People urged to take random kindness for a test drive continued from p.1 said Sarah McPherson, OCF director of communications and development. "We're doing this to raise awareness of what's good and happening in our community, but also to show there are needs and there are ways people can stay involved. That's the long-term goal." RAK grew out of the U.S. around 1990 when incidents of violence, particularly gun-related, were occurring more frequently. Tired of hearing news about random acts of violence, a California professor and a group of his students began to perform random acts of kindness -- RAK would become a movement spreading beyond North America and a popular vehicle for community foundations like OCF . While OCF spearheads RAK Day, McPherson says it is the various groups in the community that make the event what it is. "Last year's event was very successful... we had more involvement with a number of charities and agencies taking on a leadership role," she said. "Our planning group is what makes the day a success, which includes representatives from the Oakville Hospital Foundation, United Way, local Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Sheridan College and the local, private and independent school boards." More than 60 groups, not including individuals, took a part in a random act of kindness last year, ranging from local businesses, churches, seniors' centres, bank branches, Oakville Public Library, United Way of Oakville, Acclaim 9 | Thursday, October 24, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com If we can just make people smile a little bit more that day, that's great, because maybe it will be the incentive for them to continue doing something kind beyond the day. Oakville Community Foundation Sarah McPherson, Health, Oakville & Milton Humane Society, and the Oakville Beaver, among others. "You can do as little or as much as you want to on Random Acts of Kindness Day -- that's the beauty of it," McPherson said. "There's been the odd comment we shouldn't need to have just one day dedicated to kindness and I would agree 110 per cent. That being said, sometimes holding a collective, concentrated effort is valuable. "It encourages people to step outside of what their normal is and do something a little different... if we can just make people smile a little bit more that day, that's great, because maybe it will be the incentive for them to continue doing something kind beyond the day." New to RAK Day this year, OCF is looking for volunteers to join Kindness Crews, which will go out to various locations in Oakville on the day from approximately 9 a.m.-noon and perform random acts of kindness, such as raking leaves, opening doors and cleaning windows, among other tasks. Volunteers will assemble at the kick-off pep rally at the Weather Network building, 2655 Bristol Circle, at 8:30 a.m. to split off into teams, choose a task and head out into the community. RAK organizers ask volunteers have their own transportation for the day. "As well, we're asking the community if they want our volunteers to come out to do something; it could be serving coffee to their staff, help them tidy up around their property... it could be any number of things," said McPherson. There will also be a wrap-up celebration at the YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca St. at 12:30 p.m. where volunteers will be able to share their stories from the day and give some feedback. Those interested in volunteering or having volunteers come to them on RAK Day can email rak@theocf.org before Wednesday, Oct. 30. To help spread more awareness of RAK Day and get even more people involved, OCF organizers are asking those who participate to share their experiences using the hashtag #RAKOAKVILLE on Twitter (@OakvilleCF), Facebook (Oakville Community Foundation), and Instagram (@OakvilleCF). Those who share the most on any of the social media platforms will receive a $100 gift certificate to Whole Foods Oakville, as well as a $250 donation to a charity of their choice. For more information on how to get involved on RAK Day, visit http://goo.gl/mTQ6IB. WIN a $250 donation to a charity of your choice AND $100 Gift Card to Whole Foods Market.... just by telling your Random Act of Kindness story For full contest rules and regulations, visit theocf.org CALL TODAY FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTE FOR A CHANCE TO Insurance Solutions WIN AN IPAD!* We've got your back. Let us show you how to save more to do the things that you love with your family. + BIG = SAVINGS You deserve to be rewarded! Call us today for a Home & Auto insurance quote. Compare & Save Today! 1-877-633-4840 Winner will be selected randomly from all of the no-obligation quotes completed. Draw date 1/30/2014. Winner will be notified by email or phone.