Acts of Kindness During A Pandemic:

1. Mow your neighbour's lawn or shovel their driveway. If you just want to spread some kindness, maybe start the day by shovelling your neighbours driveway or mowing their lawn, depending on where you are and what the weather is like. It costs nothing and can mean a lot, especially to someone older or someone who is really busy, like an essential worker.

2. Say “Thank you” to essential workers. They're putting themselves at risk to serve you. Whether it's a nurse, doctor, postal worker, grocery store worker, garbage collector or pharmacist- they'll certainly appreciate your positive attitude.

3. Mail someone a letter, card or gift card. Getting postal mail now can be pretty exciting considering we don't use it as much as email, messenger and texting. Consider sending a loved one a letter, "Thinking of You" card or a gift card for them to open.

4. Write kind words on the sidewalk with sidewalk chalk. Write positive messages of hope for those passing by to see, this could be a great activity for children too.

5. Message someone you love and let them know. This one costs nothing and can mean so much to someone who is in isolation. It can be so lonely and a quick message to let them know someone is thinking of them might just put a smile on their face. A phone call or video chat is even nicer if you have the time.

6. Shop local. This can mean so much for local business owners during this time of financial strain. For example, if you know a farmer who’s selling eggs, consider buying from them. If you want food delivered, consider a small family restaurant versus a chain restaurant, these actions make a difference in your community. Maintain social distancing rules of course.

7. Send flowers to someone to cheer them up. I personally love flowers and receiving them always brightens my day. You could also have them delivered to the desk or common room of a nursing home to help brighten the day of many people.

8. Have your children to draw pictures to send to a nursing home.

9. Post positive things on Facebook for your friends to read. It's so easy to get caught in a spiral of negativity on social media, but it's also easy to break it. Consider posting a cute animal picture or funny meme on your friends timeline.

10. Offer to grocery shop for someone who is unable to themselves. Most governments are recommending that the elderly and those who are immunocompromised should stay home as much as possible. You can help them do this by offering to pick up groceries or run errands for those who are unable to leave the house.

11. Donate to the food bank. Many families rely on school programs like the Breakfast Club of Canada to help provide their children with a nutritious meal and with school being out, some families may have no choice but to use their local food bank to help feed their children.

12. Be Patient. We are all in this together and dealing with the changes that Covid19 are bringing can be frustrating. Waiting in line at the grocery store may seem like an inconvenience, but it's not the fault of the people working in the store. Essential workers, postal workers, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and especially doctors and nurses are being run off their feet so please be patient and as mentioned in number two, gratitude goes a long way. Also, being inside the house with your family for days at a time may cause arguments but try to be patient, they are just as frustrated and scared as you are.

13. If you have symptoms, get tested. This one is so important for you and for the people around you. If you have symptoms of Covid19, please get tested, for the safety of those around you. Quarantining and getting tested are the most loving things you can do.