K 128: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 17, 2025, as Random Acts of Kindness Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 128 BY: M. of A. Brown K MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 17, 2025, as Random Acts of Kindness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to promote and encourage positivity which benefit the lives of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 17, 2025, as Random Acts of Kindness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Random Acts of Kindness Day; and WHEREAS, Random Acts of Kindness Day, observed on February 17th each year, originated in New Zealand in 2004; the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK), created in 1995 in the United States, is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded upon the powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness; and WHEREAS, Everybody has the potential to change the world; Random Acts of Kindness Day celebrates and inspires compassion and benevolence, and the pay it forward mentality; and WHEREAS, This popular day is observed by individuals, groups and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness, some of which may include: pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru; allow someone to go ahead of you in line; purchase extra items at the grocery store to donate to a local food pantry; give flowers to someone to let them know they are appreciated; leave uplifting messages around for people to find; compliment a work colleague; let a car into traffic ahead of you; or pay the bus fare for the passenger behind you; and WHEREAS, Random Acts of Kindness Day should be celebrated not only on February 17th, but the other 364 days of the year as an inspiration to all people because, as purported by Aesop, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted"; and WHEREAS, Individuals who choose to practice this unselfish expression of generosity live and breathe kindness, share knowledge and lead by example; they tend to leave a trail of positive and progressive feelings in their wake; and WHEREAS, Kindness and respect for others is contagious; this rippling effect no matter how slight, can truly leave a lasting impact on not only the receiver but the giver as well; and WHEREAS, It is imperative to promote days in which love, acceptance, non-violence and tolerance are observed, and to encourage all New Yorkers to practice this simple philosophy and incorporate it into their lifestyle; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 17, 2025, as Random Acts of Kindness Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.