Random Acts of Kindness returns for its fifth year

Beware of good deeds being done to you today.

It’s the fifth annual Random Act of Kindness Day in Medicine Hat, spearheaded by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, which is also celebrating 25 years of local philanthropic giving.

One of the major events connected with RAK Day is taking place from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in three locations at Medicine Hat College, with a helium balloon to mark each: The front doors by the gym, just outside of the library, and in between the cafeteria and the coffee shop.

Three large rolling whiteboards and dry erase markers will be stationed at each location with different questions on each:

“What are you grateful for?”

“What do you like about yourself?”

“What is a RAK that you can/will perform today to #payitforward?”

Organizers will also be handing out stickers, swag, free high fives and free smiles, and they say in a press release that “if there are doors nearby, volunteers are encouraged to hold the doors open for students/others.”

Follow RAK Day on social media: Twitter: @RAKDayMH (#Gobekind & #CFSEAsRAKDay); Facebook: @RAKDayMH; Instagram: rakday_mh

“The Community Foundation’s focus has always been philanthropy, and RAK Day is just another extension of that mandate,” said Chris Christie, executive director of the CFSEA. “Being generous and caring is a simple way to create stronger communities and a sense of belonging. This event has taken on a life of its own in the past five years and we really encourage businesses, schools and the rest of the community to take action on Nov. 3 and throughout the year, being kind to everyone they meet.”

Lisa Kosolofski, community engagement co-ordinator for the CFSEA notes how simple it is to participate: “There are many different ways to #GoBeKind and most of them do not cost anything except time and effort,” she says. “It’s a win-win when you reach out and connect with others — you feel great and so does the person you are helping.”

For kindness ideas and suggestions, visit www.rakdaymh.com.