Freezing temperatures couldn't bring down the sheer optimism felt during the start-up of Kindness Month in Lacombe on Feb. 3.
Spearheaded by Lacombe FCSS, the launch - held at the Lacombe Memorial Centre - brought together staffers from FCSS, several City councillors, and Mayor Creasey.
"It brings me a great deal of pride to have so many wonderful people in our community who value the whole idea behind the campaign, which is furthering the sense of community we have here in Lacombe," said Creasey. "It is truly a special day.
"It's also getting bigger and better each and every year with more and more businesses involved, too. We couldn't be happier."
The Lacombe Kindness Campaign, first launched near the end of the pandemic, sees Kindness Kits - packed with kindness-themed messages, posters, balloons, streamers, buttons, and all sorts of things to decorate with - delivered to businesses and organizations across town.
The first year FCSS staff had a little less than 20 sign up, taking the Kindness Kits.
The second year it grew, and then last year they had almost 80 businesses and organizations signed up, said Crystal Zens, executive director of Lacombe FCSS.
She noted that the campaign, which is completely unique to Lacombe, falls in line with the annual anti-bullying Pink Shirt Campaign, which is also observed each February.
"It's very exciting. We have over 80 boxes that have been claimed this year for local businesses and organizations, so they will be able to splash the mission of kindness all over our community for the month of February. That is a real testament to our community, and to the great people here that really care for their fellow citizens.
"They really have that mindset of taking care of each other."
Meanwhile, other communities are following suit, launching their own campaigns after having been inspired to do so by Lacombe FCSS's example.
Zens said her staff presented the concept to folks at the provincial conference, and many of the agencies across Alberta have since adopted it.
"It's really cool to see the ripple effect across the province," she said. "We've been able to share the template with a multitude of agencies - it's cool to watch it grow. We are really proud of the other FCSS offices that have adopted the campaign as well."
It's not too late to land a Kindness Kit, and to join the initiative.
Head to www.lacombefcss.net, check out the organization's socials, or call the office at 403-782-6637.