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.