Singapore celebrates World Kindness Day
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 November 2009 1853 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGAPORE : Singapore marked World Kindness Day for the first time on Friday.

This day is also celebrated in countries such as Canada, Japan, Australia, Nigeria and United Arab Emirates.

Yellow daisies are said to be the fifth most popular flower in the world. And as part of World Kindness Day, Singapore has adopted it to represent its kindness movement.

Some 45,000 stalks were distributed at various locations, such as Raffles Place, to motivate the public to show appreciation to someone who has been kind to them.

Many were pleasantly surprised, while others were a little confused.

Azizah Ahmad, volunteer, said: "At first they were a bit apprehensive... But after we explained it to them, they were so happy."

One person said: "I think it is very interesting that you actually have this; it is like passing on a deed."

Another commented: "Everybody is so busy with their life, and it does not take much, just a simple smile, just a simple flower. I think it will make somebody's day."

A third person revealed: "I am going to give one stalk to my colleague because one day when I was sick, she brought me bread for my lunch. That is why I want to thank her."

Yet another noted: "Everyone in the office has been very kind to each other, so I thought this (is a good) opportunity to let everyone appreciate each other."

The Singapore Kindness Movement hopes the flower initiative will be more effective than a big scale campaign. - CNA/ms