Random Acts of Kindness

At Strathcom, we know the importance of giving back to our community. We know that there are things that we take for granted, and we know that sometimes it can be difficult to make the time and set aside the funds to give back. This is why Random Acts of Kindness was created. This year, every Strathcom Media employee was given $350 to give to the person or organization of their choice.

One group of people pooled their money together and assembled over 40 male and female care packages containing toiletries, food, hygienic products and warm clothing and donated them to YESS. Additional donations were sent to other organizations within the Edmonton community that support the homeless and families in need including: Kids Kottage, Boyle Street Community Services, and the Bissell Centre

Others pooled their money for an organization called SMILE. This small group of volunteers sets up what they call a sidewalk party outside the Hope Mission for the homeless people waiting in line to get shelter and a bed for the night. They do this every Sunday night without fail, their ideals are simple: bridging the gap between those who have enough & those who don’t. A kind smile, eye contact are worth their weight in gold to people that feel forgotten. To get a hug from a child is a gift, for a child to learn kindness for strangers is an even bigger gift.

We were able to buy a pair of socks, gloves, tissues, Goldfish crackers, and a sweet snack for 150 people. We also had enough money left over to purchase 16 large pizzas and hand them out. The manager at Giant Tiger gave us 30% off our purchase as well as contributed a $25.00 gift card which allowed us to stretch the money even further. He also allowed us to share his contact info with the organizer of SMILE and said he would honor the 30% discount anytime they needed it.

The organization did a little write up on it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SmileEdmonton/permalink/631375877051080/?notif_t=group_post_mention&notif_id=1488177974504369

$350 was also used to purchase dog toys and treats for Dogs with Wings. This is an incredible organization that raises and trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities. And of course we had to stay and play while Reign tested out her new toy!

We were very humbled by all of these organizations and we can’t wait to participate again next year!