Choose kind

This February, County residents are invited to Choose Kind to build a supported, safe and connected community. Small acts of kindness are easy, take little effort and provide instant personal benefits, as well benefiting others and the community.

Officially declared as Choose Kind month by Mayor Rod Frank, February is filled with many opportunities for spreading kindness that align with international campaigns, including Safer Internet Day on February 11, Random Acts of Kindness Week during February 11 to 17, and Pink Shirt Day on February 26. All community members are encouraged to lead the way by spreading kindness and respecting each other’s values, beliefs and lifestyles.

On February 29, the community is invited to a free indoor movie screening of Wonder, followed by kindness-inspired activities. This free event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ardrossan Community Theatre in Ardrossan Junior Senior High School (53129 Range Road 222, Ardrossan) The movie Wonder inspires viewers to choose kind and connect to one another and value and respect our individual differences.

Residents are also encouraged to share their experience with receiving or choosing kindness online (through #SCchoosekind) during the month of February. Follow Strathcona County’s Instagram to see stories of kindness being shared by community members. We all want to feel safe and connected to others. One way we can achieve this is healthy relationships.

Healthy relationships are built on trust, safety and respect. For times when a person is dealing with an unkind or harmful situation, residents are reminded help is available, including information and supports for anyone experiencing or concerned about bullying. Contact Alberta’s Bullying Helpline at 1-888-456-2323 to receive help in more than 170 languages or find other supports. Contact Strathcona County Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044 for more information.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595