A special challenge is taking place in the school district for Pink Shirt Day.
Students at three local schools have been busy making kindness cards for others as a way to give back to the community
The initiative started with students at Edith McDermott Elementary, who, under the guidance of teacher Kaitlyn Brett, created 78 cards for the school’s Kindness Card Competition, which were then handed out on Friday, Feb. 13, to clients at the Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministry.
Now students at Davie Jones Elementary and Blue Mountain Elementary have taken up the challenge to create even more cards to hand out to others in need.
The competition is a way for the students to gear up for Pink Shirt Day, explained Brett, who enjoys teaching her students that they can do things that have impact, even outside of the school’s walls.
“Their kindness and compassion can really change a city. And, I think we definitely need it here in Maple Ridge,” she said, noting the strong leadership at the school, which she said is bursting with love, energy, and kindness.
Students had two weeks to write thoughtful words on a card, along with drawing a beautiful picture.
Then two primary students and two intermediate students with the best cards were chosen as winners.
Grade 1 student Michael drew rainbows and clouds on his card with the message, “Happiness is a thing to share”.
“I hope they feel happy,” he said, of the person who will be receiving his card.
Malcolm, who is also in Grade 1, wrote” You are a star” on his card and he drew a rainbow, the sun, and grass.
Bethany Jane, a case worker at the local Salvation Army, accepted the delivery of cards from Brett on Friday, and said they were just on time to hand out at the community dinner.
Jane noted that they have a lot of low income seniors and other people from the community who come in for the dinner, in addition to 55 beds for those staying at the shelter.
“So, that will be exactly the right amount for everybody to get a smile on their face,” she said, noting the night staff would also be putting the cards by the shelter beds so those staying overnight see the cards when they wake up.
Grade 7 students David and Linden, didn’t make cards, but worked on the front Pink Shirt Day display at the school.
“It’s a display to help encourage kindness inside of our school,” explained David.
The boys taped pink paper hearts throughout the display that contained messages like, “Be amazing” and “Make sure everyone is included”.
The messages are to encourage everyone to spread kindness, continued Linden.
David noted people can be kind in many different ways, and it only takes a small action to make someone else’s day.
“Like holding open the door,” he offered, adding that one little action could start a chain reaction and make lots of other people happy.
Other ways to be kind could include being kind to people who are hurt or homeless or sad, said Malcolm.
Michael suggested that when someone needs help doing something you can help them.
“If someone needs help when they get too crazy, you can help them calm down,” he said.
Kindergarten student Hansini, who made a card with blue and red flowers, along with some suns, for the competition, added that kind actions could also include holding someone, opening the door for a person, or helping them to walk.
This year Pink Shirt Day falls on Wednesday, Feb. 25, and students all over the school district will be wearing pink.
At Edith McDermott students will also make a pledge to stop bullying and there will also be a special assembly.