One good deed can make a difference, no matter how small the act.
That’s essentially the idea behind the Three Things for Canada initiative, which encourages every Canadian to complete three acts of service, or good deeds if you will, in honour of Canada’s 150 birthday. If everyone did, that would translate to more than 100 million community building acts of service.
After the idea of participating in the initiative locally was suggested by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, Janelle Breese Biagioni thought it would be a great lesson for children and approached her grandsons’ schools. They agreed to have her come in and share the lesson.
Last week, Breese Biagioni was at Millstream elementary and soon she’ll be sharing that lesson at West-Mont Montessori School in Metchosin as well.
Students at Millstream were given the school week to complete their three tasks and earn a pin to commemorate the lesson. On Monday, she went around to each classroom with her nine-year-old grandson Greyson Cudby, who is in Grade 4, to explain the initiative. A handout also went out to parents and guardians explaining that the acts could be as small as helping a friend with their homework, or picking up garbage at the school.
“They didn’t have to be difficult, they didn’t have to be time-consuming … It can be as simple as doing a chore without being asked,” Breese Biagioni said.
By Friday, roughly 100 students had completed the challenge. “That’s 300 acts of service in a week,” Breese Biagioni noted.
Milstream principal Martha Gerow added, “it’s been great … the kids are really starting to get the idea.” She expected a few more children to complete their tasks over the weekend as enthusiasm continues to build. “I love it.”
When asked why she decided to approach the schools, Breese Biagioni said, “I just feel it’s really important to pass that onto our children and this is where they learn … (and) selfishly, it’s an opportunity to do something with my grandsons.”
For more information on the program, go to threethingsforcanada.ca.