“Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on.”
This is the GLSS leadership’s class message they wanted to share. Be kind to people because you never know what they are going through. It only takes a split second to share a smile but to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime.
The Act of Kindness initiative, established last year at Great Lakes Secondary School by Bradon Burnham’s leadership students, had two main goals:
1. Implement a meaningful community-wide initiative to spread hope and awareness regarding mental health.
2 Share kindness. In other words, let people know they matter; stick up for the underdog; be a voice for those who need it. Make a difference, by doing something bigger than yourself.
The Act of Kindness proceeds go towards helping local families in need. In past campaigns, we have brought Christmas to families going through a challenging season in life, paid rent for a family facing eviction, surprised countless families with gifts, paying for their groceries, or simply meeting their needs, all to show them they matter.
This season, we were able to bring Christmas to 104 very deserving people and give out two Acts of Kindness leadership scholarships.
You can never know the ripple effect you create with one small gesture of kindness.
This doesn’t happen without some amazing help from local organizations and businesses believing in what we are doing. These businesses played an important role in creating hope and positive change in our community.
I would like to thank last year’s Leadership class for helping create the vision as well as Team Outfitters and Matt Pasut for partnering on this venture with us. I would like to thank the following amazing organizations and businesses for their generous donations and support:
Dave Lane and Sarnia Lambton YFC
Jeremy Guerette Remax Real Estate
M. Di Murro Trucking
Joes Tires
Aecon
Mavrio Canada
Diamond Petrochemicals
Progressive Autosales
Robert Dale Unlimited
Molson Tires
Smiths Funeral Home
Petrolia Dentistry
40 Fuel
Jim Ainsworth and Wight Bus Lines
Marcotte Disposal Inc.
Cabot
Plympton Plumbing
H. Moore & Sons Windows
Blazing Buds
Lambton Family Dental
Big Brothers Big Sisters Show Sale
Sarnia association of basketball officials
Coldwell Banker
Brownstones
American Eagle
Kern Water
I-Fast Parties
Rotary Club Sarnia
Trinity Church Ladies Guild
Local Union hall 663
Rebecca Phillips Dentistry
Mayor Mike Bradley
Sarnia McDonalds
Sarnia Lambton Mall
Mary Browns
No Frills Sarnia
Dr.Tang & Lambton Orthodonic Center
Phoenix CrossFit gym
Ish Nutrition
Sarnia Sting
Mooretown Flags
Sarnia Legionaries
Chris Hadfield
and a few incredible GLSS co-workers: Heather DiMurro, Tina Ferguson and Joel Skinner for giving of their time running venues and sharing our message.
If you want to join our Acts of Kindness movement or be a part of our initiative next year or for more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Great Lakes Leadership teacher, Bradon Burnham, [email protected] and follow us on instagram for updates; act_of_kindness_Umatter
You matter. You are loved.
Bradon Burnham