The Do Good Recklessly project aims to bring smiles to Chilliwack residents who are feeling the emotional strain of current events. Started by Chilliwack resident, K.J. (pictured above) in April, residents are nominated by friends and family, and every Sunday, every nominee receives an anonymous bouquet at their doorstep.
Thanks to a Local Love Fund grant, Do Good Recklessly delivers 80 bouquets every Sunday. To date over 500 bouquets have been received.
“People are messaging that they cried, that it made their nomination’s whole day, that it brought immense joy to their family members,” says K.J. “The most memorable for me was a woman who nominated her mother with dementia. She told me it was absolutely magical that for a little while, the flowers brought her mother “back” to them, and gave them a glimpse of the woman she was before dementia. That’s the moment I thought “I HAVE to keep this going as long as I’m able.”
As a tribute to this family, K.J. is trying to donate a bouquet to every Chilliwack care home resident. She has applied for and received a second Local Love Fund grant to do just that. She plans to deliver 1,000 bouquets by Fall.
“K.J.’s project really shows us how much impact a simple act of kindness can have,” says Andrea Dykshoorn, United Way Community Engagement Specialist for the Fraser Valley. “Thanks to generous United Way donors, we’re so lucky to be able to support individuals like K.J. to lead the way when it comes to acts of local love.”
Local Love funds are available in select communities through United Way’s Hi Neighour initiative.
Hi Neighbour helps community members like K.J. make connections and create places and spaces where people feel welcome and a part of a community.
www.facebook.com/dogoodrecklessly