February 17th is designated as “Random Acts of Kindness Day,” so some board members of Hope Rises led efforts throughout WNY to spread some positivity by simply being kind. While some of these initiatives may seem like small gestures, many of them took weeks of planning and collaboration with other local businesses, like Ford Buffalo Stamping Plant, to come to fruition. Although February 17th was a day dedicated to kindness, the hope is that it inspires others to carry kindness with them and spread it well beyond those 24 hours. After all, kindness knows no calendar, nor cost.
Paula’s Donuts (Sheridan Dr. and Transit Rd. locations)
It just so happens that Random Acts of Kindness Day also coincided with Fat Tuesday! Or, more importantly to the Polish community of WNY, Pączki Day! The patrons of two Paula’s Donuts locations may have been pleasantly surprised when their Pączki hauls were taken care of by the Hope Rises crew- Kate, Julie, Joanne, Chelsea, Sondra, and Lindsay! However, those who stopped in for any of Paula’s other pastries were sure to be taken care of as well. Kindness doesn’t discriminate!
Canalside
What better way to get the kids out of the house during winter break than an ice skating excursion? Hope Rises board member, Marc Gleason, provided free ice skating at Canalside in Buffalo for 30 families of local veterans, which included free Paula’s Donuts, hot chocolate, and warming igloos to relax after a couple laps around the rink. This was in partnership with Mental Health Advocates of WNY! You can also view more from this special event in the Buffalo Brief segment here.
Downtown Buffalo
In partnership with the Code Blue Initiative and Kenmore Alliance Church, board member, Deleon, and his wife Amanda passed out food to unhoused individuals around the city. This included warm meals and fresh-baked Crumbl cookies, with a side of smiles!
Although it’s not February 17th anymore, Hope Rises will continue to encourage the community to spread kindness wherever possible. What can you do to be kind today?
