Everyone loves a good mystery, especially when it is one that is good natured and is based on inspiring random acts of kindness. If you’ll remember back in September, an anonymous person had provided the kids of YELL with gift cards from four different local businesses with the instructions that they were to go to those locations on a pre-chosen date and time and hand out the gift cards to patrons. The buzz quickly hit social media with posts going up from recipients of the cards, staff at the chosen businesses and the kids of YELL all stating what an amazing experience it had been. On October 28th, the magic started brewing again in Chestermere.
An anonymous email was sent to myself, advising that there would be another strike of a random act of kindness and that I should contact Cathy Burness with the Library and Chestermere Walks Program. Through speaking with Cathy and receiving a few more anonymous emails from someone with ‘Hundreds and Thousands”, the plan unfolded. This wave of kindness would be named “Shock a Block”….which had all involved quite intrigued.
So, on October 29th at 7pm, Cathy Burness and the Chestermere Walks group met at the Chestermere Library with their instructions. Two blocks had been chosen, Cavendish Beach Bay and Victoria Beach Bay and maps provided to the group. They were also provided with lawn signs from ‘Hundreds and Thousands’ and the gift that the group was to give to every household on those chosen blocks. The gift was a small glass jar, with two movie passes inside. A much welcome surprise to those that received and an opportunity to get some information regarding the ‘Hundreds and Thousands’ initiative.
Kim Hasson was a recipient and says “It was amazing to see how a random act of kindness affects a 12 year old boy. He was just thrilled to have his home selected. He told me he wants to be kind to others because it’s the right thing to do. This instilled it in him 100%. It was such a nice gesture. This gesture really makes people appreciate the community we live in. For a 12 and 8 year old to see this happen to random homes, is such an incredible learning tool for kindness”.
In my efforts to get the full story, I tried to get some information from the person/people behind ‘Hundreds and Thousands’. “We mostly want to inspire people. To challenge them to see how great it is to give and receive something simple. Involving great community groups like YELL and Chestermere Walks is a bonus. If folks have ideas we are listening. The last thing I would say is “We are not done! Are you?”
It was disclosed that the neighbourhoods were picked at random, but were also slightly influenced as to the number of movie tickets needed to match the number of homes on a street so it could a real ‘shock the block’. The organizations that helped, like the YELL group and the Chestermere Walks group, were chosen as a way of raising awareness for the group.
They ended with saying “The bottom line is we live in a great community and sometimes we forget. Also “YOU” have the ability to change someone’s day. (it might change yours as well) Little acts are the best because they could be from anyone, it’s why we choose to stay anonymous. Have a great Halloween.”
