World Kindness Movement Blog

Ripple effect makes kind acts not so random

A MOOROOLBARK mother passionate about positive global change has launched a project that aims to spread awareness of the benefits of ‘paying forward’ acts of kindness.

Concerned about the destructive path children can take in their teenage years, Lisa Currie launched a Ripple Kindness Project to teach children the importance of sharing kindness before they catch the “it’s all about me” virus.

Inspired by the 2000 film Pay It Forward, Ms Currie has developed free cards for adults and children that encourage the recipient to do three acts of kindness for another person.

“These appealing smiley face cards have a great power,” she said.

“Kindness is contagious - when you’ve done it once, you’ll want to do it again.

This creates a ripple effect that spreads widely to influence others and create a better world.”

She has given away more than 10,000 cards in Australia and overseas and has started piloting a school program she hopes will eventually be incorporated into the curriculum.

The school program encourages pupils to undertake three acts of kindness - one for another student they know well, the second for somebody they are less familiar with, and the third for somebody at home.

Birmingham, Monbulk and Bimbadeen Heights primary schools have all taken part.

St Peter Julian Eymard Primary is also set to take part in the next month.

St Peter Julian Eymard teacher Maria Draper said she looked forward to starting the program.

“The Kindness Ripple Project provides one way of promoting emotional and mental health in schools,” Mrs Draper said. “Pupils are encouraged to be proactive in spreading love and kindness to others and experience similar emotions in return.”

Bimbadeen Heights well-being co-ordinator Cath Buckland said the program had sparked positive discussion among pupils in the classroom and playground.

Ms Currie said stories of sharing kindness from children had been incredible.

“One student got a kindness card and, when he returned home from school, he cleaned the front of his neighbour’s yard,” she said. “He then left the card in their letterbox so that they could pay the act forward.

“Being kind doesn’t have to cost you anything, yet it’s the best natural medicine there is to improve wellbeing.”

For more information or to get a free kindness card, visit www.rippleeffects.com.au