The Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence (BSGCEV) partnered with the Southwestern NL Community Youth Network in recognition of International Youth Day on Saturday, August 12, 2017.

Several youth gathered outside Coleman’s Food Center, a local grocery store in Stephenville, to spread peace and happiness to customers and passers-by. Offering handwritten positive messages on brightly colored paper that were written earlier in the week by members of the community during the Stephenville Day festivities, these youth offered to some a glimmer of hope, happiness and love.

Vanessa Lee, Youth Engagement Coordinator with CYN, and member of the BSGCEV, recalled one particular moment when a senior lady hugged one of the youth who had handed her one such message.  Not knowing the message that was conveyed, Ms. Lee said she witnessed the joy it brought this lady as she thanked the youth for turning around her “bad day.”

It was these 200 random words of kindness, the dollar-store toys and the musical talents of the youth that made this event a successful one.  The message from these youth is clear…it doesn’t take a grand gesture to offer peace and happiness, it can sometimes be as simple as a SMILE!