SPARC Kindness Tree: A Holiday Tradition in Capstone
December 12, 2024
Since 2021, thousands of wooden ornaments painted with messages of kindness and hope by local youth have adorned trees in Capstone, spreading warmth and joy during the holiday season.
Last week, members of SPARC Red Deer, Mayor Ken Johnston, local Paint the Town Positive youth who created the ornaments, and City of Red Deer staff gathered in Canada 150 Square to decorate the Kindness Trees with hundreds of these inspiring ornaments.
The Kindness Tree is part of SPARC Red Deer’s Paint the Town Positive initiative, a youth-driven program designed to foster community connections and encourage acts of kindness. Youth from the following schools contributed to this meaningful project:
- École Camille J. Lerouge School
- Central Middle School
- Gateway School
- Escuela Vista Grande School
- Teresa of Avila School
- Westpark Middle School
- Joseph High School
- Eastview Middle School
- Glendale School
- Notre Dame High School
Residents are invited to visit Canada 150 Square in Capstone, select an ornament to take home, and gift another to someone in their community. In addition, SPARC will deliver ornaments to local retirement residences, extending the spirit of kindness even further.
"The Kindness Tree is more than just a holiday tradition – it’s a symbol of community spirit and connection," said Rania Page, SPARC Co-Chair. "Every ornament represents the creativity and compassion of our youth, reminding us of the power of simple acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day and strengthen our community."
Sharing kindness benefits mental well-being, bringing hope, warmth, and a sense of purpose. Acts of kindness often inspire others to pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of positivity throughout the community.
SPARC Red Deer, a local non-profit coalition, is dedicated to strengthening positive assets and resilience in communities. Through initiatives like Paint the Town Positive and the Kindness Tree, they continue to spread joy, compassion, and connection during the holiday season and beyond.
To learn more about SPARC, visit sparcreddeer.ca