discover the truth behind the cryptic messages he is receiving and their link to his late wife.

- Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult: centers on the collision of two very different worlds, when a case of infanticide is discovered on an Amish farm; old testament meets new world order with a young woman at the epicenter.

- Chill Factor by Sandra Brown: combines countless plot twists with surging adrenaline as you follow a small town “up the trail” to unveil a serial killer who is already responsible for 4 deaths with an impending fifth in the balance.

- No Relation by Terry Fallis: is a lighter read with lots of humour and a fabulous take on being true to one’s identity especially when faced with everyone else’s preconceptions.

- Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer: depicts obstruction of justice, friendship, the shadiness of legalities and the power of revenge as the main character finds himself wrongfully tossed into an inescapable prison, only to scheme his way out and set about righting the wrongs of injustice.

- What She Knew by Gilly MacMillan: brings to life a mother’s worst nightmare when her son goes missing from a local park, as the days start to slip by without answers she begins to question the innocence of those who she should trust the most.

- Nobody Cares by Anne T. Donahue: is a collection of personal essays that express the author’s journey of coming to terms with every day relatable struggles, and puts forth the liberating reminder that nobody really cares (it’s all in our own heads).

I hope you are all ready pick up a book now, even if it’s not one that I have mentioned here today. There are always so many adventures to be had, and you don’t even have to travel to far to be transported away. Happy reading everyone!

#randomactsofkindness #reading #loveofreading #books #pageturner

Week 6

This week, I am going to share with you 7 life/safety hacks to help keep you “in the know” and safe. There is always more than one way to do something or to use an item and your person should always feel confident and safe wherever you happen to be. I hope these inspire new creativity and autonomy for all.

1) This one if for the single ladies, when traveling or even just being out on your own, wearing a fake wedding ring can be an easy way to deter potential attackers. Giving the idea that you have someone near by will more than likely convey a message that it’s not just you they’ll have to stand up to.

2) In the event of a grease fire occurring while cooking remove the pan from the heat source immediately and cover with a lid. If a lid is not available to help snuff the fire, you can use baking soda to help laden and extinguish the flames.

3) For the parents on a budget, can’t afford to buy dozens of cupboard safety locks to keep your wandering toddler out of the that which they shouldn’t be in? A cheap, temporary alternative is using hair ties or rubber bands and looping them around cabinet handles and knobs to help secure these crevices and your child(rens) safety.

4) The next time you host a barbeque or set up a make-your-own-sundae bar if you want to cut down on the dishes use a muffin tin to serve the condiments or toppings. Now you only have one tray vs. six bowls and it helps you eliminate excess waste by using small quantities at a time.

5) If you park in your garage at home but always have a challenge of knowing if you’re clear of the door insert a marking instrument. Measure out where your car sits safely in the garage with the door closed and mark where the center of your windshield lands in that instance. Tie one end of a piece of string or cord to the ceiling above that point and tie a tennis ball on the other end. The tennis ball should land about midway up your windshield. Now you have an easy, non-damaging way to know that you’re fully inside and clear of the door.

6) Looking for a program or software but don’t want to pay for it? Instead of searching online for “free [program/software name] download” search instead for “open source [program/software name]”. This will help minimize your chances of finding a limited trial download or ones containing advertisements and malware.

7) If you’re ever approached by a service dog that is unaccompanied by its owner don’t assume the dog is lost, there is a good chance their person is in need of medical help. Try to follow the dog or if possible try to pick up their lead and so that they can take you to their owner.

#randomactofkindness #safetytips #lifehack

Week 5

Sorry this is a few days late everyone, but I have been battling a string of migraines the last few days. In retrospect I should have queued the post, but alas here you are in is entirety.

As we trek through a very gray January I am going to share with you 7 uplifting stories and/or photos to brighten your day and maybe even your month. I hope you find these as beautiful as I do.

#randomactsofkindness #brighteningtheday #seethegood #inspire #havealaugh #relax

Week 4

This week I am going to share with you 7 organizations and their causes in the hopes that you may be inspired to get involved, donate, or just spread awareness of the organization(s) and it’s/their cause(s). For each I have provided the organization’s name, their goals/missions, current campaign(s) in which you can get involved and a link to get you started. I have selected the following to satisfy a range of interests:

- The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation: For over 60 years, Heart & Stroke has been dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our work has saved thousands of lives and improved the lives of millions of others. We empower Canadians to live healthier lives — from preventing and controlling high blood pressure to getting more physical activity. And we fight for change that will create better health for all, such as reducing salt in the food supply and improving access to stroke rehabilitation. Upcoming campaigns include: “Jump Rope for Heart”, “Big Bike”, Manulife Financial’s “Ride for Heart” campaign and more. Visit the organization’s “Get Involved” tab for more information on ongoing campaigns and various ways to provide support and get involved. (http://www.heartandstroke.ca/)

- The Canadian Cancer Society: The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. Upcoming campaigns include: personal financial donations and/or hair donations, “CIBC’s Run for the Cure”, “Relay for Life”, “Mudmoiselle”, “Golf Fore the Cure”, “Great Ride n’ Stride” and so much more. Visit the organization’s “Get Involved” tab for more information on ongoing campaigns and various ways to provide support and get involved. (http://www.cancer.ca/en/?region=on)

- Canadian Blood Services: Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit, charitable organization operating at arm's length from government. Its sole mission is to manage the blood supply for Canadians. Canadian Blood Services operates Canada’s blood supply in a manner that gains the trust, commitment and confidence of all Canadians by providing a safe, secure, cost-effective, affordable and accessible supply of quality blood, blood products and their alternatives. Ongoing campaigns include: daily blood donation appointments available across the country, the ability to organize a group donation drive with family, friends or your corporation, and “Partners for Life” campaigns for corporations and businesses. Visit the organization’s “Ways to Donate” tab for more information on ongoing campaigns and various ways to provide support and get involved. (https://blood.ca/en)

- World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Together, we can achieve WWF’s mission to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth. Together, in partnership with foundations, governments, businesses, communities, individuals and our more than six million members, we can conserve many of the world’s most ecologically important regions. Together, we can Protect and restore species and their habitats, strengthen local communities' ability to conserve the natural resources they depend upon, transform markets and policies to reduce the impact of the production and consumption of commodities, ensure that the value of nature is reflected in decisions made by individuals, communities, governments and businesses, mobilize hundreds of millions of people to support conservation. Together, we can protect life on our planet—including our own. Because together, anything is possible. Current campaigns include: Toronto’s annual “CN Tower Climb”, “Earth Hour”, Canada’s “National Sweater Day” the cooperative protection of “Lancaster South” in the Arctic, and of course volunteering and monetary donations are always accepted. Visit the organization’s “What You Can Do” tab for more information on ongoing campaigns and various ways to provide support and get involved. (https://www.worldwildlife.org/)

- The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): NRDC works to safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. Current campaigns include: “Stop Trump from Gutting the Endangered Species Act”, “Take the Lightbulb Challenge: Replace One Energy-wasting Bulb with an Efficient LED”, “Tell the EPA to Protect Bees from Toxic Pesticides and Save Our Food Supply”, the partnering of governments, corporations, researchers/scientists, lawyers and policy advocates and more. Visit the organization’s “Get Involved” tab for more information on ongoing campaigns and various ways to provide support and get involved. (https://www.nrdc.org/)

- Canadian/International Red Cross (ICRC): The work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, its Statutes – and those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law. Current campaigns include: providing household items and reuniting families in Nigeria and around Lake Chad, providing food, medicine and medical supplies to those in Libya, as well as similar missions in Iraq, Myanmar, Yemen, Ukraine and more. Visit the organization’s “Support Us” tab for further information on ongoing campaigns and various ways provide support and to get involved. (https://www.icrc.org/en)

- Doctors without Borders (MSF): We are Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). We help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. Current campaigns include: battling outbreaks of ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo, countering malaria and educating about HIV/AIDS in South Sudan, treating victims of and educating the Haitian populous about sexual and gender-based violence, and more. Visit the organization’s “The Frontline” and “Get Involved” tabs for more information on ongoing campaigns and various ways provide support and to get involved. (http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/)

#randomactofkindness #donate #participate #contribute #campaigns #charity #getinvolved #inspiration #animalwelfare #humanitarianefforts #protecttheenvironment #bettertomorrow

Let Me Explain 2018...19

I’ll say it... 2018 was far from a fantastic year and I think many people would agree with me. At each new year we hope for a new beacon of light, 2018 (I found) did not provide that, but that doesn’t mean that 2019 will lead the same path. That’s not to say that good things didn’t happen either, but the instances that hit hard were certainly crippling, At least in my bubble of perception. and as such I had to drop this project very early on in it’s redemption.

To give you an idea: days into 2018 my grandmother passed away, throughout the year I watched and supported my best friend as she watched and supported her mother who battled cancer and unfortunately lose that battle, my father’s health issues became significantly more complex and my family nearly lost their residence due to an overlooked numerical error. Due to these and other notable occurrences I was only able to complete 3 weeks of redemption before imploding and faltering for the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, I needed to deal with what was in front of me and everything else slid to the peripheral edges of my vision. I can assure you that random acts of kindness did still occur through this past year, but I did not track them to share with you all as I had been doing previously.

So what is the good that happened? There is always good despite the bad, always hope that it will overshadow that which you prefer to leave in the darkness. Well to list a few: I started to read again (really read, not a book here and there, but one after another), one of my nieces got engaged and is planning her wedding, members of my family who hadn’t spoken in years over some comments reunited, one of my nephew’s bought his first house, after my grandmother’s passing my extended family made a point of bringing everyone together and I finally started dating again.

All this and more has led me to this point (the precipice of yet another new year), just like you and the instances in your own life have brought you to where you are at this exact moment. So did you have a s**t year, an okay year, or a great year? It doesn’t matter because there is always tomorrow, next week, next year to turn it around (or to continue doing what you’re doing if you had a great one) and aim for the better.

So here’s to finishing what I (we) started! Now as we wait, and watch the seconds tick by until we can usher in our new, fresh slate we can draft our plans so that we can take that step forward. You may also noticed a new facelift to the blog, I hope you enjoy. Here’s what you can look forward to from me in 2019:

- the completion of 2017′s Redemption project (compounded acts 4-13) beginning by the end of the first week of January 2019

- continued (although not daily as before) posts of random acts of kindness I perform or witness throughout the 2019 year

- the possible launch of a new (currently untitled) blog which will feature an array of writings as written by yours truly!

#randomactsofkindness #REDEMPTION!#2019 #thegoodthebad #letmeexplain

Week 3

This week I will be sharing some family or just generally delicious recipes. So if you’re someone who enjoys cooking or who just likes trying new things then this week is for you! I hope that you enjoy the following as much as I have:

#randomactofkindness #cooking #baking #yummy #homemade

Week 2

As you may have read previously in one of my 2017 postings I regularly volunteer and fund raise for the local humane society. So for the second week of redemption I have decided to push my contributions a litter farther and have made a financial donation of $70.00 as well (an equivalent of $10.00/day of the week).

Many similar institutions operate as non-profit organizations, including my local centre and therefore they rely on donations as a large part of their annual operating budget. Many places only ask for a small monthly contribution, for example, my local centre’s goal is a $10.00/month continual donation from those in the local community, and it’s important to remember that a little from many still adds up to a lot and can make a huge impact for these organizations. So, if you’re looking to start donating regularly (whether to a local shelter or similar organization) whatever the amount that fits into your budget, you can still be a part of a larger impact and know that the finances will be well use, and are for a great purpose.

#randomactofkindness #donation #animal welfare #kwhumanesociety #alittlegoesalongway

Week 1

As promised, I have compiled a collection of 7 quotes of kindness to be shared with all of you for week 1 of my crusade to redemption. I hope you enjoy the following and that these expressions lead you to contemplate and act in the name of kindness:

- “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.” - C.S. Lewis

- “Peace begins with a smile.” - Mother Teresa

- “Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.” -Oscar Wilde

- “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” - Audrey Hepburn

- “One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” - Shannon L. Alder

- “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” - The Dalai Lama

- “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” - Princess Diana

#randomactofkindness #inspiration #sharing #dreambig #peace #possibilities #faithinhumanity #kindness #spreadkindness

Redemption

While away on vacation in early October I became very ill, the effects of which are still ongoing. Unfortunately, this unforeseen scenario is what caused me to have to abandon this project upon returning home, however as I am feeling a little bit better now I am looking to redeem this project to some extent.

I cannot recall as far back as early October in order to go through my days one by one and analyze if I performed a random act of kindness and what that act may have been. So in order to make up for my failings in the last few months I have come up with a plan of action in order to help make up for those acts which may have been missed or that I cannot recall.

By my count, from the end of September when I last posted I was at a running count of +2 acts, but I am not counting those in my favour for this approach. From the period of the first week of October until this last week of December there are 13 weeks. For each of these weeks I will perform a different enlarged act to be the equivalent of the days for that week which would have each had individual acts. For example, in the first week of January I will post 7 quotes of inspiration, one for each day. The second week will have a week’s worth of another act, and so on until the 13 missed weeks have been accounted for.

So stay tuned, the redemption begins tomorrow in the new year...

#randomactofkindness #redemption!#newyearreboot

Vacation

I am going to be headed out on vacation as you may know, I leave very early tomorrow morning with still a million and one things to do. I realize I am not currently caught up on the blog, and unfortunately will be falling farther behind while I am away. I just do not have the time tonight to get caught up before I depart however, I plan on working extra hard when I come back relaxed and refreshed. So stay tuned, and I will be back in a week. In the meantime, I hope that kindness continues to spread even in my absence and that everyone is finding new and unique ways of bringing kindness to others. :)

September 30, 2017

Earlier this month as I posted my nephew and I went to Niagara Falls for the long weekend for a bit of a vacation. From that trip I still owed him a bit of money regarding the splitting of costs. This morning I am happy to say I am finally all paid up, it took a little bit of time and I appreciate his understanding of the situation, but I’m glad we can finally call it even. Today’s random act of kindness: honoring outstanding debts.

#randomactofkindness #honoringdebts #family #callingitsquare

With Halloween just around the corner I thought some adorable pets in costumes might be just what today needed. If you are someone who dresses your pet up along with your family then maybe these will help spark some imaginative ideas for you. So have a few giggles with this daily dose of cuteness. Today’s random act of kindness: brightening the day.

#randomactofkindness #brighteningtheday #animals #Halloween #petcostumes

I can’t help but love the message that this video shares. This video is packed with viable points and observations that most people would acknowledge, but feel helpless to alter. There is even acknowledgement that a single person will not rewrite our path as a society, but the doings of each individual will act as a small push towards making the masses move.

I have continued to view a few more of Prince Ea’s videos and they are quite fascinating and eye opening. If anyone is interested in view more of his work, you can follow the attached link. I hope that this video and any others with similar messages help lift the fog from our minds and our eyes, even if just for long enough to make the changes necessary. Today’s random act of kindness: spreading and inspirational message.

#randomactofkindness #inspiration #SpreadingKindness #SpreadingLove #passingitalong #guidingthefuture

September 27, 2017

Tonight, as was laid out in our agreement I fulfilled my part of the contract and accompanied my betrothed to the movies...just kidding! A few weeks ago my friend made me promise her that I wouldn’t see the new Kingsmen movie without her so tonight we went to do just that. The movie ended up being absolutely hilarious and dare I say, in my opinion better than the first, plus Channing Tatum isn’t to bad to look at. ;)

Our full night consisted of grabbing dinner, coffee and a snack and finally the late showing of the movie before I eventually dropped my friend off at her house. I then headed home myself, collapsing into my bed at around 1 a.m.. Tomorrow is going to be quite a groggy day indeed, but well worth it! Today’s random act of kindness: making the time count with those who matter.

#randomactofkindness #Kingsmen #friendship #takingthetime

September 26, 2017

Despite really needing the time to prepare with my trip coming up today I stayed late at work to cover for a coworker. They ended up being over 3 hours late which pushed back my day, but luckily in the end everything worked out. Although hesitant when I was first asked I am glad I stayed, it helped me get ahead in my work and helped out my other coworker who would have been a bit swamped if she had been left on her own. Making today’s random act of kindness: lending a helping hand.

#randomactofkindness #helping hand #stayinglate #work

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