United Way spreading 'conscious kindness' for 2nd year

Hugs, cookies and smiles abounded in Winnipeg on Wednesday for Conscious Kindness Day. 

It's the second year in a row that the charity has called on people to take a moment to do something nice for someone else. 

• Winnipeggers treated to acts of kindness in Old Market Square

"It can be anything — smiling or saying something nice to a stranger or to someone you know and love," said United Way volunteer Barb Palace-Churchill.

People with United Way braved the rain walking through downtown Winnipeg to give out hugs and cookies.

The event is back for a second year thanks to last year's success, said Palace-Churchill. It began in 2015 to celebrate the organization's 50th birthday.

"For me Conscious Kindness Day is really a reflection of what United Way does all the time," said Palace-Churchill. "With little acts we do every day we make an enormous, transformative impact on people."

It comes down to incorporating a little bit of positivity into your daily life, said Palace-Churchill. 

"Not just emotionally, but physically you can feel uplifted," she said.

Dave Sauer, president of the Winnipeg Labour Council, said he planned to purchase coffee for people behind him in line. He said even the smallest actions, like giving a compliment to a stranger, can mean a lot.

"Just being a good human being, being a good Winnipegger, trying to lift somebody's spirits for the day," he said. 

United Way of Winnipeg encouraged people to use social media to document little acts of kindness done for them and others with the hashtag #KindWPG.

United Way says a few ways to be kind are:

• Buy coffee for strangers.
• Hold a door for others.
• Hug a spouse out of the blue.
• Bake cookies or muffins for co-workers.