Be Nice Campaign Launched in Peterborough

The ‘Be Nice’ Campaign was launched on Thursday by Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha and Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Dave Smith.

The initiative encourages customers in businesses where enhanced vaccine certificates are required to be patient and kind as they patronize these locations.

“Our frontline workers have faced considerable uncertainty over the last 18 months; from lockdowns to challenging experiences working in customer service,” Smith said. “This campaign is to remind everyone to take an extra moment in consideration of the staff working in difficult circumstances; understanding they really are trying to do their best.”

"We really wanted to be proactive with getting the message out that regardless of where you land on the debate about vaccination proof, please don't take it out on the staff and restaurants," said Terry Guiel, Executive Director, DBIA. "The staff and restaurants are already dealing with immense stresses caused by the pandemic". "This sign we hope catches peoples attention before they enter the establishment to remind us all that these staff and business owners are your neighbors, friends and family so please be nice.”

“We have been on a crazy roller coaster ride and not a fun one thanks to this COVID pandemic,” said Warden J. Murray Jones. “Our local businesses are doing the best they can to pivot and adapt to the ever-changing rules. This is stressful for them, when all they want to do is open up and serve their community. Be Nice, just makes sense, it’s who we are as a full community, let’s not let this pandemic get the better of us.”

The current vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted. Ontarians will need to continue to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth along with their proof of vaccination to enter businesses.

Businesses and organizations can now download the free Verify Ontario app from the Apple App and Google Play stores. The app has been designed to help businesses by making it quicker and easier to confirm if a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The app never stores personal information and only shows the minimum amount of information necessary to confirm vaccination.

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Local Woman Spreads Kindness With Free Flowers

Peterborough’s Ashley Webster is spreading kindness throughout her neighbourhood by leaving free flowers and chalk messages in the south end.

Photo Courtesy of Ashley Webster.

Webster says that sometimes when she cuts the flowers she grows in her garden, she will set some at the end of her driveway in case anyone wants them.

“A neighbour actually came one day to check with me, she saw someone taking them and thought they were stealing,” she said. “I said ‘No, no that’s what they’re there for’.”

Gardening helps Webster handle her OCD. She has been struggling a lot lately because of all of the negativity in the news and gardening is a way to help combat that she says.

One of Websters gardens. Photo courtesy of Ashley Webster

While working in the Mayor’s office, Webster often receives complaints from concerned community members.

“My goal is reminding people that it’s not all bad, this is a really good place to live,” she said.

She hopes that this idea catches on and that other gardeners participate. According to Webster gardeners often have to cut back their flowers this time of year and thinks that this is a great option to get rid of excess.

“I think this is a nice way for people to focus on something positive,” she said.

Webster hopes that this initiative becomes something similar to the sign wars Peterborough participated in earlier this year.

“I felt the sign wars gave everyone a boost when they needed a bit of humour,” she said. “I’ve been sensing that a lot of people are struggling right now. I don’t what it is but I feel like maybe it’s needed right now.”

Webster invites anyone interested in participating to leave flowers outside for someone who may need them or to leave a chalk message to brighten someone’s day.

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Awesome Act Of Kindness For City Of Peterborough Garbage & Recycling Collectors

Jessica Fleury was walking her dog Tuesday morning when she spotted a water stand on Chamberlain Street set up for Peterborough garbage and recycling collectors.

Photo by Jessica Fleury

It's sweltering hot out today, and Fleury was touched by this act of kindness. "I thought it was extremely thoughtful and considerate, especially in this very hot weather," she tells PTBOCanada. "I also thought it was very sweet how they set the water out on a nice table, with nice glasses and a sign :)"

Fleury also tweeted out about the gesture...

Extreme #thoughtfulness spotted on Chamberlain street today! #ptbo @CityPtbo pic.twitter.com/4zUJZbIZT4

— Jessica Fleury (@jessicamfleury) July 5, 2016

[UPDATE: This is an initiative of Random Acts of Green in Peterborough, where Random Acts of Green meet Random Acts of Kindness.]

Every act of kindness counts in large amounts. Tell us when you spot them. Email us.

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