On Wednesday, thousands of North Shore students gave back to their community, in some way or another, as part of the #Do1Give Day initiative.
#Do1Give Day is an annual event hosted by 365give, a Vancouver-based charity committed to giving back through what they describe as "small acts of giving."
“Whether it’s a smile, holding the door for somebody, recycling or picking up garbage, all of these activities are so easy. It’s something we can all incorporate as a daily practice in our lives,” said Jacqueline Way, founder of 365give.
The initiative came about when Way and her son, Nic, gave back in some way or another, everyday for an entire year.
“It was really started as an initiative on his third birthday, to teach Nic how to be a kind, compassionate human being. Everyday we easily did one small act of giving that was so simple a three-year-old could do it, and it became a daily habit.”
Over 20 schools took part in the day’s events, with even more "gives" given out later in the afternoon at the West Vancouver Community Centre.
“We’ve actually created small, plantable hearts and they are suppose to be used as notes of gratitude, or love notes that you can give to somebody. The paper is made out of seeds, so that we are growing flowers throughout our community.”
Whether is was raising money for the BC SPCA like the students at Chartwell Elementary, or just simply showing someone you care about them, all acts of giving were encouraged.
According to 365give, last year’s event inspired more than 10,000 small acts of giving in over 30 countries. This years goal was an ambitious 100,000.
“We’ve asked everyone around the world to make the #Do1Give promise, and today, come and do one small act of giving to help create a ripple of change around the world.”
