February is Choose Kind Month in Strathcona County

Mayor Rod Frank has officially declared February Choose Kind Month. This February, County residents are encouraged to Choose Kind to help promote an inclusive, healthy and positive community through being kind to one another and themselves.

Small acts of kindness create a sense of connection, are easy, take little effort and provide instant personal benefits to yourself and others in the community. Kindness has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety and boost mental health and happiness.

“I am excited to see our community come together to show each other kindness throughout the year, and particularly the month of February,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “Choosing kind is an opportunity to support each other and ourselves throughout life’s obstacles and helps keep our community safe, supported and connected.”

Strathcona County is committed to creating a community where all people are respected, valued and feel a sense of belonging.

“Choose Kind Month is a fun time of the year. It feels good to make others feel good and positively affects our overall mental well-being,” says Strathcona County mental health capacity builder supervisor Tracy Gravelle. “We can’t always choose what life throws our way, but we can make the choice to choose kind. To ourselves and to others.”

February is home to Safer Internet Day on February 7, Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17, and Pink Shirt Day on February 22. Choose Kind Month combines these three days to create a cohesive month-long campaign around kindness. Community members are encouraged to lead the way by spreading kindness and respecting each other’s values, beliefs and lifestyles.

Healthy relationships are built on trust, safety and respect. We all want to feel safe and connected to others. For times when a person is dealing with a difficult or harmful situation, residents are reminded help is available, including information and supports for anyone experiencing or concerned about bullying. Contact Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044 or visit strathcona.ca/fcs for more information.

To learn more about the benefits to your health when you choose kind, visit strathcona.ca/ChooseKind.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595