Random Acts of Kindness Week
Sometimes, all it takes to make the world a brighter and kinder place is to look around us and help those who need it. For instance, sharing food with someone hungry or giving a pair of warm socks to a homeless person can make a huge difference. Even the smallest act of kindness can change the lives of those around us for the better.
On February 17, “Random Acts of Kindness Day” gains popularity every year. It is celebrated by individuals, groups, and organizations to encourage acts of kindness. The Andrey and Julia Dashin Foundation was no exception. This year, however, the acts of kindness took place for a whole week.
The foundation began its campaign by visiting a special unit of the primary school in Limassol. Andrey Dashin brought board games for developing critical thinking, graphic notebooks, and sets of coloured pens, markers, and paints.
In addition, he visited the local nursing home, Geiorkeion. This institution currently hosts 24 residents (14 women and 10 men), some of whom are homeless. Unfortunately, the facility lacks funds for some necessary things. For example, the central heating system does not sufficiently heat the building during the cold months, and the residents get cold. So, the foundation purchased electric heaters, warm pyjamas and socks.
The foundation also decided to help one of the therapeutic centers for children, whose regular patients are about 80 children with developmental challenges and disabilities aged 18 months to 19 years. Many of them need therapy throughout their lives. Andrey Dashin donated several outdoor toys for developing balance and movement.
On February 14, with the support of the foundation, Little Odysseus held an event with the writer Marina Michaelidou Kadi at the Limassol Municipal Library. She presented to the students her new book of poems for children, consisting of works that tell stories of kindness, gratitude, inclusion, and perseverance. Sixth-grade students from Ipsonas Public School, who are part of the “Journalists of the Future” program, came to meet the writer. The event was in celebration of “International Book Giving Day”, which is celebrated on February 14. The presentation was interactive, after which all the students were presented with copies of the book.
In addition, the foundation sponsored a two-day program for Lamatiki Primary School in the village of Eftagonia. The school itself and the homes of many of the students were damaged by the fires that raged in the region two years ago. A number of activities are now taking place at the school to encourage and support reading and literacy. Little Odysseus was invited to facilitate fun activities for four groups of students to help them gain confidence and learn teamwork.
It should not be forgotten that a simple act of kindness is sometimes priceless for those it is directed at. Attention, compassion, and involvement show people they are not alone or forgotten. It gives them the strength to face the new day with a smile.