Kindness can be contagious, especially this time of year
Volunteer urges others to ‘give without expecting anything in return’
Kindness really is the gift that keeps on giving. Kindness not only brightens the day for both the giver and the receiver, but it often encourages others to do something positive.
“It’s contagious,” said Sadie Pitts, housing support worker with the Truro Housing Outreach Society (THOS). “It’s a great thing to spread and it’s always a teaching opportunity. Kids see things and they follow.
“Kindness is more important now than ever. You never know what slope someone might be sliding down, and little things can be a big help.”
She believes some of the most important acts of kindness don’t involve material objects.
“A lot of it is about time. Friendly conversation goes a long way with a lot of people.”
Melissa Faulkner, navigator at the THOS, has also noticed how giving a bit of time can be a wonderful gift.
“There are people who come in to do things like play cards with clients, and we had a school group come and help do yard work,” she said. “I’ve seen someone offer to walk somewhere with a person who was nervous. We see a lot of kindness.”
Of course, donations of material items are also important to many charities.
Pitts said many hats and blankets are donated to the THOS, which are appreciated, but during the holidays, it’s nice when the clients get something out of the ordinary. One year, someone donated little alarm clocks for them.
“Food is always appreciated, too. This time of year, we rarely see fruits and vegetables. Those are great donations.”
Donations of food and clothing also play a big part in helping Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission help those in need. The charity has locations in Truro, Halifax, Bridgwater and Lower Sackville, with a facility in Sydney opening soon. Hot meals (dine in and take out) are served on weekdays and clothing and hygiene items are available to clients.
“The things we have were donated by a corporate sponsor (clothing) and community residents,” said Matt Forrest, manager of Soul’s Harbour Truro location and pastor with Truro Connection Church, “people have really stepped up. We’ve never had people come in looking for something they really needed and couldn’t find.
“The things we need most are men’s clothing, footwear, underwear, socks, towels, blankets, hats and mittens.”
The free market is open on Fridays when volunteers are available. Because of space considerations, it is unable to stock furniture, books or decorative items. The Truro location recently provided 80 people with coats in one day.
“About 70 per cent of the people who’ve been in lately are people we’ve never seen before, and more of the people we’re serving now are homeless,” said Forrest. “Our clientele has grown in numbers and we’re seeing a lot of younger people. Former donors are now coming in as clients.”
Soul’s Harbour accepts donations of both perishable and non-perishable food.
“Sometimes people bake things for us to give out, providing that little home touch,” said Forrest. “Some things cost very little but can make a world of impact.”
He noted that many organizations are doing great work and there is a sense of unity among non-profits, so they have minimum overlap and are able to have the maximum effect.
Pitts reminds people that kindness can mean a lot in the work place.
“Almost everyone has co-workers, and doing little things, or saying positive things, can brighten their day. Do something nice for a neighbour or friend.
“We should also remember that, even if we’re celebrating, this might not be a happy time for some people. Our joy could be upsetting for some.”
People also can be kind by holding a door for someone, letting a vehicle into traffic when it’s busy, giving items that aren’t needed to charities or posting them as free online, reaching out to someone who might be lonely, responding to messages, giving compliments, giving away coupons, buying gifts that benefit charities and really listening to what someone has to say.
“I would encourage people to be conscious of what’s happening in their community and treat others like humans,” added Forrest. “All people have stories to tell and are worthy of being heard. During this season of generosity, give without expecting anything in return.”
More information on Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission can be found online at https:// www.shrm.ca/.
More information on THOS can be found at https://www.trurohomeless. ca/.