For the past three years, fans of Benedict Cumberbatch across the globe joined together to perform acts of kindness in celebration of the actor's July 19 birthday. The campaign was prompted by the words of the actor himself in a 2013 thank you letter to the fans, quoted below:
"...it may be cheeky after such efforts and generosity...but could I make a request? Could you please put the time and energy, money and effort you put into those gifts, cards and messages to me into doing good for someone else?...it doesn’t have to be money, perhaps it’s just a bit of your time or a simple gesture of kindness...anyway if it makes me sound ungrateful for what you gave me please forgive my rudeness. I simply think if the number of people who threw love my way did so to people that need it far more than me, that would be a wonderful feeling for us all to have on my birthday."
Each year, the Batch of Kindness acts are compiled and bound into a colorful booklet and sent off to Benedict's agency in London. Of the 2014 booklet, Benedict said in a statement tweeted by the agency:
"I was soo moved by the money raised and all your ‘Batch Of Kindness’ stories… As I think it was called… Silly names aside the deeds were marvellous, imaginative and so generous. Thank you B- x"
So, are we ready for another go? July 19 has become an incredible day of positivity and love for those who have participated. Sign up at batchofkindness.com by clicking on the “Participating this year?” button and completing the short form (it takes 5 seconds!). Join the fun as we come together as a fandom to make the world a little brighter! <3