Third-grade students from Watson Elementary School in Chilliwack, British Columbia, have been spreading kindness to strangers for the last seven years through the school’s Kindness Project. This year, five classes participated in the biggest one to date, including all of the Grade 3 students, as well as some students from Grades 2 and 4.
The Kindness Project was initiated in 2017 by teachers Jen Thiessen and Kyla Stradling to encourage acts of kindness in their community. Each year, the students raise funds for the project by selling cupcakes, and this year, they raised an impressive $1,400.
Once they had the funds, the students went to local parks to hand out flowers, chocolates, dog treats, and coffee to strangers. Some students also stayed behind to assemble care packages for homeless people. Each of the gifts that the students distributed came with a hand-decorated card featuring a quote by Kevin Heath: “No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness may start as a small ripple that over time can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many.”
Positive Results of the Kindness Project
The Kindness Project has had a significant impact on the community. The recipients of the students’ gifts were delighted and inspired by their kindness, with one woman stating that “Kindness coffee is always the best.” She even pledged to buy someone else a cup of coffee later. Shortly after, a man handed Thiessen a $20 bill, stating that it was for next year’s project.
The Watson Elementary School Kindness Project has been an excellent way to encourage acts of kindness in the community while also teaching students valuable lessons about empathy, generosity, and compassion. The project’s success is evident from the positive impact it has had on the recipients of the students’ gifts and the community’s response. The Kindness Project will undoubtedly continue to spread kindness and inspire others to do the same.
