Swandeh Terhide

In a very inspiring story from Chongqing, China, a man named Wang faced a whirlwind of emotions when he accidentally left his bag, containing an engagement ring, outside a local sour and spicy noodle shop. Upon realizing his mistake, he rushed back, only to find that a little girl had found the bag and given it to the restaurant manager to prevent it from being stolen. Grateful for the return of his precious ring, Wang proposed to his girlfriend later that day, and she happily accepted. To celebrate their engagement and express his gratitude, he decided to treat 5,000 customers to free bowls of spicy noodles, equivalent to the shop’s daily sales. A long queue formed outside the restaurant as eager patrons awaited their complimentary meals. Wang also posted a heartfelt letter outside the shop, stating, “Chongqing has the woman I love and so many nice people. I feel very honored and happy.” The feeding of 5000 people that day is very symbolic of the multiplier effect of random acts of kindness. In all your dealings, embrace kindness and do to others as you’d have it done to you.

Years after being convicted for armed robbery, Rameil Pitamber found an unexpected mentor in the police officer who arrested him. At just 17, Pitamber was devastated by his father’s death in 2013, which led him to attempt a robbery at gunpoint. He was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Deputy Police Chief Brian Nugent was the officer who arrested Pitamber – but even after helping to put the youngster behind bars, Pitamber’s mother stayed in touch with the policeman so she could convince him that her son was not just another criminal.  After Pitamber was released early for good behavior, he recognized the need for mentorship to avoid repeating his past mistakes. Fate intervened when Pitamber encountered Nugent while working at a Goodwill store. He asked Nugent to be his mentor, and their conversation blossomed into a meaningful relationship. Pitamber expressed gratitude for Nugent’s compassion and support, stating, “He never treated me as less than. With him in my corner, I can do anything.” Their mentorship included monthly meetings focused on job searching and navigating the challenges Pitamber faced due to his background. Through Nugent’s guidance, Pitamber learned to view himself positively and embrace his identity beyond his past. Now employed in heating and air conditioning, Pitamber is also renovating his home and pursuing education. He reflects on his journey, stating, “I want something out of life. I want to be successful and truly free.” Nugent sees the transformation in Pitamber, particularly in his confidence, and believes there is no greater reward than helping someone succeed. Standing in full glare is the power of compassion and understanding, proving that respect and mentorship can bridge divides, correct erring souls and foster positive change. We can do our jobs effectively and still keep the bar of kindness very high just like Brian Nugent did.

On the grounds of a decommissioned prison, an innovative program called Growing Change is transforming lives through sustainable farming. Founded in 2011, this organization addresses the root causes of social issues by converting abandoned prisons into year-round farming and education centers. Growing Change brings together at-risk youth on the brink of the criminal justice system and unemployed veterans returning from service. The veterans mentor the young men, teaching them life skills, sustainable farming practices, and animal husbandry while providing a therapeutic environment. The initiative has expanded to include young men facing challenges such as unstable home lives and mental health issues, aiming to intervene before they enter the justice system. The program boasts a remarkable 92% reduction in recidivism rates among participants, compared to the national average of 43%. As Noran Sanford, the founder, states, “At the core level, we are instilling hope,” emphasizing the importance of hope in preventing negative outcomes. Participants work to rehabilitate neglected land and learn valuable skills, while veterans pursue degrees in environmental sciences and sustainable agriculture. This model not only benefits individuals but also improves the communities they serve by addressing food insecurity and health issues associated with a lack of fresh produce. Practical experience suggests that correction rooted in love, combined with rewards for positive behavior, yields better results than punishment alone. Even in the most challenging circumstances, our focus should remain centered on humanity. This approach can serve as a model for communities everywhere, showcasing the power of collaboration and hope in overcoming societal challenges.

In 2023, Canadian farmers produced a record potato crop, leading to a massive surplus, especially in western provinces like Manitoba. One Manitoba farmer, Isaiah Hofer, had 12 million pounds of excess potatoes after fulfilling his regular orders. Rather than let the potatoes go to waste, Hofer teamed up with the Farmlink Project, a US food rescue charity, to donate the surplus to food banks and charities across North America. The potatoes were distributed to over 50 organizations in Ottawa alone within just over a week. The donations helped address the dramatic spike in food insecurity in Canada since last year. Farmlink has rescued around 100 million pounds of surplus food from farms since 2020 and distributed it to food banks. True humanity requires us to look beyond our own needs and consider the struggles of others. As we enjoy our meals, let’s take a moment to reflect on those who, for reasons beyond their control, may be going to bed hungry. In the spirit of compassion, no one should have to experience hunger. Let’s be intentional in our efforts to end this crisis together.

A retiree rescuer hiked half a kilometer through a winter whiteout to reach a woman that had used social media to alert the local neighborhood that she was stuck and afraid for her safety. At 80-years old, Andre Bouvier Sr. is being hailed as a hero for rescuing not only the woman, but three other cars likewise stuck in an impassable blizzard which locals describe as a “Saskatchewan Screamer.” Many have had the same thought as Shannon St. Onge when looking at the approach of snow on a weather forecast—that they have time to finish their errands. The director of finance at the First Nations University of Canada, her signature on a check required her to drive her usual commute of 25 kilometers (15 miles) from her home in Pense, over to the city of Regina. As she was leaving, the winter snow began to fall, and taking a dirt road for better traction on her tires, she quickly became lost, with no ability to see more than a sliver of the road’s edge from a rolled-down window. After a while she stopped and called 911, with the operator suggesting she wait out the storm as her tank was full and she was warm. “She (the operator) took my information and told me an officer would call me back. Almost 14 hours and counting and nobody has called me yet to check in,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Would the gas tank last until morning? What if I was hit by another vehicle? What if I fell asleep and the tailpipe was blocked? What if I didn’t make it home at all?” St. Onge wondered. Determined to ensure the safest end to her turn for the worse, she went out in the storm and discovered her location on a road sign, then found a neighborhood Facebook group for the area she was passing through—alerting those it contained of her plight through a Google Maps pin. That’s when Andre Bouvier Sr., doing some at-home genealogy research, got a call about St. Onge’s situation, and bundling up while ignoring his wife’s concern for his safety, the 80-year-old went out to find her, on foot, since he couldn’t manage to start his tractor. On the way he found three other stranded vehicles, totaling seven people, and walking the quarter mile there and back, he led the helpless cars one by one to his home. Bouvier let all of them sleep at his house, where they ate and laughed, and departed the next morning after he had plowed the driveway. Bouvier remarked that everyone would have done the same, and that it took very few thoughts or courage to help. So, you see; you’re neither too young nor too old to help anyone. Only open up your mind and Try A Little Kindness.

A courageous woman in India, Omvati Devi, potentially saved hundreds of lives by waving her red sari to alert an approaching train after spotting broken tracks ahead. Realizing the danger, she swiftly flagged down the train, allowing the driver to stop just in time, preventing a disaster for the 150 to 200 passengers on board in Uttar Pradesh. Devi recounted, “I was on my way for routine work when I discovered the broken track. Knowing this could lead to a tragedy, I remembered that red signifies danger. I used my sari to signal.” Although the driver offered her 100 rupees in gratitude, she humbly declined the money, emphasizing her selfless act. Reflecting on this, it goes without saying, that there is something anyone and everyone can do for humanity. One mustn’t break the bank to be kind. A gesture as small as removing that hedge on the road, that’s obstructing smooth traffic flow will go a long way. Be intentional, be selfless, be kind too.