Warning: This activity could be habit forming! This Saturday is Pay It Forward Day in Barrie.
Coordinator Mark Hoffman and his wife came up with the idea in 2011 and chose the last Saturday before Christmas each year to mark it.
"On that day everyone is encouraged to do a deliberate act of kindness for a random person," explains Hoffman.
"It's what the season is about. Especially with so much anger and hatred in the world right now. Doing this positive, intentional act encourages us to be good to each other".
Hundreds of people locally and thousands globally mark the day by doing something anonymously for a stranger. Among the ideas: buy someone's coffee in the drive-thru, pick up a person's tab at the diner, shovel your neighbour's driveway or make a donation to a worthy cause.
"One man just sat down with a lonely elderly lady at a mall food court and just visited with her for a half an hour and it cost him nothing," said Hoffman.
There's a Facebook page where you can post your good deed but it's not necessary to publicise your gesture and some people feel it takes away from the meaning if you make it public.
"It doesn't matter if others know you did a good deed because you know it," said Hoffman.
However, it doesn't always work out quite as planned.
One year Hoffman laughingly recalled how he tried to help someone who didn't welcome his aid.
"I saw a lady struggling with parcels so I went up to her and asked if I could carry them to her car for her. I was told in no uncertain terms she could carry her own bags."
Hoffman says they chose a very busy day during the Christmas season for Pay It Forward Day on purpose.
"Because it makes you slow down and think about others," he said. "Everybody is going to be out on the Saturday before Christmas rushing around so have a plan and go out and do something kind. I have to warn you, though. You're going to like it."
For ideas you can visit https://www.facebook.com/
