NEW BEDFORD — It might seem contradictory to the traditional April 1 antics of playing pranks on your friends, family and coworkers, but one New Bedford teen has something different planned for the day.
Hannah Lima, who holds the title of Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen 2022, has created the city’s first ever Day of Kindness event happening April 1. She created the event on this particular day because it has a special meaning to her.
“April 1 is a very special day to me, because at 10 months old I traveled 7,000 miles to come to America and be given the beautiful gift of family. I was adopted into a loving family and was touched with kindness — now I not only want to give back to my community but I want to inspire others to give back and show kindness in ways that are unique and special to them,” Lima said by email.
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The citywide event encourages New Bedford residents of all ages to celebrate and perform acts of kindness. An official mayoral proclamation will take place, followed by the commencement of the day’s activities.
Area schools will be participating throughout the day with various activities like creating kindness murals and volunteering by performing acts of service.
“At an early age, the value of community and service was instilled in me and I have seen how the gift of time can brighten someone’s day. I have performed at community events and nursing homes, prepared meals for others at Thanksgiving, donated my hair 3 times, volunteered as a dance instructor, to name a few, so I have seen how small acts can brighten someone’s day,” she said.
Lima will also spend the day visiting schools talking about the importance of kindness and service.
Everyone is encouraged to perform an act of service on April 1 and use the day to share how they contribute kindness year-round.
“We are all given a gift every day, the gift of time, 86,400 seconds. We decide how to use that time so I want my message to be that all we have to do is open our hearts and feel the joy for doing something for someone else,” Lima said.
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“My wish is that April 1st New Bedford’s Day of Kindness becomes the catalyst for a kinder tomorrow.”
All those who participate are encouraged to use the hashtag #NBdayofkindness to celebrate and showcase the happenings of the day. Additionally, photos may be submitted to kindness.hannah22@gmail.com for special spotlights and online features.
This event is just one initiative hosted by Lima during her dedicated year of service. As a passionate volunteer, Lima hopes to empower others to donate their time and perform acts of kindness to improve their communities. Lima is being supported by her volunteer committee within the Miss New Bedford Scholarship Organization.
Lima will go on to compete for the title of Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen on April 10.