Paying it Forward
I’ve always carried a deep, compelling desire to do more and be more—not just for myself, but for the people around me and the communities I belong to. From the time I was a teenager, giving back has been woven into who I am. Whether it was volunteering at the SPCA, Victim Services, Soup Sisters, Civil Air Search & Rescue, Rotary, or creating programs that help those in transition, service has always been my way of living with purpose. For me, giving back isn’t just about what we offer others—it’s about the ripple effect it creates, reminding us all that kindness has the power to heal, connect, and inspire lasting change.
Giving back doesn’t just benefit the people who receive—it also transforms those who give. Research shows that acts of kindness and service create a positive chemical reaction in the body, releasing endorphins and reducing stress. It boosts emotional well-being, builds stronger communities, and reminds us that we are all connected.
Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect. You never know how far the impact of one simple gesture can go.
Random acts of Kindness has never been about grand gestures—it’s about the small, intentional acts that add up to something much greater. Each time we choose to lend a hand, offer compassion, or create space for someone else to rise, we plant a seed that continues to grow long after the moment has passed. My hope is that by sharing my journey, you feel inspired to find your own way of creating ripples of kindness. Because together, those ripples can become waves of meaningful change in our communities and beyond.
Random Acts of Kindness – Downtown Sudbury
In 2015, I created a grassroots project called Random Acts of Kindness Downtown Sudbury. The idea was simple: in the middle of winter on my birthday, I rallied up a bunch of friends, created a facebook event to gather coats, scarves, hats and mitts, and we hung coats on poles throughout the downtown core so that anyone in need could take one—no questions asked. It was about accessibility, dignity, and compassion.
This small act of kindness grew into something much larger, inspiring others to get involved and sparking media coverage, and turned into a Rotary event that helped spread the message.
Why It Matters
Helping others isn’t just good for the people who receive—it’s good for us, too. Science shows that when we give back, our bodies release feel-good chemicals that lower stress and improve our well-being. Kindness literally changes us from the inside out.
Most people want to help quietly, without drawing attention to themselves—and that’s beautiful. But sharing stories of kindness matters too. When we talk about the good happening in our communities, we inspire others to take part, to feel that same joy, and to create their own ripple effect of compassion.
The Ripple Effect
For me, Random Acts of Kindness wasn’t just about coats. It was about reminding people that even the smallest gestures can spark change, teach us empathy, and encourage us all to keep moving forward—together.
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Spotting for CASARA - CIVIL AIR SEARCH & RESCUE
SUDSAR - SUDBURY SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT
As a trained volunteer with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) in Sudbury, I had the privilege of serving as a spotter with SUDSAR. Our role was to assist in aerial searches—scanning vast stretches of land and water from above to help locate missing persons or downed aircraft.
Spotting required sharp focus, teamwork, and endurance, but more importantly, it meant being part of something bigger than myself: supporting families in moments of crisis and contributing to community safety. This experience deepened my belief that giving back can take many forms, and that every effort, whether big or small, can make a meaningful impact.