Choose Kindness

Choose Kindness brand in amonst daisies annd hearts

What is the Choose Kindness movement?

One kind act can spark another. It can brighten a grey day, touch a stranger's heart and inspire a chain reaction of kindness.

Doncaster's Choose Kindness movement celebrates and champions kindness across the city and the fantastic community spirit that has shone through in the toughest times. 

There is no limit to the benefits of choosing kindness and the powerful difference this makes to people, place and planet.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant supports Choose Kindness

This winter, 12 Elmer the patchwork elephant statues are located across Doncaster city centre as part of Elmer's Christmas Art Parade. The original Elmer story promotes kind acts, friendship and inclusivity, key themes of the Choose Kindness movement. 

"Elmer is really about accepting who you are, about celebrating difference. We are all different to a greater or lesser degree. We are all different, with so many differences, differences of colour, of accents, but also of size, shape and how we dress. The differences are what make the world so rich"

David McKee (1935-2022), creator of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

Support Choose Kindness

Take the Choose Kindness Pledge

Everyone across Doncaster is being encouraged to support the movement by taking the Choose Kindness Pledge. Taking the pledge means that you agree to support the values of the movement and choose to spread the spirit of kindness across Doncaster.

You can do this as an individual, business/organisation, school or club/society.

Tell us about a Kind Act 

Kind acts can have a positive impact on others. We'd love to hear about the times when you have benefited from an act of kindness from someone else and what this meant to you.

How can I show kindness?

Kindness is a trait that we can all demonstrate in our everyday lives. Acts of kindness don't have to be big; small things can also make a huge difference. Today you could.

  • Smile at a stranger
  • Hold the door open for someone
  • Give a compliment
  • Listen when someone is having a hard time
  • Offer help and support without being asked
  • Volunteer for a local community organisation or do something for a good cause
  • Call or text someone you know
  • Think before you speak
  • Say 'thank you'

Remember it's important to think about and be kind to yourself as well. You could...

  • Prioritise some 'me time' to relax and think about how you are feeling.
  • Treat yourself to something - this doesn't have to be a big thing.
  • Do something you enjoy.

How can I get involved?

If you want to get involved, there are many ways that you can come forward and make a different that can benefit others and Doncaster. These could include:

To help you support Choose Kindness, we have also developed a toolkit with a range of resources including the logo, posters and suggested key messages for you to download and help promote the movement.

Be the Kind Kid book

Read the story “Be the Kind Kid" here. The story is of a young girl named Ellie who decides to set up a kindness club in school after finding out the Lilly, a new student, is being bullied. This touching story teaches us all that one small act of kindness can make a world of difference. The book is being shared with children in schools.

The book supports and promotes the values of the Choose Kindness Movement to children in our schools.

Report unkindness