INNISFAIL – Kindness matters to the Town of Innisfail.
So much so, the town has launched a new awareness campaign to showcase citizens who have made a difference to the lives of others, and have done their part to make Innisfail a better and more joyous town to live in.
Karen Bradbury, the town's community and social development coordinator, said the idea came from a chat with Sandy Wacker, the town's community supports and age-friendly facilitator, about programming ideas.
“We are always looking at preventative. How do we put out positive upbeat messaging or activities or events, or engage individuals in the community in positive ways?’’ said Bradbury, adding it was known by her office that “great things were happening” in the community despite the ongoing negativity about the pandemic and the polarization it created.
“It seems there is conflict on all sides, so we just wanted to put out the messaging that you can have a positive effect on someone else by just being kind as well,” said Bradbury. “You can make someone’s day by just the smallest of gestures, and just turn that around. Those things help improve mental health and wellness.”
From there, Kindness Matters was launched for the community on Oct. 7, with no real end date immediately in mind.
The idea is simple. The town wants citizens to send in nominations for Kindness Matters recognition. The municipality is asking nominators to write a short paragraph of 100 words or less explaining why this chosen person deserves to be recognized. Nominators can send an email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Nominators can also drop off their submission at the Town of Innisfail office, and mark it c/o Sandy Wacker.
Anyone who submits a story will have their name and nominee put in a draw for gift cards or other prizes.
“We just wanted to invite people to tell us about someone who has made an impact to them, ever since COVID, or has done something kind for them or made a difference,” said Bradbury, adding the town will be publishing the stories.
“We got some really cool stories we are going to share. When we assemble them, we just want to put it out there that, you know what, kindness does really matter and it makes a difference.”
Call the town at 403-227-3376 for more information on the Kindness Matters campaign.
