Kindness never out of date

We’re all talking about the new normal and how the world is changing because of the pandemic, how our lives are adapting to the reconstituted order of things. But let’s not forget that kindness never went out of style. It’s been the core of our existence even before COVID-19. It’s just reemphasized now that we’re going through difficult times where we try to go the extra mile in looking out for each other, in easing the burden of the less fortunate and in showing compassion to those who are severely challenged.

When orthopedic surgeon Dr. George Canlas and his wife Glennda conceived of the Courage To Be Kind Foundation, they were inspired by the memory of their son Ben who passed away at 17 in March last year. He would’ve been 19 on July 1. They thought of celebrating a Ben’s Grand-A-Wish Day by giving away bicycles to those in need, to recognize “Everyday Heroes” with their acts of kindness during this crisis.  As word of the project got around, 47 nominations came in, some from provinces outside of Luzon, and the Class of ’87 of Philippine Science High School contacted Dr. Canlas to offer helmets to pair with every bike giveaway. Class of ’87 had initiated the 87 Helmets Project to deliver headguards to frontliners who bike to and from work without helmets. Class leaders Ryan Azarcon and Aboy Castro initially targeted a goal of 30 helmets to distribute then the goal jumped to 87 and recently went past 300.

Dr. Canlas’ original plan was to give away seven bikes. But the number grew to 19 and settled at 27 when the first batch of winners came to claim their prizes last July 11. Associated Press got wind of the activity and featured it in its heartwarming “One Good Thing” series, cascading the story to network subscribers all over the world. News of the Courage To Be Kind initiative found coverage in platforms like the SF Gate in San Francisco, The Japan Times, Bastille Post of Hong Kong, Times Union of New York, The Daily Herald of Chicago, Gulf News of the United Arab Emirates, The Hamilton Spectrum of Ontario and The Washington Post. “Let’s remember that every day, we can practice the simple acts of kindness that can bring light and positivity to our world during a time when we all can use more of it,” said Dr. Canlas. His wife Glennda added, “We live in a world where it still takes courage to be kind…wouldn’t it be great when kindness is just the norm, kindness is just the baseline for everybody?”

Tomorrow at 9 in the morning, the Courage To Be Kind Foundation will once more give away bicycles in a second round of kindness at the Halcyon Medical office on Buendia. This time, there were 102 nominations and the Foundation vetted to 46 deserving individuals. Class of ’87 is once more donating a helmet to each winner. Private donors reached out to the Foundation to sponsor more bikes. The winners are Karen Banatao, Monica Vitug, Ericson Silab, Jhon Paul Chavez, Rodrigo Andales, Arsenio Concepcion, Rewin Narvasa, Shoujie Jana, Jesusito Yurtas, Felipe Yu, Edgar Turla, Paul Garing, Renato Pamaos, Rizla Pardales, Marvin Almanzor, Jocelyn Bonus, Rogelio Arellano, Rodil Salvador, Erico Besmano, Edwin Etang, Amelyn Merza, Jay Adorna, Mark Marcaida, Francisco Bulawan, Mark Pulusan, Jacky Curilan, Lyndon Schlobohm, Manuel Sabado, Ronaldo Zartiga, Gilbert Mauricio, Robledo Asi, Rogelio Tagalog, Jimmy Enrique, Romel Cacho, Joseph Necessario, Romano Eucare, Rocky Aguja, Rafael Mabansag, Janina Balgos, Pedro Garay, Hans Concepcion, Ruffa Inocando, Christopher Carillo, Ruther Morete, Normelyn Damarillos and Valentino Manzano.