Today in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, MPP Yasir Naqvi of Ottawa Centre and MPP France Gélinas of Nickel Belt passed a co-sponsored Motion with the unanimous support of the Legislature declaring the 3rd week of February as Kindness Week in Ontario. Centred around the new Family Day in February, Kindness Week is an opportunity for people in communities across the province to celebrate simple acts of kindness and good will towards their fellow citizens.

Kindness Week was the idea of Ottawa’s Rabbi Reuven Bulka of Congregation Machzikei Hadas. Running successfully in Ottawa for the past two years, the week is made possible thanks to a committee of volunteers from government, non-profit, corporate, education, and restaurant and hospitality sectors, and facilitated by United Way/Centraide Ottawa.

QUOTES

“I am so excited to see the Ottawa-born Kindness Week be officially recognized across Ontario. The initiative is generating so much positive energy in my community that I can’t wait to see people all across the province embracing it.”

- Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa Centre

“I am proud to co-sponsor this motion as we are fortunate to be members of caring communities right across this province and too often acts of kindness go unrecognized. Acts of kindness exemplify the best in all of us, they are the roots of empathy and it is fitting that we recognize and celebrate when people look out, assist and care for others."

- France Gélinas, MPP Nickel Belt

“This is a great achievement and I am immensely grateful to Yasir Naqvi, and all Members of the Legislative Assembly, for making Kindness Week a permanent institution. Hopefully it will make Ontario a model province of kindness for all of Canada to emulate”.

- Rabbi Reuven Bulka, Kindness Week Chair

“We couldn't be more proud and excited to have Kindness Week spread provincially. Our community has embraced kindness wholeheartedly. Ottawa always feels warmer during that week and we know other communities will too - even in the middle of February.”

- Michael Allen, United Way Ottawa.

LEARN MORE

For more information, or to become involved in your community please visit www.kindottawa.ca

- 30 -

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jackie Choquette
Office of Yasir Naqvi, MPP
613-722-6414

Jim Reilley
Office of France Gélinas, MPP
416-325-9203

Kate Headley
United Way/Centraide Ottawa
613-294-8128