Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness (VARAK) Week is March 8-14, 2021.
VARAK is celebrating their 25th anniversary. This is a message about their activities for this year.
We are very pleased and excited to be celebrating 25 years of promoting kindness within the greater Hastings and Prince Edward County Communities. Our Kindness Program is offered to 59 area elementary schools and 14 high schools reaching over 24,000 students.
Normally we would kick off our week with Opening Ceremonies, a Candle Light Vigil and Student Awards, but this year needed to do things differently!
New to the program is an electronic version of the colouring and poster contests for local area Elementary School Students .
High Schools continue to participate in the High School Kindness Citizen Contest and we are requesting nominations for the Kindness Citizen of the Year Award. ( see attached ballot)
The following is an agenda of events that have been planned;
· Monday March 8th – Community Candle Light Vigil 7:00 pm
As we are unable to have our Opening Ceremonies, we are asking the community to please light a candle and observe a Minute of Silence in remembrance of all victims of violence.
· Tuesday March 9th – Kindness Crews
On Tues. and throughout the week Kindness Crews will be passing on kindness and gratitude to our Frontline Heroes and First Responders.
· Wednesday March 10th – Blue Ribbon of Hope Day
Everyone is encouraged to prominently display their Blue Ribbons of Hope and if you do not have one, please wear blue to symbolize your stand against violence.
· Thursday March 11th – Thankful Thursday
Take some time out of your day to text, message or call and thank someone who has touched your life with their kindness.
· Friday March 12th – Friendly Friday
Surprise a family member, friend or neighbour with an inspirational note, flowers, an email, a card or some other act of kindness to let them know how much you appreciate them.
· Saturday March 13th – Selection by random draw, of the Kindness Citizen of the Year Award
Nominate a co-worker, family member or friend - someone who has touched you by their kindness. This award is sponsored by the Quinte Mall, The Intelligencer, the Community Press, the County Weekly News and the Trentonian as well as Charms Diamond Centres. The name of the Kindness Citizen of the Year will be placed on the Kindness Pillar in Kindness Court and the winner will receive gifts in recognition of their award.
For ballots please visit our website at www.varak.ca or www.quintemall.com
· Sunday March 14th – Random Acts of Kindness Day
Any act of kindness, no matter how small, can have the greatest impact and proves that angels truly are among us.
KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS PLEASE PASS IT ON!