University sets out to promote kindness in the community
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) will give Preston a metaphorical hug next Thursday as it brings back its Acts of Kindness (AOK) Day.
On Thursday, 19 October, volunteers from the University will set up a kindness stall at Preston Railway Station to spread a little love to the thousands of people that pass through it. Working with Virgin Trains, they will hand out freebies, help with baggage, offer free hugs and give out flowers in the hope of creating a ‘pay it forward’ ripple effect.
It is the second time UCLan has organised its AOK Day, which was believed to be a UK university first last year. In 2016, the campaign reached more than 200,000 people on social media with stories of cooking dinner for elderly neighbours, giving presents to a school caretaker and buying cups of tea for people in need.
"Last year’s AOK Day was a great success with many staff and students making a big difference through lots of small acts of kindness and generosity, so I’m sure this year will be even better and hopefully create a snowball effect around the city."
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas said: “The University of Central Lancashire is very much a civic university that reaches out to the local community. Last year’s AOK Day was a great success with many staff and students making a big difference through lots of small acts of kindness and generosity, so I’m sure this year will be even better and hopefully create a snowball effect around the city. One of the University’s key values is compassion and this event is a great example of how we put it into practice.”
Shirley Ross, Virgin Trains Station Manager at Preston, said: “At Virgin Trains we like to surprise and delight our customers and we’re pleased to be working with the University of Central Lancashire to do just that. We’re sure the Acts of Kindness day will bring smiles to faces of people travelling to and from Preston station.”
Other events will also take place on campus with Kindness Champions Awards for nominated staff and students and a free quiz night.
Anyone interested in learning more about the event or sharing their own acts of kindness can follow the hashtag #UCLanAOK on social media. Volunteers from the University will be at Preston Railway Station from 8.30am – 1.00pm on Thursday to welcome people to the Kindness Stall.