Today’s the day to pay it forward!
Posted April 25, 2013 7:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – If you are inspired by an act of kindness today, pass it on!
News1130 is supporting International Pay it Forward Day, and wants you to post your stories and good deeds to our Facebook page.
“Pay it Forward is a brilliant concept by Catherine Ryan Hyde from her book of the same title,” says Blake Beattie, founder of Pay It Forward Day.
“Some people were originally quite skeptical of the whole idea: they said that it was good in theory, but not in practice. I challenged this point of view believing that people are genuinely giving by nature, but many get caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day life. Pay it Forward Day is a time when each of us can get to experience the ‘Power of Giving’ and a massive, positive ripple effect continues as Pay it Forward cards travel around with each good deed that is completed.”
Catherine Ryan Hyde believes the day, celebrated worldwide, is a brilliant initiative. “It embodies the power of giving which is the cornerstone of my book. It is amazing the difference a simple idea can have in changing the world – one good deed at a time. I hope everyone can join with Blake on the last Thursday in April and Pay it Forward.”
So, following the thought that “we may be only one person in this world, but to one person, at one time, we are the world,” News1130’s Mike Lloyd, our resident hugger, hit the street to try it.
“I dunno. I think it’s asking too much of people, really, because now everyone is going to walk around today looking to do favours for people. I just think it’s phony,” says Steve.
But after being offered a hug, and accepting, red-faced Steve changed his tune a little, walking off laughing and smiling.
Down the street, Pushpa happily accepted a hug.
“It’s a good idea. You feel good and the person getting that feels good … I will try it!” he chuckles, promising to pay it forward.
Vancouver is among many cities worldwide officially proclaiming April 25, 2013 “Pay It Forward Day.”
“It’s a really important issue for us to be giving back. As a city, as individuals, when we have abundance, it is important for us to pay that forward,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson.
“You look at the long tradition here on the West Coast of the potlatch and really measuring our contribution by how much we give back — I think it is important for the city to recognize that tradition and to contribute going forward,” he tells News1130.
Robertson says he tries to pay It forward by supporting non-profits. “Philanthropy is really important in my family and also with my work. I put my heart and soul into my work thinking about the future and doing everything I can to pay it forward to the next generation.”
At last count, there were more than 500, 000 people in 60 countries around the world participating today. Pay It Forward Day’s aim is to reach five million acts of kindness worldwide.
