“The realm of possibility exists in each of you. Here.” With that, actor Kevin Spacey puts a finger to his temple and inspires actor Haley Joel Osment to invent “paying kindness forward” as a way to change the world.
Of course, that’s from a 20-year-old movie “Pay It Forward,” which was based on a novel (and did, indeed, start a global movement). But the concept of repaying a kindness by doing a favor for someone else is said to date back to ancient Athens.
At Sheltering Wings, we adopted the idea of #PayItForward several years ago as a way to honor the annual anniversary of our founding in 2002.
It’s also the idea behind our slogan, “Healthy Me. Stronger Us.” A survivor who is safer and healthier pays it forward by contributing to the community, making it stronger. The community, in turn, helps make another survivor healthier … and the forward momentum continues.
This relationship of shared compassion and care – becoming better together – is the only way to end the cycle of domestic violence. So, will you please join us on January 12 to #PayItForward with #ShelteringWings?
We can’t thank everyone enough for all the kindnesses we’ve received during the pandemic. We know that volunteering and dropping off items is much more difficult now. We know that without events like the summer golf outing, corporate sponsorship is much less fun. Yet, you’re still doing it all.
That’s why we’re devoting our anniversary celebration this year – our 19th – to paying kindnesses forward to our sponsors and partners.
You can join us by performing a random act of kindness for anyone. Give a bigger-than-usual tip to the server who brings your food order right to your car; they’ve has likely lost income from the pandemic. Help out a local shop with a gift card purchase, then give it to someone who has lost their job or gotten sick. Offer to pick up a grocery order or clear a driveway or sidewalk for a neighbor or friend.
Whatever you do, share it on social media with #PayItForward and #ShelteringWings to inspire others. You can also share a digital coupon with the recipient of your kindness or print them at home for handing out. Download here
If the country ever needed kindnesses, it’s now. Thank you for taking part!
