The Yorkton Regional High School launched a "Pay it Forward" campaign during Education Week, October 15 - 19, which proved to be very fruitful. The initiative was meant to have all students partake in at least three random acts of kindness throughout the week, and in so doing, expect nothing in return but allow the recipient to understand the concept of "Paying it Forward" and pass on a Chase Kraynick Pay it Forward card.
We had some amazing activities take place from simple small acts of kindness to some very global acts of kindness.
Ms. Berscheid's RCR group summed it up best by determining that "Small things count too!" Her students, along with many other groups, told stories about opening doors for the elderly, paying others' complements, striking up a conversation with someone in school that they did not yet know, baking birthday cupcakes, picking up dropped books, providing rides, smiling at a stranger, writing anonymous notes of appreciation, copying notes for someone who is ill, packing groceries and performing many more little acts of kindness that most likely had an impact on another person's day.
There were some larger based community projects that also took place with the YRHS RCR groups. Some of the groups collected coats and winter items for those needing them, while others collected food for the Soup Haven and Salvation Army. One group organized an ice-cream sale with all proceeds going to the Children's Ward at the local hospital. One of the Cosmetology classes collected hygiene and bath items in a large basket to be delivered to Shelwin House. The Cheerleaders worked at the GSSD coat check and instead of taking donations, simply handed out Chase's Pay it Forward cards. We had a group of 6 staff members with guitars and voices entertain the residents at the Bentley last week.
Some YRHS students also got involved with some very global activities. In collaboration with our SRC, we are collecting pennies to help purchase clean water in Africa - we extend this to the community, if you are looking to get rid of your pennies, they could be dropped off at the YRHS main office for the Water in Africa project. Another RCR group bought two hens and a rooster for a family in Africa through World Vision Christmas Catalogue so they can start their own egg and chicken business. Finally, several groups worked on "Operation Christmas Child" through Samaritan's Purse, whereby they filled "Shoeboxes" of gifts for needy children in third world countries.
The generous donations of goodies and donuts throughout our school last week was very much appreciated. Many people were buying donuts for individuals or small groups of people, one group made cookies and delivered them throughout the school and there were many, many cups of coffee "paid forward" throughout the week.
Students were given their "Pay it Forward" bracelet at the end of the week. Should you receive one, it simply means someone has performed a random act of kindness for you, and they want nothing in return except for you to Pay it Forward. Go ahead, step out of your comfort zone, make a difference and do something kind for somebody else!
