Random Acts of

Canadian

Dockside Bistro has been unable to open, but has been delivering free meals every Thursday to people who can’t get out. Residents and other businesses have started supporting them by sending donations to keep them going.

Haircuts were in high demand after lockdown ended. New Minas Head Shoppe master stylist Kathy Alyward contacted her first responder and health care clients for the first appointments, to show her appreciation for their efforts.

The RBC MiltonONE Community came together to raise over $500. On July 3, partnering with a local RBC business owner, they delivered 35 large pizzas to 125 frontline staff members. Thank you Faizan Malik for your leadership. Incredible!

Matt’s 9-year-old son Jayden wanted to do something nice for first responders. Using saved birthday money and allowance, he bought coffee and doughnuts for firefighters and RCMP, and pet food for the local SPCA.

Kristina’s friends Karen and Nick made birdhouse kits for the kids in the community so they could build and paint for no cost. They have also been making masks throughout the pandemic. Thanks for your kindness!

Jennifer started a Facebook group to support local businesses in Brantford/Brant county. The idea is to promote businesses by posting a photo of a visited business with #brantforddelivers on Facebook.

Dartmouth Teacher Tim Coombs has been using 3D printers to make ear relief devices for frontline workers who wear masks for long periods. He and his wife have been printing them 24 hours a day and have made over 24,000 so far.

Sandra’s dad was diagnosed with acute cancer. Living in Palm Springs he wanted to come home, so Sandra and her husband drove through Canada and the U.S. to pick him up. Her amazing book club has been making dinner for them to help out.

Hua Yu and Sherry Zhang, founders of WeWorkingWomen, gathered and donated medical supplies to Wuhan in February. In May, they raised funds through a livestream event for Yee Hong Senior Housing.

To help make a difference in their community, Cayleigh’s family has created Courage Kits. The kits come with custom colouring books, activities to inspire hope and courage, crayons and matching parent/child courage bracelets.

When Sharon Rice began thinking of ways to thank frontline workers, she thought first of the long days they spend on their feet. Hoping to introduce a little luxury to their lives, she donated 100 of her Signature Pedicures.

Kim and Kathie are among the many staff members at their hospital who have been reassigned to care for patients with COVID-19. To help boost morale, they’ve made 100 rehabilitation resiliency kits for their colleagues.

When you purchase a Wonderkind Frontline Care Bag for an essential worker, you’re also supporting small, female-founded businesses across Canada. Each bag is filled with Canadian made products. A perfect way to say thank you!

Every Sunday, the residents of the Island Park Retirement Residences in Cambellford, Ontario come together to sing the national anthem. For thirteen consecutive weeks, they’ve been dressing in red and waving their national flags proudly!

For months, Beverley has been handing out thank you cards to truck drivers in her hometown of Chatham, Ontario. Her goal? To recognize their contribution to the supply chain as they carry essential goods across Canada.

Thanks to Liz, Anika, Sonoka, Romina, Maria, Olivia and Beverly of the RBC NextGen Toronto Employee Resource Group for offering to craft facemasks for two charities: Better Living Health and Community Services and St. Felix Centre.

Jane is a support worker in the emergency department in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She does her job with pride, working on behalf of her patients, family and friends even as she faces challenges to her own health and wellbeing.

Alberta Fire & Flood has donated thousands of masks and hand sanitizer to retirement residences and shelters over the course of the pandemic, delivering these protective supplies to parking lots and employee homes for free.

Laura and her colleagues delivered 86 meals to front line workers at Stratford General Hospital this summer by partnering with two local businesses: Demetre’s Family Restaurant and Ramshackle Industries Restaurant Group.

When the roughly 60 members of the RBC Next Generation Optimization Team decided to give back during social isolation, they made kindness their goal. They wanted to show appreciation for as many groups and individuals as possible, in ways both

The talented in-house wardrobe staff at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet has pivoted from creating costumes to sewing non-medical masks, donating more than 1000 to the Winnipeg Boldness Project for distribution to those in need.

Quesada Tacos and Burritos Kenora launched the Food With Thought program in Kenora, Ontario to fight hunger and loneliness during the pandemic. Residents simply purchase a bracelet for someone in need to be exchanged for a warm meal.

The Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre has made over 2300 meals for frontline workers and residents of community shelters since the pandemic began, including 1000 vegetarian meals to commemorate the Dalai Lama’s birthday.

Waterways was planning its first season of paddling instruction for 1000 Indigenous youth in Manitoba when COVID-19 hit. Now, with permission to run a small camp, they’re finally connecting with youth on the water.

Cheryl and Jess, two North Vancouver mothers, have raised over $1,000 so far, selling car decals that thank front line workers for their service. Money raised goes to two agencies that are helping those in need. Order a Decal Here

10,000 volunteers across Windsor Essex County set a new world record, collecting over 2 million pounds of food items for local food banks. As a result of their efforts, 28,000 families will have food for a year.

Diani started Queens of Hearts to help single mothers struggling with food. When a single parent is referred, they receive a box fruit, vegetables, meat, and anything else they need. It’s a small donation-based group with a big heart!

Rekha chose to give instead of receive on her birthday this year, raising funds through social media to support mental health. Inspired by her own health challenges, she hopes to help others who may be suffering due to COVID-19.

A group of 4 teens, part of the Village of Fillmore Volunteer program and RBC Future Launch, painted the windows of a local nursing home with uplifting messages to celebrate front line staff and bring joy to its residents. Thanks team!

What do you get when you cross an avid quilter with a caring and compassionate person? Kendra’s friend has not stopped making masks for sure people who can’t buy them. She is a true inspiration!

Maharaj arrived in Edmonton in Feb. 2020. While searching for work, COVID shut everything down. He instead looked for ways to help and found the John Humphrey Centre for Peace & Human Rights. He has been volunteering since April.

Jeff runs the Porch Food Bank – a place where the community can drop of non-perishable items in labeled bins and take what they need. It’s on the porch 24/7 and maintained by Jeff, his staff and customers at Film.Ca Cinemas.

The closing of the beloved Spencer House due to the pandemic led Sarah, one of the Centre's prior members, to suggest a safe distancing picnic in Halifax's Public Gardens to get the gang back together. Thanks Sarah!

Last month after work, Jenny went grocery shopping. While in line to be let in, she was asked by an elderly man to buy him milk and bread. Jenny didn’t hesitate and helped out during his time of need.

Kimberly’s friend Christine has made 589 masks and given them away for free to anyone who needs one. She has supplied their community and many of Kimberly’s friends, asking for nothing in return. Thanks Christine!

Erica’s 12-year old daughter was given a gift card by a local busker to buy ice cream. Delighted, she bought the ice cream and left the money she would have used under a nearby bench for a stranger to discover and enjoy.

Kindergarteners have been spreading kindness around their community by making and delivering kindness rocks, making thank you cards for essential workers, delivering flowers for neighbours and making masks for nurses.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet has made over 1800 masks for Winnipeg groups including the newcomer women living next door at The House of Peace in downtown Winnipeg. Communities are stronger when we dance together!

North Queens Fire Association received money to purchase 100 x $10 gift cards to pass out to seniors in our community. They have helped bring a little joy to the residents of 50 homes in the area. Thanks for your generosity!

Breanda’s niece Natalie is a single mother. Knowing moms couldn’t get necessities for their babies because nobody could watch their children during the pandemic, she would buy diapers and baby food and leave it on the porch.

The C5 agencies in Edmonton have developed a Community Pantry Program to support those who need help feeding their families during the pandemic. Over 300 families have been provided with hampers of fresh food and necessities.

Jim Cooke and his family took a vacation to the Philippines on March 6th. Within a week of arrival, they were locked down for 98 days in some of the world’s toughest lockdown protocols. A curfew was put in place and only one person from each

Jennifer fills her Boredom Buster Bins with activities for all ages such as workbooks, games, toys, books and crafts. She puts them out each day on her front lawn and people take what they want or donate back.

Lois’ son JD, who has Down Syndrome, has been painting and mailing cards to family and friends. He has sent 200+ cards as far as Russia, Slovenia, England, Alberta, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Virginia, New Jersey, and all over Ontario.

Tina, who has noticed an increase in foot traffic on her street, decided to put a new joke in her window every day to provide some joy. She has posted each joke on Facebook to brighten the days of friends far and wide!

Cheryl, a former 911 dispatcher, has raised over $1,000 so far, selling car decals that thank front line workers for their service. Money raised goes to two agencies that are helping those in need.

Sherry and her husband love to connect with their community through food. They have cooked up some Moose Chili and shared it with their 10 COVID friends, and handed out honey to passers by. What’s Moose Chili? Recipe please!

As a way to help Canadian workers in need of PPE, Lucille began sewing cloth masks and scrub caps. Over 1,000 masks and 460 scrub caps have been donated to frontline workers, community members, food banks and dental staff.

To bring joy to front line workers, Amy Meunch, owner of Cake Babes in Dartmouth started Cupcakes for Heroes. For a $10 donation, she will match it 2 to 1 and deliver $20 worth of cupcakes to workers. Often, she’ll give even more.

Albert’s mom Debby has made over 1,000 face masks. She makes them all for free, donating the masks to restaurants, thrift stores, police and fire departments and even pubs. Everyone gets one. Amazing work Debby!

Michelle’s daughter Keara creates activity bags for kids in need. Through her Facebook page Keara’s Kauses she has been able to help over 100 kids so far. She also buys everything in the community to support local business.

Linda has been keeping up with seniors in her community, regularly checking in and encouraging them to join zoom calls. She and others even helped a couple get a computer and WiFi so they could stay connected with others.

Volunteers at the Active Adult Centre in Mississauga prepare and distribute COVID Care Kits for seniors in the community. The Centre has also created a virtual village and fitness classes, and social programs for free.

Christine’s 15-year-old daughter bought 20 stuffies to give to sick children at the local Children’s Hospital. She hopes her anonymous gift brought a smile and some hope to kids who needed it.

On Mother’s Day Chantel’s daughters bundled lilacs and set them out for free. Unfortunately they were all taken at once. Chris Stanley, a kind stranger, more than made up for it by building an amazing lemonade stand for the girls!

When Brenda’s daughter heard that nursing homes weren’t allowing visitors, she spent her March Break making cards for the residents of the local home. She later began selling baking to buy art supplies for them too!

Montreal-North was hit hard by the pandemic and became in a few weeks the epicenter of the crisis. In order to curb the chain of transmission in the neighborhood while supporting essential workers, the Hoodstock Collective decided to act without

Astrid Arumae founded Outremont COVID-19 Help Foundation to support seniors and those with chronic health conditions who can’t get out during the health crisis. With the help of over 60 volunteers, the foundation shops for groceries and

In response to COVID-19, restaurateur Susie started a tote bag fundraiser to support small businesses affected by the pandemic. 100% of profits go towards a grant program. So far, they have been able to help 7 businesses with a grant.

As a member of the Rotary Club of Nelson Daybreak in Nelson, BC, Sheila Hart has co-chaired a small but dedicated committee that has sewn over 570 masks for social service agencies in the area. Keep up the great work, Sheila!

16-year old Rebecca bakes sugar cookies and donates them to women living in poverty in her community. She donates the comforting treats to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Emergency Shelter in Vancouver.

When COVID-19 hit, Ashley’s mom Liz – a retired RBC employee – made cloth masks for all the staff in the Palliative Unit at ARH. She sewed over 150 masks in a matter of weeks, which she gave away for free.

Bradley East’s porch portraits have brought light to families, healthcare workers and hospital patients during self-isolation. He takes the portraits for free, but accepts donations for the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation.

To counter domestic violence during COVID-19, LUX Carnival has collaborated with White Ribbon To date, they have reached a pledge of $5,000 to fund training, counseling, and retainer fees for legal help.

Sania makes paper flowers for her co-workers on the front lines to cheer them up. Thank you for brightening the days of our essential workers, Sania!

In the checkout line, an elderly man in front of Steve was taking a while to pay. Irritated at first, Steve realized the man was $2.28 short and feeling stressed. Steve stepped in to cover the bill. Thanks for helping, Steve!

Over 2200 people have come together to support the Whitby/Brooklin community. They buy people groceries, drive them to appointments and raise money for food agencies. They also do wellness checks for seniors and give people hope!

Valérie is a university law teacher who really wanted to give a helping hand during the summer. She supports her community by cleaning the senior residents’ rooms while she’s on vacation.

On June 21, I participated in the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie by cycling over 20 km in overwhelming heat. With the pandemic, everybody did their own challenge separately and registered their activities on the official website. Challenge met!

My sister, Line Jacob, works directly with patients with COVID-19. We took the initiative to offer her and 3 nurses a special day to thank and spoil them. Massage, candies, sparkling wine, hairdresser, facial...

Christian’s team and a popular restaurant visited an elderly care home that was affected by Covid-19. To express their gratitude for the remarkable care this home gave to the elderly, they treated them to lunch.

Stephanie’s son Ryan is a regular blood donor, and had agreed to be a stem cell donor should the need arise. It recently did, and 23-year old Ryan donated stem cells through a seven hour procedure.

Allison started a networking group for working moms 2 years ago. When the pandemic hit, she sourced employment lawyers, accountants, therapists & EI specialists to support working parents for free. The group is now 4,000+!

Fatima Da Silva of Nourish Cowichan Society normally prepares meals for kids in school. When COVID hit, she local teachers and bus drivers began delivering weekly hampers to nearly 500 families in the Cowichan Valley. Thanks Fatima!

Punam’s prayer group has provided groceries to over 525 families, while she and her husband both donate and deliver food to families in need. Your work is making a real difference, Punam!

Neighbours Ross, George and Ed created a giant white heart, which is visible from Highway 102 in N.S. The heart, named Valery, is a tribute to frontline workers. The trio hope drivers will honk to show their support.

Mike Keindel’s wife Laurie does sidewalk chalk art to life the community’s spirits in Devon. Keep brightening the day, Laurie!

Debbie Ottley realized she could make her famous fudge and deliver it to friends and neighbours. So far, she has given away more than 100 packages, delivered with a smile and reminder they are not forgotten.

Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan delivered care packages to seniors in Regina on June 18. Several more were shipped throughout Saskatchewan. The packages included stationery items, hand soap strips, treats, tea and a $10 gift card.

While many industries across the globe have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the airline industry has been one of the hardest hit. Despite the impact the pandemic was having on business, Nolinor Aviation found a way to step up

Faced with the urgency of setting up screening clinics for COVID-19 during the pandemic, William and Jonathan Trudel, RBC clients and real estate developers, had the bright and ambitious idea to convert an abandoned garage into a pop-up clinic.

During the pandemic, three RBC partners and clients rolled up their sleeves and pivoted all their company’s efforts into assembling visors to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19. A hugely inspiring example of teamwork.

Geraldine wanted to help others. In the spirit of giving, she made masks and handed them out for free to transit drivers, hospital workers, seniors and everyone in her building. Thanks for making a difference Geraldine!

Everyone Eats is a not-for-profit initiative developed in response to increasing food insecurity, nutrition insecurity and food waste. Their mission is to provide quality, nutritious meals at a price point that everyone can afford.

The pandemic gave me the opportunity to make my 19th blood donation. This time, when the needs are greater than ever to help save lives, I went there with my daughter to answer the call from Héma-Québec.

My grandmother decided to sew masks to keep busy during the lockdown. In addition to providing protective equipment to those who made the request, she donated all the benefits to the Fondation de ma vie. www.lequotidien.com

Loukia Zigoumis wrote and published a children’s book titled “Together, Apart: Life During the Coronavirus", illustrated by best-selling artist Katerina Mertikas. Proceeds are going to CHEO and Kids Help Phone.

Liz’s daughter Grace personalized a painted rock for every resident in the building near their home. The residents were very pleased with their gifts and the visit that along with it. Thanks for spreading the joy Grace!

When the family business shut down due to COVID, Lorraine and her husband decided to help frontline workers. They retooled their business and started donating mask holders – so far over 6,500 donated across Canada!

Sarah Bewley has been picking up groceries from friends and neighbours and delivering them to the local food bank, which has been struggling during the pandemic. She’s off to do another delivery! Thanks Sarah.

Michelle and her co-worker noticed an elderly neighbour’s yard was looking neglected. The pair took it upon themselves to get her yard beautiful again. Thanks for making a difference, Michelle.

To honour frontline hospital workers, Edith Marton made almost 300 blue ribbons (the colour of their scrubs) for each of her co-workers in RBC Halton. “Every day they risk their lives so we stay safe.” #gratitude

Lisa and her friends and family put together and sponsored 50 mugs packed with goodies – from soup packs to instant oatmeal, granola bars and hot chocolate. They then gave the mugs to essential workers in the community.

Design JFL is a family upholstery business in Montreal that began producing washable face masks during the lockdown. They distributed the masks for free to the Filipino community and other organizations in their area.

When Catharine Shreiber went through chemotherapy, the staff of the oncology unit at Royal Columbian Hospital never wavered in their dedication to her care. She is grateful to them for their courage, sacrifice and generosity.

Andrea Skakun has crocheted over 700 small hearts and hung them up along the Songhees Walkway by the ocean in Victoria, BC. She started by making them for her own window and then for her family and friends.

Graeme Green and 10 of his co-workers heard there was a desperate need for blood during the pandemic. They rolled up their sleeves and donated blood together. Thank you Graeme!

Manojkumar Choudhary is proud to be serving the community by delivering food to homeless individuals. Food is prepared by RBC chefs and all deliveries are made by bicycle. Thanks Manojkumar!

Kinette Club of Edmonton members completed over 100 Random Acts of Kindness to celebrate 100 Years of Service. Acts included buying lunches, shoveling snow, buying coffee, and leaving inspiring messages for others.

Sandy Pepler made 100 earguards for her daughter’s co-workers, as masks were taking their toll. Thanks Sandy!

Alene Norris is trying to keep her business, Dragonfly Touch, running through COVID. A healing professional, she has been doing Self Care Sundays via Facebook, and other healing through Zoom. Online donations have helped her keep working.

"During confinement, we visited the elderly with our mobile stage, Mixbus, to bring comfort through music. These performances were given in front of various senior residences and ended up giving us as much joy as we gave them!”

Tina’s team along with other colleagues have contributed $1,700 to a Montreal food depot. A donation of $100 is equivalent to $300 worth of food, so this donation is equates to $5,100 dollars of food for the community!

Kathy’s RBC client is doing exceptional work during the pandemic. As a healthcare worker, he is helping his patients after their cardiac surgery and in addition to this, he’s volunteered to help a senior couple deliver meals and groceries.

This Women's Relief Fund serves black, BIPOC, visible minority womxn, and their families who have or are experiencing poverty, economic inequities, gender-based violence, homelessness, and marginalization. www.goodtobegood.ca

NL Eats is a community-driven food bank that focuses on helping individuals affected by the pandemic get access to essential food items. Through the pandemic, they have been bringing the community together and promoting important causes.

While buying groceries, Andrew witnessed an elderly person struggling to figure out payment while the store wasn’t taking cash. She was getting upset, so Andrew stepped in to pay her grocery bill on her behalf. Such a caring gesture!

Early in the pandemic, education assistant Bonnie Bill was checking in on her students. Before the day was over, she took supplies from her kitchen pantry and delivered to students in need.

Catharine’s friend Brittany has been bringing colour to the Lethbridge community throughout the pandemic. Her colourful cartoon images are brightening up streets, and hearts, throughout the city.

Erika and her fiancé have been 3D printing mask adapters for frontline workers and others in need. So far, they have printed over 500 adapters to be donated locally and across Canada. Thanks Erika!

Henrietta Mulder made a lot of seniors happy – while supporting local businesses – by sending flowers to two local nursing homes. Thanks for brightening someone’s day, Henrietta!

One of Monique’s supper club friends is battling cancer. She mentioned she was craving Monique’s spinach dip appetizer – so Monique made a triple batch and dropped it at her door. They met virtually to enjoy the dip together.

Since March, Sharmi has donated over 10,000 home-stitched masks to agencies such as the City of Toronto, Scarborough Health Network, Michael Garron Hospital, truck drivers, long-term care homes and more. https://t.co/55oFyi3FPH

With camps cancelled this summer, Thompson wants to get arts supplies to kids. He is raising money to donate 1000 sidewalk chalk boxes by summer’s end. His goal is to raise $30,000. Keep it up Thompson!

Jerilynn’s friend Sandy has seen more than 900 plays. When COVID hit she started sewing masks. Her goal: 1 mask for every play. She gives them to members of the arts community and only asks for a donation to an arts group in return.

Steve Kidron knows what it’s like to be hungry. So when community groups in Toronto began closing due to COVID, he felt compelled to help. He created Kitchen 24, which has provided over 30,000 meals to those in need so far.

In early May, Ausra’s neighbour turned 80, but of course couldn’t celebrate her big day with friends. Ausra’s birthday was the next day, so they toasted each other with a glass of wine from across the hall. Happy birthday ladies!

RBCers are doing their part, delivering groceries to the vulnerable via the Good Neighbourhood Project. One elderly man got groceries a few times and gave Flora a thank you note from his daughter. Together, we’re making a difference!

Ruth is a friend of Alex’s mother, who has taken it upon herself to paint rocks with inspirational messages. She leaves them in the gardens of her neighbours to brighten up their days. Thanks for a little extra colour Ruth!

With schools closed, farms that normally supply ducks to classrooms are looking for families to foster their ducklings. Some of Sara’s friends have adopted ducks to keep their kids entertained. Great news for kids and ducks alike!

Near Carolyn’s home, a family leaves brightly painted rocks outside, which contain messages of hope and joy. Passersby are encouraged to take or leave a rock. It’s a reminder you can bring joy to someone’s day, even from afar!

Nancy has always been a regular blood donor, and during this time the need is especially high. With Canadian Blood Services introducing new safety measures, Nancy has kept on giving and encourages others to do so. Thanks Nancy!

Whether it’s performing Facebook concerts or sewing masks, Jason’s parents have inspired him: “While some fight for toilet paper, these two would give the shirts off their backs for people in need.” Thanks Rob and Marina!

Thank you Lorraine for making hundreds of masks and caps for those in need. Your words say it all: “I will never forget the ICU nurses, doctors, PSW’s, and mums who are desperately trying to get PPE for their at-risk children.”

Sherri’s mother has organized a sewing group to give SW Manitoba frontline staff the protective equipment they need. So far they’ve made 763 caps, 598 headbands, 198 ear savers and 500 bags to store personal items.

Marie was struggling to keep her elderly parents cared for and entertained while isolating at home, a province over. Her friend Susan found puzzles, made a one-hour trip to drop them off, and stayed to visit at a distance.

Jill has always been inspired by her mother’s commitment to her community. When COVID-19 hit, 87-year old Olga made 160 face masks and left them on her porch for anyone who needed them. Well done, Olga!