A few options ran through my mind. The first, pay for the coffee of the person standing in line behind me at the coffee shop. The second, go buy coffees for the Vancouver Police Department or SPCA.
I decided against buying drinks for the VPD or SPCA because (as sad as it is) in this day in age I wasn't sure if they would just throw the coffees out, thinking I was trying to drug or poison them.
It was very chilly in Vancouver, so as I was walking to work I decided I was going to buy a warm drink for someone that looked like they needed it.
Unlike the challenge from the day before, I was pretty comfortable with this one. In fact, doing something like this is my go-to strategy after I've reported on a particularly difficult story. The last time that comes to mind is the mass shooting at Sandy Hook. I woke up the next day, made a donation at a shelter and handed out coffees to some people sitting on Robson St. The "acts of kindness" help me deal with what comes from reporting such terrible tragedies. I suppose giving can be selfish.
Anyways, back to the task. I grabbed my highly trained cameraman and we hit the street! The man that accepted my hot chocolate (yes, I broke the rules and decided against coffee) said "Thank you! You have a nice day!"
I gave a second hot chocolate to one of my co-workers who later told me "Hayley, this hot chocolate you bought me is warming my soul!"
This kindness bootcamp has only just begun and I am already having the best time! As soon as I complete my challenge I can't wait to get my next one! It's addictive!
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