My name is Maya. I am 12 years old and just started Grade 7. I’m proud to call myself a “Kindraiser”.
Why? Because being kind is cool! It is important, changes the world and it can also be fun! This summer for my 12th birthday I did an Amazing Race of Kindness (#MayasAmazingRaceOfKindness) with my family. Each team completed 12 R.A.O.K (Random Acts Of Kindness) around my community. Simple things that surprised kids and adults on an average Saturday ended up making a big difference to a lot of people. My favourites were giving bubbles to a child playing at the park, a balloon to a child waiting at a Walk-In Medical Clinic and surprising fire fighters and police officers with cookies! These items were all small gifts but made a big impact in the recipient’s day. The best reaction was from someone waiting for a bus. As I gave him bus tickets, he acted like he won the lottery! Each little gift had a tag that explained what I was doing and why and then asked them to pay it forward by being kind to someone else that day. It makes me smile to see other people smile. It makes me feel good to know that kindness ruled my birthday not just for me but others too.
There are other simple ways that you can be kind every day. Giving someone an unexpected compliment or helping someone who doesn’t expect it is a “win win” for everyone. Kindness makes a positive impact. If everyone focused part of their day on kindness, imagine what our world would be like?
Even the clothing you wear can make a difference. T-shirts with positive messages makes a positive impact. If everyone focused part of their day on kindness, imagine what our world would be like?
Watching the news or reading the newspaper can sometimes get you down. There are so many ways to turn the frown upside down! Maybe try keeping a notebook of ideas for how to be kind. Putting a bit of time and effort into creative random acts of kindness is a good idea. There are many ideas online and you could follow @ThatHannahAlper on social media for more kindness tips. Writing down your happy thoughts makes you focus on the good things in your life instead of the bad ones. Stop and smile for a minute. Try a Smile challenge. Who can smile longer? Think less me, more we. Be kind today!
Maya is a 12 year old Kindraiser. She has been very active with her school Me to We initiatives since she was 8 years old. From helping to organize food drives, safety patrol, free tutoring and speeches at water walks; Maya volunteers her time with enthusiasm. She hopes to be a teacher when she grows up but also hopes to work for Free the Children one day too!
Had the pleasure of not only attending my grand-daughter Maya’s 12th birthday amazing race party but being on the team which finished first. We were all winning teams though and we’re so proud of Maya’s organization and planning. My first question was how much money should I bring but she answered she would have it all ready for each team but we could supplement donations if we chose to do so. Everyone felt so good as we attempted to make people feel better with random acts of kindness. My favourite activity was attempting to assist people with their groceries. Initally people were wary of us…especially as Maya’s Dad is over six foot. We persevered and one lady even gave the quarter from the cart return to my 10 year old grandson! Highly recommend this type of activity for any age. Three generations were represented at Maya’s party.