Whether itB次元官网网址檚 a friendly word of appreciation at the grocery store or a stranger in the drive-through buying your morning coffee, acts of kindness donB次元官网网址檛 need to be big to have a meaningful impact on someoneB次元官网网址檚 day.

And if we make enough of those pleasant surprises happen, we might just create a community thatB次元官网网址檚 a little more welcoming, and kinder, for all.

ThatB次元官网网址檚 the message behind this yearB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址� Feb. 17.

Co-ordinated locally by the Victoria Foundation, this yearB次元官网网址檚 events include the return of , in participation with Black Press Media, to share the message far and wide B次元官网网址� in all colours of the rainbow!

Children age 12 and younger are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to win a $50 Support Local E-Gift Card to a local business, plus $100 for the registered charity of their choice.

Even better, all artwork will then be shared with local senior homes to share kindness throughout the community!

Last yearB次元官网网址檚 winner was nine-year-old Vivian K., whose colourful creation included a cheerful message: B次元官网网址淵ou make the world a better place B次元官网网址� with more rainbows and sunshine, you create more joy for the world.B次元官网网址�

In a true act of kindness, the Gordon Head youth chose to donate both the $100 and her Bolen Books gift card to the Greater Victoria WomenB次元官网网址檚 Shelter Society.

See the colouring sheet and instructions below, or Watch for the Random Act of Kindness page in your local community newspaper:

• Wednesday, Jan. 26 B次元官网网址� Saanich B次元官网网址 and Goldstream Gazette
• Thursday, Jan. 27 B次元官网网址� Victoria B次元官网网址, Oak Bay B次元官网网址, and the Peninsula B次元官网网址 Review

How will you pay it forward?

B次元官网网址淲hile continuing health protocols mean some of our favourite Random Acts of Kindness events are paused, being kind, and celebrating those kindnesses, are simple, yet vital steps we can take to create a community we all want to call home,B次元官网网址� says Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO. B次元官网网址淎fter all, few things are so easy, yet so meaningful, as being kind!B次元官网网址�

How might you spread a little kindness this Feb. 17? Here are a few COVID-friendly suggestions that would be welcome at any time:

• Support a local business or restaurant.
• Raise money for a local charity.
• Send a letter or card, or phone a friend or relative you havenB次元官网网址檛 seen in a while.
• Wave hello to someone you pass on the street.
• Donate blood.
• Write a poem or paint a picture for someone.
• Do a chore for someone without them knowing.
• Compliment a friend.
• Smile at everybody B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 contagious!

Share the kindness!

If you receive a kindness, be sure to share your photos and messages on social media, tagging the Victoria Foundation and using #RAKdayYYJ. YouB次元官网网址檒l find the Foundation on , and , and online at