“Chatham-Kent it’s time to get your positive on,” says Capt. Positive.
This local ambassador of positivity, along with Opti Woman, are inviting the community to come out to the Sons of Kent Brewery on Wednesday, July 4th for the kick-off event to announce this year’s 12 Days of Positivity.
Organizers are planning to build on last year’s event, which proved to be a huge success across Chatham-Kent.
“We were blown away by the fantastic community response to the 12 Days of Positivity,” said Positivity co-chair Darrin Canniff.
He said the tons of food that was donated to local food banks and thousands of dollars raised for local charities were among the many great things that resulted from raising the level of positivity across the community.
“We are pumped about the plans we have for this year’s 12 Days of Positivity,” Canniff said.
It all begins on Sunday, Sept. 2 with Neighbour Day culminating with Positivity Day on Thursday, Sept. 13. These 12 days will include fun activities and the opportunity to win cash and fantastic prizes each day.
Canniff said if people want to know more, make sure you are at the Sons of Kent Brewing Co. on Wednesday July 4th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will be non-alcoholic refreshments provided, along with a chance to purchase one of the quality beers produced on-site at Sons of Kent, located at 27 Adelaide St. S. in Chatham.
The family-friendly event will offer the chance to meet Capt. Positive and Opti Woman, and even get a selfie with them.
“I can feel the power of positivity ramping up across Chatham-Kent,” said Capt. Positive.
“Opti Woman and myself have been attending many events across the community and appreciate the welcome we have received from people,” he added. “We look forward to attending many more events this summer and hope to see a great crowd on Wednesday.”
NEIGHBOUR DAY – Sunday, Sept. 2
There was a time when neighbours knew each other, but that is often not the case in today’s busy world. Neighbour Day, which kicks off the 12 Days of Positivity in C-K, is a chance to change that. On this unofficial last Sunday of the summer holidays, take the time to say hello to that person you may only give a wave to today. Or, if you want to it a step further, organize a neighbourhood party and get to know the people who just may turn out to be new friends.
SERVICE CLUB DAY – Monday, Sept. 3
Rotary, Kinsmen, Optimist, Lions, Sertoma, La Sertoma, these are among the many service clubs that continue to help make Chatham-Kent a great place to live. Dedicated citizens give of their time through service clubs to enjoy their community while helping build community. On Sept. 3, take time to recognize your neighbours, friends, co-workers or family members who have given much of their time in the service of others.
SENIORS DAY – Tuesday, Sept. 4
There is a wealth of experience in our community on living life – all you need to do is ask a senior. On Sept. 4, you can celebrate positivity in our community by connecting with an elderly neighbour, spending time with an older relative or visiting a senior in a long-term care home. Spending time with people who have many life experiences, can provide an interesting perspective on your own life.
FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH CARE DAY – Wednesday, Sept. 5
The unsung heroes of our health care system are the first responders and front-line heath care professionals who provide care and compassion to sick and injured residents or those who end up in a precarious situation. Often many of us only come to realize the valuable service these men and women provide to our community when we or someone special to us needs their help. These men and women have chosen a profession that needs to be provided 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, which means they often spend time away from their own families during holidays and special occasions to ensure residents can count on someone being there whenever an emergency arises. Sept. 5 will be a day to show the first responders and health care professionals in our community just how much they are appreciated for their service.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT & CHARITY DAY – Thursday, Sept. 6
Many people face challenges in their life that range from financial difficulties to dealing with a disability or mental illness. But these challenges are often made a little easier to bear thanks to the efforts of the many not-for-profit and charities that operate in community. The heart and soul of any not-for-profit or charity is its volunteers, who give of their time and talents to make sure those in a less fortunate situation can receive the services and supports they need.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS DAY – Friday, Sept. 7
Most, if not all, community events in Chatham-Kent have one thing in common – they are supported by local businesses. Not only do businesses from all sectors provide needed services, products and jobs to help run our local economy, they often contribute when called upon to support local initiatives. Chatham-Kent is blessed with many businesses that have strong sense of community, which helps make this a great place to live. We have designated Sept. 7 as Support Your Local Business Day and encourage residents to remember local entrepreneurs and merchants, who are also your neighbours, and show them that you appreciate their support for our community.
DISCOVER YOUR COMMUNITY DAY – Saturday, Sept. 8
Chatham-Kent is described as a community of communities, but how many of us have visited every area of our municipality? We have set aside Sept. 10 as Discover Your Community Day. If you choose to accept this challenge – and we sincerely hope that you do – it will take a full day to see all the great places that make up Chatham Kent. There are three highways, besides Highway 401, that span north-south and east-west through Chatham-Kent along with several paved county roads that will easily lead you to interesting destinations, including lakeside communities and the many hamlets that have long been established in the community. If you want to see more, turning down a country road is sure to provide an interesting view of our beautiful rural landscape. On Sept. 8, take part of your Sunday to for a drive or bicycle ride and explore an interesting area of Chatham-Kent you may have never seen before. Chances are you’ll want to go back.
AGRICULTURE DAY – Sunday, Sept. 9
On Sept. 9, Chatham-Kent will recognize the important role of agriculture in our municipality, which has existed since communities were first formed here. This is an opportunity to highlight the vast reach of this vital industry, which is inter-connected by family farms and the wide variety of agri-businesses that enable Chatham Kent to produce top quality food along with providing economic stability to our community.
DIVERSITY DAY – Monday, Sept. 10
Canada is seen by many around the globe as one of the best countries in the world, so it is no surprise people living in countries that are experiencing strife and chaos look to find a new life here. Canada has long been a nation of immigrants and recent world events is adding new textures to our own cultural mosaic as families come to our community hope for a better future. They are bringing their culture and an energetic attitude to work hard to achieve the hopes and dreams for a new life while contributing to their new country. Sept. 10 has been designated Diversity Day to show newcomers to our community that they are appreciated and valued.
EDUCATORS/INSTRUCTORS DAY – Tuesday, Sept. 11
Many people can point to an educator or instructor who had a positive influence in helping to encourage or motivate them to achieve personal goals or accomplishments. The men and women who dedicate themselves to teaching others often get their greatest reward from seeing the people they taught attain success in their endeavours. Successful teachers and instructors dedicate themselves to life-long learning to stay current with the knowledge they are passing on to their students. It’s this dedication to their craft that allows teachers and instructors to have such a positive impact on others. With a new school year approaching, Sept. 11 has been chosen as a special day to show educators and instructors how much they mean to our community.
ENVIRONMENT DAY – Wednesday, Sept. 12
Chatham-Kent is blessed with many beautiful natural areas, along with an abundance of fresh water to enjoy as well as sustain us. Sept. 12 is a day to celebrate the great environment we have and perhaps do something to improve it, such as planting a tree or cleaning up a natural area.
POSITIVITY DAY – Thursday, Sept. 13
This is what the 12 Days of Positivity are all about, finding ways to be more positive in our everyday life. If you have participated in one or more of the 12 Days of Positivity, we hope that you have enjoyed the experience and want more of it. It’s up to you to make it happen, so watch for Capt. Positive around Chatham-Kent on this day and join in the day-long celebration of positivity.
