[S]aturday 17th February was Random Acts of Kindness Day, celebrated worldwide with gestures large and small. Lovable Lake District brand herdy who are recognised for the community engagement performed many acts of kindness across Cumbria as they hid 32 herdys across the county for people to find. There was no proviso other than the finder pass on their own random act of kindness. A map and clues were shared on herdy’s facebook page and a social media storm ensued! Hundreds of people hunted across the county for the herdys which were hidden in places ranging from the top of Helvellyn and Scafell, a playground in Brough, a fence near Millom Stone Circle and the 555 bus. People also came across the herdys unexpectedly including Kris Moeckel and Ishbel who found a herdy on the top of Helvellyn whilst on a very special walk.
“On Saturday we set off first thing, to be the first to the top (Ishbel had no idea why) of Helvellyn. Upon arrival at the summit we found Little Herdy attached to the trig pillar. We then moved to the “shelter” for a cup of tea, at which point I proposed to Ishbel and she said yes! Finding the Herdy and reading the message about random acts of kindness, inspired us to perform our own random act of kindness and pay forward the kindness and fortune we are so lucky to receive in our lives in general and especially that day! So, whilst the ring was being resized we bought lunch and a hot chocolate for a local homeless gentleman.”
Diane Spencer herdy co-founder said: “Congratulations to Kris and Ishbel! We couldn’t believe it when we heard it had been found by a couple who then got engaged and even lovelier when we heard they too were passing on their own act of kindness. To be honest we were astonished by the reaction overall. We thought it would be a fun way to do something nice which got people out enjoying Cumbria and spreading some kindness, we certainly didn’t expect quite so many people to get involved! All the herdys have now been found and more importantly some heart-warming acts of kindness have been passed on by the herdy finders; spontaneous charitable donations, sweets bought for kids in a sweet shop and many more! For us that’s what it was all about, spreading smiles and happiness and given the surprise success of this year we may have to do something even kinder in 2019!”
Many organisations supported the effort including Windermere Lake Cruises, Muncaster Castle, Carlisle Military Museum, Brockhole and the Old Courthouse Gallery. As well as the organisations team of herdy hiders, instrumental in making it happen were herdy staff and members of the public who were tasked with the secret hiding mission!
Clues in blog here
