Can being kind change the world?
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if there were more acts of kindness?
Five Birmingham business women certainly think so! They are running an event called Kindness Birmingham at the International Convention Centre on 10th November.
The original idea came from Jacqui Land Keavney the founder of GlobalSoul, “When I shared my thoughts with friends from the Women Evolving in Business group, they were all so excited and keen to be involved. They are all amazing women in business who make it their mission to be kind every day and to make a difference to the world. Straightaway, they could see that this would be a fantastic event.”
The day will include many elements and lots of random acts of kindness. There will be free arts and crafts sessions for families to make kindness cards that they can hand out on the day; pledge your act of kindness on the Birmingham Kindness Tree, music, motivational speakers, free sessions from holistic therapists, free hugs and more. Additional activities will be added in the coming weeks, so take a look at the website for the latest details: www.kindnessbirmingham.co.uk
An amazing act of kindness is to donate to charity and Kindness Birmingham is encouraging their visitors to bring along donations to support three Birmingham charities:
St Basil’s charity works with young homeless people in the city and urgently need toiletries.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital have also requested toiletry items to help them provide emergency parent packs for those who have to stay overnight with their children. The Hospital would also like to receive donations of art and craft supplies to use with the patients. Vikki Savery,public fundraising manager says: “We would like to thank Kindness Birmingham for their support. Organising an event of this kind is very unique and not easy, they have invested so much time and worked so hard to make sure it will be a success and we’re really touched by their efforts.’’
The third charity is the Birmingham Basket Brigade. They would really appreciate non-perishable food items to include in small hampers that they will give out to disadvantaged families at Christmas time.
“We want to scatter kindness,” says Rotarian Chris Gregory “I’m looking forward to being part of something that is going to support people in need that makes people feel good and is going to be great fun.”
The five ladies believe that the energy that your heart feels when you receive or give an act of kindness is healing and that the importance of kindness is underestimated.
Sales specialist Tracy Gilmour explains: “I feel that because we live in such a fast paced busy society, many people have forgotten the simple things in life. I want to remind people how important caring and kindness is.”
Jules Mitchell (aka The Happiness Fairy) says “There is a quote by Maya Angelouo that I feel sums up why this event will have a lasting imprint on the citizens of Birmingham, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel . Kindness makes people feel good and that is something we are all striving for!”
The motto for the inaugural Birmingham event is ‘Kindness costs nothing yet its value is priceless’. It will take place just a few days before World Kindness Day on 13th November.
“Clearly, we recognise that the 10th is also ‘Remembrance Sunday’,” says Jacqui, “and we hope many of those taking part in the service in Centenary Square will come and join us afterwards.” The quote that sums up the selflessness of kindness for Jacqui is Kevin Heath’s: “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference”.
Kindness Birmingham is a not-for-profit organisation. Financial donations from members of the public and sponsorship from heart-centred companies are therefore welcomed to help fund this groundbreaking event via our website: www.kindnessbirmingham.co.uk