REGINA — In classrooms, coffee shops, football fields and city buses across Regina, something unexpected has been happening this winter.
Ordinary people have been stopping in their tracks as friends, co-workers, students and even the mayor show up to thank them for something they never expected recognition for: simply being kind.
It is all part of the 100 Acts of Kindness campaign, a growing community movement led by Creative Options Regina that celebrates the everyday heroes quietly shaping the city.
For several weeks, teams from the organization travelled across Regina, surprising unsuspecting residents with certificates, heartfelt messages and a simple declaration that they are now part of a special club — local legends.
The campaign, first launched in 2018, was designed to bring to life a central principle of the organization’s philosophy of care known as Gentle Teaching, which emphasizes belonging, compassion and human connection.
At its core, the idea is simple: recognize the people who make life better for others.
“Hundred Acts of Kindness is about intentionally noticing people,” said Michael Lavis, CEO of Creative Options Regina. “When we pause to acknowledge someone for how they show up in the world, we affirm that they matter.”
Celebrating the quiet heroes
Over the course of the campaign, dozens of Reginans were surprised where they work, volunteer and live.
Volunteer football coaches were honoured at stadiums.
Teachers were recognized in their classrooms.
Community members were celebrated at their workplaces.
Some had no idea why a crowd had gathered until their story was read aloud.
Those stories often revealed the quiet acts that rarely make headlines.
The bus driver who greets every passenger with a smile.
The barista who brightens a stranger’s morning.
The volunteer coach who spends evenings mentoring kids long after the game ends.
Mayor Chad Bachynski joined one of the recognition days, helping surprise several community members who have become beloved figures in their neighbourhoods.
“As Mayor, I have the chance to meet residents from every corner of our city, and it’s always inspiring to see the impact people have through their everyday actions,” Bachynski said. “This was a great opportunity to highlight some of those individuals.”
Among those honoured were Regina Transit operator Chad Ewasienko, Growing Young Movers executive director Brian Lewis and Brewed Awakening barista Karen Billena.
Football fields and classrooms filled with gratitude
The campaign also partnered with Football Saskatchewan to recognize volunteers who spend countless hours helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.
Many of those volunteers were surprised during practices, at Mosaic Stadium or even at their homes.
“These are people who give countless hours to young athletes and their communities without ever asking for recognition,” said Mike Thomas, executive director of Football Saskatchewan. “This campaign gave us the opportunity to thank volunteers who are always there helping wherever they can.”
Later visits highlighted Regina’s business and non-profit community, including stops at Saltine Baking Co., YQR Salon, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bone & Broth and Centennial School.
In partnership with local businesses Strategy Lab and KSP Technology, Creative Options Regina also handed out gift cards during several community visits.
The power of being noticed
For those behind the campaign, the most powerful moment often comes when nominees hear the reason they were chosen.
Casey Sakires, employee experience advisor at Creative Options Regina, says the campaign was originally created to bring warmth to the long Saskatchewan winter.
“Our philosophy is Gentle Teaching, which focuses on helping people feel safe and valued,” Sakires said.
“When people feel that, they reflect it back into the world. That’s what this campaign is about. It’s about recognizing the value that people bring to our community every day.”
Sakires says the nominations often highlight the smallest gestures.
“It might be the gas station attendant who cracks a joke that makes your day,” he said. “Or the person at a restaurant who remembers your order every time you come in. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
One of the most emotional moments in the campaign’s history happened when a custodian nominated by co-workers was overwhelmed hearing why they had been chosen.
“They asked if they could keep the words that were read about them,” Sakires recalled.
“That’s when we realized how powerful those reasons were. So now every recognition includes a certificate that shares exactly why someone was nominated.”
A ripple effect of kindness
The campaign has grown significantly since its early days, evolving from a simple winter initiative into a city-wide celebration of community spirit.
Creative Options Regina itself was founded in 2009 and focuses on supporting people experiencing disability through personalized services built around connection, dignity and belonging.
The 100 Acts of Kindness campaign has become one of the organization’s most visible ways of sharing that philosophy beyond its own programs.
Over the years, recognitions have taken place everywhere from schools and hospitals to coffee shops and city offices.
“It really started as a winter blues buster,” Sakires said. “But it has grown into something much bigger. It’s become a way for the community to celebrate the people who make Regina a better place.”
This year alone, the campaign reached hundreds of people through surprise recognitions and community events.
The final celebration took place downtown at Scarth Street Mall, where teams handed out 100 cups of hot chocolate to passersby.
It was a simple gesture. But for many, it carried a powerful message.
A reminder that kindness matters
As the campaign wrapped up, organizers say the goal was never just to hand out certificates.
The real mission was to spark something deeper.
“Every stop felt a little different,” Sakires said. “But the reaction was always the same. People were surprised that someone had taken the time to thank them.”
And in a time when many communities feel divided or disconnected, that recognition can mean everything.
“Sometimes all it takes is someone noticing you,” Sakires said. “That moment can stay with a person for a long time.”
For Creative Options Regina, the hope is that the campaign’s impact continues long after the final act of kindness.
Because the real goal was never just 100. It was to remind people that kindness, when shared, can spread far beyond a single moment and ripple through an entire city.
