In celebration of the incredible individuals who make our communities stronger, our Village Media Random Acts of Kindness program continues to spread joy by surprising deserving people with special acts of kindness.
As we mark "Random Acts of Kindness Day" on February 17, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the inspiring stories from the past year showcasing the amazing volunteers, resilient community members and local heroes who truly make a difference.
Our Random Acts of Kindness program touches communities across Sault Ste. Marie, Barrie, Bradford, Burlington, Cambridge, Collingwood, Elora & Fergus, Guelph, Midland, Newmarket, North Bay, Orillia, Stratford and Sudbury.
Stephanie Lines-Toohill (pictured above with her nominators and the EloraFergusToday Team) has dedicated herself to building a more compassionate and connected community in Elora.
Stephanie is the founder of Sparrow's Nest, an inclusive arts space housed at Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) where she runs classes for adults with mixed abilities, teens and young children.
Her kindness and dedication have touched countless lives.
To recognize her incredible efforts, our EloraFergusToday team surprised Stephanie with a Random Act of Kindness, celebrating the positive impact she continues to make every day.
Read more about Stephanie's surprise here.
Brigitte Collins (pictured above) is celebrated with a Random Act of Kindness from our BradfordToday team for her exceptional leadership as the Executive Director of the Elden of Bradford.
As a compassionate leader, Brigitte has worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of residents, always going the extra mile to create a warm and welcoming environment.
Her dedication to improving the quality of life for others is truly inspiring.
Our team was excited to recognize Brigitte’s hard work and leadership with this well-deserved surprise.
Read the about the full surprise here.
At 88 years old, Bernie Van Herk (pictured above with friends and the StratfordToday team) continues to brighten his community with his unwavering volunteer work and positive spirit.
As an avid gardener and honorary member of the Communities in Bloom Committee, Bernie has spent many years volunteering at the Ted Blowes Memorial Pollinator Peace Garden, helping to beautify the area for all to enjoy.
To thank him for his tireless efforts and kind heart, our StratfordToday team surprised Bernie with a Random Act of Kindness, celebrating his ongoing contributions to the community.
Read more about Bernie's big surprise here.
Laura Gallagher (pictured above) is celebrated with a Random Act of Kindness from the team at CollingwoodToday for her dedication to empowering youth through RAD Adventures.
Through her free outdoor camps, Laura creates a welcoming space where young people can build confidence, connect with nature and develop lifelong skills.
Her passion for inclusion and adventure has made a lasting impact on many in the community.
Laura’s commitment to making outdoor experiences accessible and meaningful is truly inspiring and our team was thrilled to recognize her efforts.
Read more about Laura and RAD Adventures here.
Known as Cambridge’s unofficial downtown ambassador, Joe (pictured above left with CambridgeToday's Mike Johnston) has become a familiar and friendly presence in the community.
Joe warmly greets locals, offers help to those in need, and spreads positivity through his daily interactions, making downtown Cambridge a more welcoming place for all.
The CambridgeToday team surprised Joe with a Random Act of Kindness, celebrating the impact he has on those around him.
Read more about Joe's surprise here.
John (pictured above with friends and the BarrieToday team) is a dedicated Barrie and Orillia Transit bus driver who has become a beloved figure in the community.
John goes above and beyond to brighten passengers' days, offering warm greetings, assisting those in need and fostering a welcoming atmosphere on his bus.
His genuine care has left a lasting impact on countless riders.
Recognizing his unwavering dedication to spreading kindness, our BarrieToday team surprised John with a Random Act of Kindness, celebrating his positive influence in the community.
Read more about the surprise for John here.
Maureen and Norman (pictured above) are known for their selflessness and dedication to family and their community, always putting others first.
Despite the tragic loss of their granddaughter, Taylor, in 2023, they’ve remained the glue that holds their family together.
To honour their inspiring spirits and commitment to others, our SooToday team surprised Maureen and Norman with a Random Act of Kindness, hoping to bring some joy back into their lives.
Watch them enjoy their surprise here.
Byron Manual (pictured above centre with NewmarketToday's Kelsey Chapman and his sister) has become a cherished figure in the Newmarket community through his longstanding dedication to youth sports and mentorship.
As a coach and mentor, Byron has inspired many young athletes, instilling in them values of teamwork, discipline and leadership both on and off the field.
His commitment to shaping the next generation of soccer players has had a lasting and positive impact.
Our team at NewmarketToday surprised Byron with a Random Act of Kindness, celebrating the difference he continues to make in his community.
After 50 years of volunteering as a first-aid instructor, Bev Steele (above with MidlandToday's Rick Gordon) has made a lasting impact on her community, teaching life-saving skills to countless individuals.
Her dedication to helping others and ensuring people are prepared for emergencies has earned her the admiration of many.
Our MidlandToday team surprised Bev with a Random Act of Kindness, recognizing the difference she’s made over the years.
Read more about Bev and her accomplishments here.
At just six-years-old, Hallee Weber (above) is already making a big impact with her artistic talent and generosity.
Through her art, Hallee has raised funds for local charities and her growing portfolio continues to inspire those around her.
To recognize her incredible heart and creativity, our BayToday team surprised Hallee with a Random Act of Kindness, celebrating her contributions to the community at such a young age.
Read more about Hallee and her art here.
Justin (pictured above with the SooToday team) is a dedicated delivery driver who goes above and beyond to bring kindness and positivity to those he serves in Sault Ste. Marie.
Known for his friendly demeanour and exceptional service, he brightens the days of many with his warm greetings and helpful attitude.
To recognize his hard work and generosity, our SooToday team surprised Justin with a brand new snowblower, delivering a special moment of appreciation just for him.
Watch Justin get surprised here.
Rusty Draper (pictured above with his nominator) is a former radio host with a heart of gold who has spent years uplifting the Orillia community with his kindness and generosity.
Whether through his storytelling, music or volunteer efforts, Rusty has touched countless lives and continues to spread positivity wherever he goes.
To honour his lifelong dedication to bringing joy to others, our OrilliaMatters team surprised Rusty, celebrating the impact he has made in his community.
Sharon Marunchak (pictured above middle) is a great-grandmother with a sharp eye and a strong sense of justice who has played a key role in keeping her community safe.
Her dedication to looking out for others and assisting local law enforcement has made a real difference in Sudbury, earning her the admiration of many.
To show appreciation for her vigilance and community spirit, our Sudbury.com team surprised Sharon with a Random Act of Kindness, celebrating her efforts to make her neighbourhood a safer place.
Learn more about Sharon's surprise here.
Nico Kaburia (pictured above with friends and the GuelphToday team) has brought the joy of dance to Guelph, using movement to uplift and inspire those around him.
As a dedicated community leader and mentor, he has made a lasting impact by creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages can connect, express themselves and build confidence through dance.
The team at GuelphToday surprised Nico with a Random Act of Kindness to celebrate his passion and the positivity he spreads, recognizing the difference he makes in so many lives.
Read more about Nico's story here.
Diane Miller (pictured above) is celebrated with a Random Act of Kindness from our BurlingtonToday team for her unwavering dedication to supporting those in need.
Diane dedicates her time to volunteering at local churches, community groups and supporting mental health initiatives at local and nearby healthcare facilities.
Her compassion and commitment have made a profound impact on the lives of many.
Our team was honoured to recognize Diane’s selflessness with this well-deserved surprise.
Chris Carr (pictured above) was showered with kindness from our SooToday team for his years of dedication to supporting and uplifting his community.
Through his work and volunteerism with local sports teams, Chris has made a lasting impact on many, always going above and beyond to help athletes and encourage community spirit.
Chris’s kindness and commitment to local sports is truly inspiring. Everyone was excited to recognize his contributions with this well-deserved surprise.
Watch Chris and his huge surprise here.
Do you know someone deserving of a Random Act of Kindness to brighten their day? Our nomination form is always open.