What Matters to Hatters Coalition remains focused on reducing stigma related to substance use and mental illness in our community through the third annual campaign promoting the importance of kindness and connection. As part of this campaign, individuals and organizations are recognized as kindness champions for their kindness and connection consistently demonstrated in community.
As human beings, we all have something positive to contribute to the world and talents worth sharing. Whether it’s an ability to teach, shoot three-pointers in basketball, being able to mend, repair, sew, create, make or bake, or an ability to organize – each of us possesses unique talents, skills and gifts. When we channel these gifts toward purposeful action, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute positively to our communities and the world at large
Just like one act of kindness can inspire a chain reaction, sharing your gifts and talents can help support those around you and inspire others to also share their skills and passions. This ripple effect leads to a cycle of generosity and positivity, where individuals and communities come together to support one another in meaningful ways.
This is certainly the case for this month’s kindness champion, Mila. Since Grade 2, Mila has been using her talent of baking to raise funds to help others. In the first two years of baking in their family home, Mila raised over $800 which was donated to the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, as it was named at the time, as per Mila’s request.
Mila’s partnership with the food bank, now branded as the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub, continues to grow. Since 2023, Mila has baked her cookies in the Root Cellar kitchens which helps Mila reach her goal of baking more cookies each year and makes the process more manageable.
This year, at the age of 11, Mila baked for over seven hours to make more than 60 dozen cookies with help from her parents. Her parents donate the ingredients, meaning every dollar raised goes directly to the Root Cellar. Mila is proud to have raised $1,436 this year. Through all her hard work, Mila has donated a total of $4,958 to the Root Cellar!
Mila understands it takes lots of people to help a community and hopes that her hard work can help others get the support they need and deserve!
By recognizing your unique gifts, aligning them with purpose, and taking action, you can contribute to a more connected and compassionate world just like Mila. As you take steps to share your talents, remember that every small action counts. The world needs your unique voice, skills and creativity. Embrace the journey and play your part in making the world a better place – one talent at a time.
“Volunteering and serving doesn’t have to be challenging when you use your talents to support others. Identify your talents, ask for support and find an organization where you can use your strengths to give back. You might be surprised at just how much your talents can help others.”
Do you have the gift of being a good listener and feel comfortable engaging with unfamiliar people? What Matters to Hatters Coalition is raising awareness of Loneliness Awareness Week, June 9-15, and are looking for volunteers to participate at various events throughout the week. If you have what it takes to be a good listener and feel comfortable engaging with others, please reach out via our Facebook page.
If this isn’t your skill set but you’re still interested in volunteering, keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional volunteer opportunities coming soon.
The Kindness Matters column is put together by members of the What Matters to Hatters Coalition and will run monthly throughout the organization’s annual Kindness Campaign
