Introducing Community Kindness Day — Thursday, Oct. 5
Mount Allison University, in partnership with the Municipality of Tantramar and the Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU), is gearing up to spread kindness on campus and in the community through a series of events and activities on Thursday, Oct. 5 for the inaugural Community Kindness Day.
“There is no better way to connect people within the community than through kindness,” says Dr. Robert Mackinnon, Mount Allison’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “Acts of kindness are not just gestures; they are the cornerstone of mental wellbeing and the heart of a strong, compassionate community. We need kindness now more than ever, so I encourage each of you to look for ways to spread kindness on Community Kindness Day — and every day.”
Students, faculty, staff, and the wider community are encouraged to get involved by participating in the planned activities that promote goodwill, connection, and a sense of belonging.
"Kindness is an essential aspect for the success of university students,” says Cailean Clements, MASU Vice President, Student Life. “As a reminder to ourselves and others, this day aims to promote acts of kindness at all levels, not just for those around us, but also for ourselves. We hope Community Kindness Day will offer individuals the opportunity to interact with someone they might not have previously, in a meaningful manner. The scope of kindness is wide-ranging, but its effects are lasting. On this day, I hope we all can reflect on what kindness means to us and aim to implement acts of kindness not just on this day, but as a part of our everyday practice!”
Tantramar Mayor Andrew Black says Mount Allison is a valued community partner and is looking forward to the first Community Kindness Day.
“We’ve collaborated on many initiatives over the years,” he says. “Community Kindness Day might be one of the most fun and rewarding though. In this day and age, it’s important to take a few minutes to be kind, both to yourself and others.”
While the day encourages random acts of kindness, it is also about taking time to be kinder to yourself through self-care and mindfulness.
#KindnessDayMtAHow will you spread kindness on Community Kindness Day? Make sure to share your acts of kindness on social media on Community Kindness Day, Oct. 5 using #KindnessDayMtA and tagging @MountAllison, @MASUOfficial, and @tantramarnb. |
Events and activities on Community Kindness Day — Thursday, Oct. 5:
Mindfulness self-compassion: introduction to a self-care resource
8:30 a.m. at WMSC 125 | 3 p.m. at Dunn 104
This interactive workshop introduces the concept of mindful self-compassion and directs participants to resources so that they can explore how to foster self-compassion. Intended for anyone who is interested in learning about self-compassion as a tool to accept themselves, build inner strength, and thrive. This workshop is open to students, faculty and staff. Limited space available. RSVP to hr@mta.ca. Walk-ins also welcome.
Coffee and Kindness
10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Chapel
Enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea), along with your questions and reflections on kindness. A guided conversation with Rev. Ellie Hummel, Multi-faith Chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator and student leaders. Everyone welcome!
Kindness Tags
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Gracie’s Café, WMSC
Spread the spirit of kindness. Enjoy a kindness cupcake and pick up a kindness tag or leave a tag for someone else to brighten their day!
Mindfulness Yoga
12–12:30 p.m. and 1–1:30 p.m. | Yoga Studio/Fitness Studio (WMSC)
Enjoy a 30-minute session of mindfulness yoga. Bring your water bottle and towel. Book your spot through the sign-up sheet. Walk-ins also welcome.
Kindness Rocks
1:30-3:30 p.m. | Outside the Chapel
Drop by and paint a rock of kindness, then find one to take home or place one on campus or around town.
Waterfowl Park Cleanup
3–4 p.m. | Meet outside Normandy Field, behind Jennings Hall
Join us for a wellness walk-through of Waterfowl Park where we will be aiming to clean up any garbage that may be left around the area. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided.
Food Bank Drive
Campus/Community Food Bank
Bring a non-perishable donation for one of our community food banks. Donations can be dropped off at the Campus Food Bank Room WMSC 282, at the Student Life Office, or Sackville Town Hall.
Community Kindness Board
Civic Centre and Town Hall
“What does kindness mean to you?” — Let us know by posting your response on the Town’s community kindness board.
Ways to Spread Kindness
- Leave a positive LinkedIn review for a friend
- Post a picture of what you’re grateful for under the hashtag #KindnessDayMtA
- Donate any used items to a thrift store
- Volunteer your time at one of the planned activities
- Learn how to say hello and thank you in another language
Spreading Kindness at Work
- Write a thank you note to a coworker
- Show appreciation and recognition for a job well done by giving your coworker a special shout-out in a meeting or to their manager
- Buy a coffee for someone else – Buying coffee today? Why not buy one for someone else too?
- Bake cookies for your colleagues
- Have an assistant? Buy them flowers to thank them for their work
- Spend time cleaning out the office supply room, fridge or kitchen
- Have lunch with your co-workers today
- Teaching a class? Why not give your students assignment amnesty today
Kindness in your Community
- Leave a positive review for a local business
- Take part in a community cleanup
- Surprise a fellow community group with an act of kindness, (e.g. write a kind message to a resident of the Drew Nursing Home)
- Bring food or treats to your local fire station, police station, or hospital
