Offer a Helping Hand for the Holidays

Twenty-one years ago, I shared with my Mother, Jane Armstrong, that she was the inspiration behind the Acts of Kindness Network. Being ever so humble, Mom downplayed the recognition. Yet her life’s journey, how she conducted herself, selflessly serving and supporting others, including some like herself who had been affected with mental health issues, are at the foundation. Also inspiring was Mom's team of caregivers who offered "acts of kindness" daily to bring joy, love and laughter to my Mother’s life. I remember how proud Mom felt when with the help of one of her caregivers, she baked me a birthday cake twenty-one years ago. We were both unaware that it indeed would be the last. A picture of the two of us on our fridge is a daily reminder of that moment in time.

In the years that have followed, AOKN has supported numerous local Halton agencies, thousands of individuals and families touched by mental health and poverty issues. Every December, helping to deliver the spirit of the season as best we are capable with donations generously received from the community to bring joy, love, laughter and relief, just like my Mother and her caregiving team did so many years ago.

Since the onset of COVID, we have been asked repeatedly to provide Gift Cards for food, clothing and essentials. Doing so enables the recipients to experience the feeling of gift giving and purchase specifically what they or their family needs giving them a sense of pride in doing so. With the state of the economy and inflation, struggling residents find it challenging to make ends meet. Respectful that is the case for many, may we suggest you create your Giving Circle with each member contributing an affordable amount. For example, a Helping Hand of Five, each contributing $20, equates to $100, which can become a grocery gift card for a hungry family. It's all about a lot of people doing a little bit.

Every year we hope the lives of those in need of a kind, helping hand will improve, yet many who rely on AOKN have shared this is the only gift they will receive for the holiday season.

We are grateful for your kind consideration to help us to continue the legacy in Mom's honor to

Share Kindness, Touch Hearts, Change Lives!

Enjoy the holidays, knowing your "act of kindness" will make a difference in the lives of others!