It never hurt anyone to be a little kinder

Would you like to make your corner of the world a nicer place? We hope so, because every day you are given the chance to do so. Be Kind to Humankind Week is an annual worldwide celebration of kindness from August 25th-31st. This is a week to honor all the great things you can do to help others. Every day of the week has its own theme so no one is left out. Do your part to make your corner of the world a better place. Who says that one person can't make a difference? We know that you can!

Established in 1988

Be Kind to Humankind Week was created in August of 1988 by Lorraine Jara in Toms River, New Jersey.

I started this event after I read a very upsetting story in the newspaper about two young men, both in their 20’s, who were boating in my local town’s waterways. They were in a small rowboat which overturned. The story went on to say that as they clung to the overturned vessel, two young ladies in another boat pulled them out of the water. The ladies did not have a radio onboard to call land for help. Two other boats with radio antennas passed them by, refusing their calls for help. One passing boater reportedly said, “We don’t want to be bothered.” When finally rescued, one of the young men died.

I was so devastated after reading this article that I felt something had to be done in memory of the deceased young man. I phoned his family and asked permission to have a memorial erected in a park where he lived, and understandably they thanked me but refused. They were too grief stricken to think about it. That's when I thought, they have a Be Kind to Animals Week so why not have a Be Kind to Humankind Week. People need people; it’s as simple as that. In order to have the power to make the world a better place, we must first change our attitudes for the better. We can create our own good news if we choose to do so!

With Kindest Regards,
Lorraine Jara, Founder