Children and adults in Futura Learning Partnership have set a world record for the most random acts of kindness carried out in a single day – 37,106.
The trust’s first Kindness Day on July 9 proved a spectacular success, with thousands of people in the 26 schools and the central team taking part.
The overwhelming message was that kindness already exists throughout our organisation – the day just gave us all a chance to notice it, celebrate it and highlight it.
It was a hugely positive event, highlighting a culture of inclusion, connection and concern for others.
Many children chose to express their gratitude to school staff, parent helpers and governors while others looked outwards, giving thanks to NHS staff, police, firefighters and lifeboat crews.
‘… donations to foodbanks and homelessness charities, litter picking, car washing, care home visits and hidden messages …’
Creativity came to the fore, with cards, bunting, pebbles and cakes being decorated with words of appreciation.
Acts of kindness were recorded in schools, at home and in the wider community. These included donations to foodbanks and homelessness charities, litter picking, car washing, care home visits and hidden messages as well as helpful behaviours such as supporting siblings, encouraging classmates, making others feel included, and – in the heatwave – filling water bottles and sharing fans.
The activity even spread to India, where a group of Futura students were on a visit. They planted 94 trees, created art for a school served food to children and adults from the community.
A kindness tracker recorded all contributions and by the end of the day it was revealed that Futura had almost doubled the previous record of 19,000.
‘This was such a heartwarming day …’
Kirsty Jones, head of Yeo Moor Primary School in Clevedon, organised the day. She said: “We wanted to show that even small positive acts could make a big difference – and we certainly did that!”
Futura chief executive Gary Schlick said: “This was such a heartwarming day. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who took part.”
