2k14: k4k Retrospections

Exactly one year ago on this day, this project was merely an idea in my head. I’m proud to say today that fifty two weeks, ergo, fifty two random acts of kindness (and unlimited amounts of good vibes) later, I have reached my goal. Here are my thoughts on the experience.

I started the Kindness for Karma year-long project for many reasons. The first and main one was of course to accomplish the actual acts in order to bring a little extra joy in some people’s lives. Seeing the reactions of my “victims” were always fun and encouraging, but I also liked the element of surprise behind it, which is why most of them were done anonymously. To receive something unexpectedly usually has more value or a very different kind of impact as when it is expected. It makes me happy to think that I was able to contribute to that effect, even in the simplest ways. 

The Pay It Forward ripple effect was the project’s by-product, which was also something I was very interested to see unfold. I have come across some amazing people who have been not only saying that it had brought positivity in their lives, but also just plain awareness. Then I have had people who have been thoroughly inspired and have voluntarily jumped knee-deep into it with me. For this, I have a couple of special thanks to give. One goes out to Maxime Nicholas, who, for the last eight weeks, has been also doing one act of kindness per week and posted everything on Instagram and Facebook to share with her friends and family. Another special person who has been extremely involved is my friend Véronique Sylvain. She has been suggesting ideas since day 1 and I have her to thank for continuously motivating me. Marianne Denis, Sébastien St-Amour, Ashly Dick and the kind folks in my building are also amongst the other people who have actively helped me complete my project. Thank you as well to everyone else who’s been supportive, with my mom being my number one supporter and friend.

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.”
- Eric Hoffer 

On a personal level, I wanted to see how the project would affect me and me in relation to the world. Sure enough, within the first couple of weeks, I started to see a transformation in myself. By being aware of Kindness and its effects, I felt like I was progressively becoming naturally more kind to others. I felt more relaxed, accepting and patient with my peers and most of the time, I would get those same reactions in return. I also noticed that even if I had pre-written my fifty two acts, I ditched some ideas as I found bigger and better ones as the weeks progressed by exposing myself to positive energy. This was a great growing experience and has taught me things that will probably stick with me for a long time to come.  

On a more technical side, the k4k project allowed me to get creative with my outputs and to use Social Media to my advantage, which, as a Communications Minor, was a very interesting domain to play with. I had fun with my Facebook and Instagram as I was able to share my project with my close friends and family and get instant feedback. I used Twitter to get in contact with external folks, such as Pay It Forward Saint John’s, who were the people who inspired me in the first place. I met up with one of the heads of the Organization, Nicole Paquet while she was in Ottawa on a business trip and we shared a ton of great ideas. We have been in touch throughout the whole year and they have shared my story to many, including doing an email blast to Xerox employees, a company with whom they have been working. Thanks to them, I also had the opportunity to have a Skype call with some students from River Valley Middle School, a middle school in New Brunswick who are also affiliated with PIFSJ and extremely dedicated to their initiative. Two radio interviews also came out of using these tools; one directed by a journalism student, Nicole Vair, from Fredericton University and another with Charlotte Bédard from Vague FM 88.1 in Penetanguishene. As for this blog, I found pleasure in seeing my numbers grow every week. My final statistics as of today are the following:  

Just for Fun

The top three highest page views are the following:
1. Week Nineteen: Mother’s Day Card by Mail.  
– 86 page views
2. Tie - Week Four: Wool Socks for a Homeless Person. 
– 54 page views
Tie - Week Five: Scholarship Reference Letter for a Former Katimavik Volunteer. 
– 54 page views
3. Week Eleven: Timmies Freebies for a Stranger. 
– 50 page views

To sum everything up, this past year has been a great journey which has taught me a lot about kindness, myself and even human nature. As you have guessed, yes, I will sign off with one last cheesy quote. As William John Bennett said, “A kind and compassionate act is often its own reward” and I couldn’t agree more.

Have a great 2k14.

G. 

Week Fifty Two: Leaving Christmas Goodies at a Tim Hortons and a Local Restaurant.

Well, this is it pals. My very last post. 

For my last week, I decided to fill a stocking full of candy canes, hot chocolate packages, jujubes, wafers, etc. when I was home for the holidays. I then drove out to a Tim Hortons closest to my hometown, which is in Sturgeon-Falls, to have a coffee with my brother and to leave the stocking and a card on a table. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Not long after I put it down, an employee who was washing the tables came across the stocking and thought someone had accidently forgot it behind. She brought it behind the counter and opened the unsealed envelope and read the card out loud to her coworker. The card said: “I hope you enjoy every delight in this stocking as well as every other that will present itself to you in the New Year. Happy and Safe Holidays to you and your loved ones.” They both immediately sported a sheer look of glee on their faces and they shared a laugh.  

I can’t however take the credit for this idea as it wasn’t mine. Véronique, a friend of mine who has been nothing but supportive throughout the length of this project, not only suggested doing this but also took a part in it. She bought a treat, wrote a note and left it at Brasseurs des temps, a local brewery/restaurant in Hull, for someone else to stumble upon it.
  

It’s unbelievable how incredible some people are. Thank you Véronique for being wonderful. 

Alas, this wraps up my year long project. I am very happy to say that I have successfully carried this through until the very end. It feels great to have accomplished this commitment that I took upon myself and in result, to witness the positive reactions and incredible support. I’d like to thank everyone who has commented, reached out to help, suggested or simply “liked” my posts throughout the year. This, amongst other reasons, acted as the best kind of encouragement to keep me going. So thank you all. 

To read my overall thoughts on the project, click here.

Thanks for reading, you’re all pretty darn great. 
Have a wonderful 2014.
G. 

Week Fifty One: Wrapping Presents with the BIA to Raise Money for the Local Food Bank.

This year, I had a bit of trouble to get into the spirit of the holidays. I’ve been busy and didn’t do much shopping since my brothers took care of most of it - which also means little to no present wrapping, which I really enjoy doing and gets me very much into Christmas. So I figured I’d lend a hand to my local BIA, (the Bank Street BIA), whom I saw were organizing a present wrapping station and accepting donations for the Centretown Emergency Food Centre. Two birds one stone, I thought!

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

They also had a food donation box as well as a clothing drop-off, which I found perfect since I could drop off the food donations I collected from the people in my apartment building in October. 

Overall, it proven to be a really fun time; I got to meet some great people and am now feeling the Christmas cheer a bit more!

Now next week will be the last act of kindness for my project. I can't believe it's already been a year since I started... It's been a good one. 
Stay tuned for week fifty two!  

G.

Week Fifty: Sending a Gift Card to the Local Fire Fighters.

As a way to thank the local men and women who puts everything on the line for the sake of everyone’s safety, I decided to send these selfless people a gift certificate for a coffee shop. Every day, these fire fighters come into work not knowing what to expect of their day, so this is my way to restore a little bit of normal in their lives – and what better way to do this over a coffee with some coworkers? 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Here’s to wishing them a happy and safe holiday and an even safer new year.

G.   

Week Forty Nine: Surprise Shoveling a Neighbour’s Entrance While No One’s Home.

Shoveling sucks.

Everyone hates it. It’s the last thing you want to do after seeing 5 feet of snow accumulate on your front porch. Nope – I’ll tell you what you want to do. You want to curl up in a ball in front of a fire or some sort of artificial heat next to your feline friends and only wake up when spring starts to show its dewy and warm face again. I get it.

This is why I thought it would be nice to do one of my neighbours a favour. After a massive snowfall this week, I decided to grab a shovel, go over to my neighbour’s yard and shovel their entrance while they were away. I thought it might be a nice surprise for them to come home to.

G.

Week Forty Eight: Leaving Change at a Food Vending Machine.

There’s nothing worse than having a snack attack and having no change to buy anything at the vending machine closest to you. This week, I decided to take some change, put it in an envelope and then tape it on a vending machine.

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Being Hangry is not a favourable state, so knowing that there might have one less snack attack in the world makes me happy.

G. 

Week Forty Seven: Sprinkling Salt on a Patch of Ice at a Bus Stop.

I was out on a stroll the other day and I noticed that the sidewalk conditions were less than favourable for walking enjoyment. Then when I turned around, I saw someone fall on an icy patch on their way to catch the bus. This is when I decided to get some salt and lay it around the exact bus stop at which this person fell.

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Hopefully this reduced the amount of dangerous tumbles at this high traffic area, or at least preventing rips in a pair of jeans or two.    

G.

Week Forty Six: Slipping a Note in a Book at a Used Book Store.

There’s something about going through secondhand items that just brings me the best of joys. That feeling of satisfaction you get from discovering a unique gem for cheap is like none other, but the bulk of the fun comes with the imagery guessing game you create in your mind of the previous owner. Coming across markings, particular scents, signatures, etc. – you can’t help but create this mythical story of the person that it formerly belonged to. So this week, I decided to contribute to that mythical story formulating experience for someone else by slipping in a note in a book at a used book store.

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

The message was a simple yet significant one, reminding the finder of the note to live a happy one.

G.

Week Forty Five: Giving a Pair of Gloves to a Homeless Person.

“It’s so cold outside.”

The inevitable phrase that will just slip into every small talk conversation you’ll be holding for the next 6 months or so. Yep, Jack Frost is here and there’s no avoiding him.

Much like my fourth week when I started to do this project, I couldn’t help but think of that percentage of the population who don’t have the luxury to turn up the thermostat when it’s starting to get a little chilly out, or even have a shelter to warm up in. Thus, I decided to bring a pair of gloves to a homeless person in the effort of trying to help them stay warm. It was then that the woman glared at me and expressed her ardent gratitude. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Stay warm this winter folks.

G.

Week Forty Four: Picking Up Trash at the Movie Theatre.

This weekend, my mom and I went to go see a movie together, in good mother-daughter bonding fashion. As the movie started, the rustling sounds of popcorn and candy bags filled the room. Those familiar sounds are a must in order to fully experience the box office setting. However, the first thought that came into my mind was: “I’m pretty sure 93.9% of the floor’s surface will be covered by those bags the moment the end credits will start rolling.” I couldn’t help but think of the massive work load that the poor schmuck working the front would have to face when stepping in the dark popcorn filled room after everyone has left. So as soon the movie was ending, I decided to pick up the extra bags that my messy single serving theatre buddies left behind in my surroundings. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject 

It may not have been a lot, but it was that much less for the poor usher to pick up.

G.

Week Forty Three: Leaving a Pumpkin at Someone's Doorstep for Halloween.

I remember one of the rituals I enjoyed the most about Halloween growing up was carving a pumpkin. To this day, I still do enjoy it greatly. The carving, the smell, cooking the seeds, etc. I wanted to offer that experience to someone else. I was walking through the neighbourhood this week and I noticed there were plenty of houses lacking of pumpkins on their porches. So I went and bought one and left it at a pumpkin-less house with a note. I hope this enhanced their Halloween experience!

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Special thanks to Marianne who gave me this wonderful idea!  

G.

k4k Contributors!

Lately, some fellow friends have been reaching out, wishing to participate in any way they can in this project of mine. These messages encouraged me greatly, so about a week ago, I made a call out to anyone interested in contributing - to further expand this ripple effect of kindness spreading. I asked them to send me a picture of their good deeds so I could share them with everyone. Every time I will get a new picture, I will update this post! All photos can be found on my Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kcontributors

So here they are - their inspiring stories: 

1) Véronique - Bringing Food to a Soup Kitchen.

Submitted by Véronique, an old University classmate. 

Véronique selflessly brought carrots over to her neighbourhood's soup kitchen in Hull this week to help those who are less fortunate. Véro will also be doing some volunteering at this location. She is the definition of a good samaritan. 

Photo sent by Véronique. #k4kcontributors

2) Marianne - Helping Out a Stranded Stranger. 

Submitted by Marianne, my brother’s girlfriend. 

Marianne was coming back from visiting her sister late one night and noticed this gentleman stuck on the side of the road. The man had run out of gas and didn't own a cell phone, so Marianne decided to drive back to her sister's place to get a canister of gas to help the poor man out. About 40 minutes later, the man's gas tank was filled with enough gas for him to get home safely. He offered money to thank her but she had a feeling he probably didn't have much to spare. Instead, she asked that he pay it forward. 

Funney enough, the man told her that earlier that day, he had seen a post on Kijiji from a woman in the area who had lost a ring for which she held a high sentimental value. He happened to have a metal detector so he set out to help her. After a lenghty search, the man found the ring and contacted the distressed woman in order to give it back to who it belonged. A classic tale of what goes around comes around.   

Photos sent by Marianne. #k4kcontributors

3) Maxime - Heartfelt Homemade Cards to Coworkers.

Submitted by Maxime, a friend!

Maxime decided to write up some homemade card and distribute them to her coworkers as a sign of appreciation of the work they do.  

Regram from Maxime. @maxnicholas333 #k4kcontributors

Maxime will be joining me in my project and doing one act of kindness per week starting in November until the end of the year! 

I mean, how much more awesome can one get?

Week Forty Two: Giving Directions to a Stranger.

This week’s gesture is small and common, but a very helpful one. As I was rushing on my way to work one morning, a stranger stopped me on the street for directions. My bus was just about to arrive so I was debating on whether to stop or not in fear of being late for work. I figured, why not – this might help the person tremendously. So I did, and even assisted the person to her destination as it was on my way. Turns out I was able to help the person out and make it for my bus on time. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Sometimes helping someone out does not require the least bit of sacrifices. 

G.

Week Forty One: Giving a Pair of Shoelaces to a Homeless Person.

Every morning, I see this homeless man sitting in front of the grocery store on my bike ride to work. Every morning, I see him compassionately saying hello to all the passersby, never disrupting anyone nor causing trouble. This morning, I decided to hand him something that we don’t necessarily think as being important but that is almost imperative to our everyday lives; shoelaces. With the cooler weather creeping up on us, I thought it would be a good thing for him to have an extra pair of in his possession. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

This was the biggest smile I’ve seen anyone give in a long time.   

G.

Week Forty: Starting a Small Food Drive.

Week 40; my project will reach its end in twelve weeks. What a self-reflective journey this has been so far. Every week I strive to be more creative and original with my gestures, hoping to affect, help and inspire and the responses has been incredible. Thanks to all who have been fallowing and supporting me throughout this past year.

This week, October was my muse. A transitional and colourful month, where thanks are given and frights are had. Hunger, however, never takes a break no matter the time of year. According to Free the Children’s website, 870 million around the world go hungry and from 2008 to 2012, there was a 31% increase in use of food banks. These numbers are horrifying to me – even more than David Hasselhoff’s performance in any movie, ever. 
So I thought I’d do my share and for Halloween, instead of collecting candy like I used to as a kid, this year, I’ll be collecting canned goods and distributing them to those in need (and save my teeth the aches). I took a box, stuck a note on it and left it in my building’s entrance. At the end of the month, I’ll be bringing whatever I collected to the local food bank. 

Instagram: @geneseguin #k4kproject

Hopefully my neighbours will get in the Halloween spirit and help scare the hunger away.  

G.

Week Thirty Nine: Leaving a Single Use Camera on a Restaurant Patio Table.

I’ve been getting back into photography lately. There’s something about capturing a moment in still life that fascinates me.  Moments that can never be recreated and seen through a third party's lens. Moments that would probably pass right by you if they weren’t being documented; memories are created with a single picture. It’s a feeling and a power like no other.

So I decided to pass on that opportunity to a stranger. I bought a single use camera and wrote a tiny note. After taking a picture of the note with the camera, I left both items on a random restaurant patio table on my way to work. 

My goal was to remind the stranger who would come across it to celebrate and remember everyday moments and experiences, as they often seem to go unnoticed while being caught up in our routines. What better location to leave the camera than a restaurant, I thought, where daily and/or weekly meetings between friends and family occur.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I’m hoping it pushed that person to enjoy and think about the pleasures and people he/she surrounded him/herself with on a daily basis. It's these little things collectively that makes us who we are.

G.

Week Thirty Eight: Paying for the Next Customer’s Coffee.

As I walked into Bridgehead to grab a coffee and read a bit before going to work one day this week, a thought went through my mind. “Why not leave a bit of spare change with the cashier to cover the next person’s coffee tab?”, I thought. The cashier looked at me when I proposed this and asked: “Why?” with a confused smile on her face. “Because I feel like it,” I said, “It’s that kind of day,” I responded. She beamed at this simple yet refreshing response and kept two dollars on the side. “Have a great day,” she said. “Oh, I will,” I replied, and went about with my day.    

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

G.

Week Thirty Seven: Buying Time for a Stranger’s Expired Parking Ticket.

As I was biking in the market this morning, I noticed a by-law officer roaming around the parked cars. He was viciously sticking tickets onto people’s windshields. “Hmm,” I thought, “maybe I could spare a poor sap from getting a ticket.” So I put a dollar in the machine and looked around for an almost expired ticket on a dashboard. I found one with 5 minutes to go so I tucked the new ticket under their windshield.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I did a couple of errands in the area and about fifteen minutes later, I saw the owner and a friend standing next to their vehicle, laughing and taking pictures of the mysteriously newly acquired ticket. As I usually don’t see the reactions of my “victims of kindness”, this sight really put a smile on my face.

It was nice to see the affect that a small thoughtful thing can have on others.   

G.

Week Thirty Six: Leaving a Little Taste of Summer in a Random Mailbox.

This week, Summer consumed and inspired me. I wanted to do something topical so I decided to head to the grocery store and get the most summer-inspired drink there is; ice tea. I wrote a small note and dropped it off in a random mailbox in the Glebe.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I’m hoping this gave the recipient of this beverage a little push to go out and experience the last bits of the season with the people who mean the most to them.

G.

Week Thirty Five: Leaving Change at a Pay Phone in a Bus Terminal.

Yesterday, as I was traveling back from Newmarket for the Labour Day long weekend, I noticed a couple of Bell pay phones in the Toronto Union Station Greyhound bus terminal. I figured it would be nice to leave some change behind - perhaps for someone who’s phone died and desperately needed to call a loved one to come pick them up, or for an international traveler who did not have the change in the right currency in order to call a friend? 

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

Who knows who actually used it. All I hope is for that one phone call to have helped someone out in some way.

G.