Local not for profit anti bullying charity Sticks ‘n Stones has collaborated with Dunstan High School (DHS) on a new project called ‘The Kindness Initiative’ (TKI) to spread happiness in Central.

The student group behind the kindness cards are the Wellbeing and Sticks ‘n Stones United in Partnership committee (WASSUP).

DHS principal Andrew King said he was delighted to support the initiative and was impressed with the WASSUP committee's commitment to spread DHS’s values of kindness throughout the community. 

“In a time where, unfairly, teenagers can be labelled as self centred, this group have decided to look beyond the boundaries of the school and start a conversation with our wider community. 

“Being kind to each other is a simple message that we can all support.”

Sticks 'n Stones project and partnerships lead Jennifer Huddleston has been assisting a small group of Year 10 students and Year 13 Sticks 'n Stones advocates to create The Kindness Initiative cards to collate a collection of kindness stories in the community.

Each card contains a QR code to be scanned, taking the card holder to an online form to complete, and after doing that, you do a kind act for someone else and pass the card on.  

Year 13 students James Avenell, Joel Omond and Madison Hamilton backed TKI when the idea originated in a brainstorming session a month ago.

James said it “had blown up” with the support of teacher in charge of WASSUP Natalie Brake and principal Andrew King.

The plastic card was designed, and 100 copies professionally printed before it was launched online on September 15.

DHS Year 13 Sticks 'n Stones advocates James Avenell, Madison Hamilton and Joel Omond. PHOTO: The Central App

Madison (Madi) said kindness was something they wanted to see more of at school and in the community.

James added that the idea was tangible, simple and did not cost anything.

“We’d love to see a continuing chain of cards . . . spreading out like kindness wildfire.

“It could start in Alexandra, and spread across the country then the world.”

The card features logos, hashtags, instructions, a QR code and website link. PHOTO: Sticks ‘n Stones 

Ideas of kind acts that people could do to “pay it forward” after receiving a card are giving a genuine compliment, holding a door open, shouting someone a coffee, taking their dog for a walk or washing their car.

Check out a video from DHS advocates James, Joel and Madi on the DHS Facebook page.

James, Madi and Joel thanked local businesses for their support and sponsorship; The Courthouse Cafe, Night ‘n Day Alexandra, New World Alexandra and Four Square Alexandra.   

These businesses are on board and helping by handing out cards or donating items or vouchers to be kindness items.  

The Central App will check back with WASSUP about the initiative’s progress in a few weeks' time.