The spirit of unity and compassion that emerged in the wake of the September 11 attacks is being honored in a unique way through the 21st annual “11 Days of Kindness” campaign from the group, “Pay it Forward 9/11”.
How it started
Inspired by the kindness and generosity of strangers after being stranded in a small Canadian town following the attacks on 9/11, Kevin Tuerff founded “Pay It Forward 9/11” in 2002 . Accordingly, he initiated the movement as a way for people to channel that spirit of goodwill within their own communities. Over the years, the campaign has grown, further touching hearts and fostering connections across the nation.
Christopher Gallin, a resident of Crestwood, also helped found this charity organization. Drawing from his leadership and organizational experience, Gallin rallied his personal and professional networks to participate in the initiative. His involvement in charitable organizations such as Iona Preparatory School and Cardinal McCloskey Community Services underscores his commitment to fostering positive change.
Gallin now extends an open invitation to all schools, businesses, and communities to participate in the “11 Days of Kindness“ initiative taking place from September 1st to 11th, 2023.
How to change the world
Pay it Forward’s “11 Days of Kindness” campaign encourages people to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 by performing three random acts of kindness over the span of eleven days. Doing this symbolizes the resilience and unity shown by individuals in the aftermath of the tragic events. These acts of kindness serve as a powerful reminder of the compassion that emerged even in the darkest hours.
To participate in the campaign, individuals can engage in simple acts of kindness. These can be as small as expressing gratitude to first responders and essential workers through thank-you notes. Buying a tank of gas or a coffee for a stranger. Or even picking up the tab of a neighboring table at a local restaurant. Lastly, you can also purchase “Kindness Cards for Kids” packs on https://www.payitforward911.org/ for local schools and community organizations. The goal is to create a ripple effect of kindness, ultimately shaping a more compassionate society.
The group encourages participants to share their acts of kindness on social media platforms. Using the hashtags #PayitForward911 and #neverforget to amplify the message of unity and compassion.
Let’s make these “11 Days of Kindness” a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Christopher Gallin
The campaign boasts support from various sponsors. These include the writers of the Come From Away musical, Dell Technologies, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, JetBlue, and Gallin & Son.
For more information about the “Pay It Forward 9/11” campaign and to learn how to get involved, please visit https://payitforward911.org
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