For 2018 I decided to embark on a 52 weeks of kindness challenge. It was a fantastic experience and it is certainly something I will continue in 2019. Here’s a brief summary of each week:
Week 1
Donate unwanted Christmas presents. Donate to a refuge, homeless service, hospital, direct provision centre, animal sanctuary etc.
Week 2
Practice empathy. ”You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” Harper Lee.
Week 3
Donate a sleeping bag to a homeless service.
Week 4
Switch to cruelty free cosmetics.
Week 5
Donate to Oscar’s DIPG Fund (Makeup Monster).
Week 6
Celebrate the women in your life on Galentine’s Day.
Week 7
Tell someone you love them.
Week 8
Support dogs for the disabled.
Week 9
Support the Irish Heart Foundation by buying a temporary tattoo.
Week 10
Buy a bracelet for Make A Wish.
Week 11
Volunteer.
Week 12
Support Daffodil Day.
Week 13
Text DRCC to 50300 to donate €2 to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (I still believe her).
Week 14
Buy a purple rose in aid of the 65 Roses campaign from Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
Week 15
Donate to Together for Yes.
Week 16
Plant bee friendly flowers.
Week 17
Send doggy treats to the DSPCA (or any other dog sanctuary).
Week 18
Wear a green ribbon and support the See Change campaign.
Week 19
Contribute to and support Darkness into Light.
Week 20
Get involved with Together for Yes.
Week 21
Vote Yes and Repeal the 8th.
Week 22
Send beautiful Oscar a birthday card (Makeup Monster).
Week 23
Help Avril beat Lyme disease (A paler Shade of Beauty).
Week 24
If you can, tell your dad you love him. If you can’t, look after yourself and if you know a friend is going through a hard time, support them and contact them on Father’s Day.
Week 25
Become a Kitty Angel and set up a monthly standing order of €5 to Phibsboro Cat Rescue.
Week 26
Help Joanne make a difference and donate to her fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society (Lipstick n Leopard Print).
Week 27
Donate sanitary products to Homeless Period Ireland.
Week 28
Support Robyn’s fight.
Week 29
Help out with the vet bills for Hedgehog Rescue Dublin.
Week 30
Help feed the homeless. If you can support Friends Helping Friends by making some sandwiches or hot food and bring it to the food stand at 8pm each Saturday outside Londis near O’Connell Bridge (South Side).
Week 31
Replace disposable cups with reusable ones.
Week 32
Ask the question: are you feeling suicidal?
Week 33
Adopt don’t shop.
Week 34
Donate blood.
Week 35
Forgive.
Week 36
Vote in the presidential election (Michael D). Do not support discrimination.
Week 37
Buy shopping for a family in need.
Week 38
Participate in Team Hope’s Shoebox Appeal.
Week 39
Stop and talk to a homeless person (and ask them if they want tea / coffee / sandwiches).
Week 40
Let go of judgement and prejudice.
Week 41
Support small and local business.
Week 42
Be a decent customer, don’t take it out on retail staff.
Week 43
Respect wildlife.
Week 44
Be a voice for positive change. Write to your representatives and TDs.
Week 45
Reduce negativity.
Week 46
Be a considerate driver. Remember we were all learners once. Don’t text and drive.
Week 47
Reach out to someone who is grieving.
Week 48
Become an organ donor.
Week 49
Try to be a considerate colleague.
Week 50
Support the Vincent De Paul appeal.
Week 51
Visit and care for the elderly.
Week 52
Learn to adopt a greener life.
