10 Canadians Surprised for Random Acts of Kindness Day

When Lori Savage showed up to Special Olympics bowling practice in Guelph, she had no idea she was about to get celebrated the way she celebrates everyone else. As community coordinator and chair of Guelph-Wellington Special Olympics, Lori spends her days cheering from the sidelines, organizing fundraisers, and making sure every athlete feels seen.

The GuelphToday team surprised her during practice with gifts to thank her for years of selfless service. It was one of ten heartwarming surprises rolled out across Ontario to honor Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.

In Cambridge, Harold Fontes got caught completely off guard when reporters showed up at his door with gift cards and his favorite treats. For years, Harold has been the first person neighbors call when something needs fixing, whether it's window screens, eavestroughs, or landscaping help.

Jaye Crawford, volunteer librarian for the 100-member Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo Wellington, received a SAIL certificate and Parks Canada Discovery Pass to fuel his love of nature. Even while facing personal challenges, Jaye shows up with patience and enthusiasm to keep every performance running smoothly.

In Bradford, Laura Daly's two decades of dedication through her nonprofit GetRecD earned her a special recognition. Her organization has raised over $500,000 for cancer patients and caregivers, with every single dollar going directly to families in need.

Steve, a beloved Zamboni driver in Sault Ste. Marie for more than 40 years, got surprised during a Soo Greyhounds game as he prepares for retirement. His friendly face and dedication to perfect ice have been part of countless community memories.

Other honorees included Chanel Kutlesa of Burlington, who founded Strong & Free to make hygiene products accessible to everyone, and Janice Ferris of Midland, who introduces local kids to outdoor activities through the Youth Expo at the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Club.

Roger Hannon, an educator at Georgian Learning Centre in Collingwood, creates welcoming spaces where adult learners feel supported regardless of their background. His patience and genuine care transform his classroom into a place of belonging.

Sunny's Take

What makes these stories so powerful isn't the surprises themselves. It's the reminder that in every community, quiet heroes are choosing kindness without expecting recognition. Lori didn't organize fundraisers for applause. Harold didn't fix his neighbors' screens for rewards. They did it because they saw a need and filled it.

Village Media's Random Acts of Kindness program now reaches 25 communities across Ontario, from Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto. Each surprise celebrates someone who proves that compassion isn't grand gestures, it's showing up consistently with a helpful hand and open heart.

These ten stories represent hundreds more happening in neighborhoods everywhere, mostly unseen and uncelebrated. But they're happening, and they're making a difference one small act at a time.

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