(Updated Oct 18, 2024)
#BeKindHFX
January 4th, 2021 marked the first day of Insight’s original year-long challenge: Make Kindness the Norm. And to say we were excited is an understatement. The year prior, our physical health and mental well-being took a big setback due to the pandemic, but we were determined to change the narrative. Scientific studies show kindness has major health benefits: it increases oxytocin (the love hormone), serotonin, energy, happiness, lifespan and pleasure. It is also known to decrease pain, stress, anxiety, depression and blood pressure.
Watch this video:
40th Anniversary – Worth Celebrating
2021 also coincided with our 40th anniversary. We wanted to celebrate in a way that was meaningful and hoped the ripple effect of kindness would have a lasting and positive impact. It did, and still does! We continue to strive to Make Kindness The Norm an integral part of our culture at work and in our community.
Our Community
Each month, we try to spread kindness with local businesses through social media love and other initiatives. How can you help?
- Write a kind online review
- Follow them on social media
- Share their posts
- Enter their giveaway
- When you do visit them, make sure to SMILE, it’s contagious!
2024 Monthly Gift Certificate Giveaway
Since 2021, we have been purchasing monthly gift certificates for local businesses to give away on their social media platform. Although only a small gesture, we hope it brings joy to the businesses and their recipients. Follow us @insightoptometry to find out our next feature and for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate, while supporting a local business. Below is a list of our upcoming, current and past features:
December - Feed Nova Scotia
This December, we’re proud to continue our tradition of supporting Feed Nova Scotia by donating our $200 Make Kindness the Norm giveaway directly to their Giving Tuesday campaign. With Sobeys generously matching our contribution, the impact will be doubled.
The holidays are a time of joy, but for many in our community, food insecurity is an ongoing challenge that’s felt even more deeply this season. Instead of our usual giveaway, we’re focusing on giving back where it’s needed most—spreading kindness, hope, and support to those facing tough times.
If you’re able, we invite you to join us in making a difference this holiday season. Together, we can help brighten lives. 💛
Feed Nova Scotia - Giving TuesdayNovember - Espresso 46
Attention, coffee lovers! If you haven’t tried Espresso 46 yet, you’re missing out. Tucked inside the Warehouse Market on Isleville St. in the North End, this charming café is quickly becoming the go-to spot for an authentic espresso experience. Federico is Italian and he takes his coffee to heart.
Watch North End Business Association – Meet Your Neighbour video about Espresso 46: https://youtu.be/mZ6Vv0Y0BW0
Located in: Warehouse Market
📍 2867 Isleville St, Halifax
📱 (902) 989-3167
CLOSED: Sunday & Monday
🕑 Tue - Sat: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
☕ https://www.facebook.com/Espresso46/
Giveaway: CLOSED
October - Agricola Street Brasserie
Looking for a cozy spot with elevated brasserie food and a neighborhood vibe? Agricola Street Brasserie in Halifax’s North End offers just that! Set in a charming, renovated 1900s printing shop, this local gem serves up a world of flavours with fresh local ingredients, daily specials, and a rooftop patio perfect for catching up with friends. Whether it's a casual meal, intimate dinner, or a private event, Agricola delivers an unforgettable dining experience. It's the ideal spot for gathering, celebrating, and indulging!
📍 2540 Agricola Street
📱 (902) 446-7664
🕑 Mon-Wed: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
🕑 Thur/Fri: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
🕑 Sat/Sun: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
🕑 Sat: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
🕑 Sun: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
🛍️ www.rca.ca
@agricolastreet
Giveaway – CLOSED
August - Shakespeare By The Sea
Have you experienced Shakespeare By The Sea, Atlantic Canada's largest and longest-running outdoor theatre festival? Win 4 Sweetest Seats tickets for a stunning summer performance! Enjoy the best seats in the park—front row, on either side of the centre aisle. Plus, no need to bring a chair; we've got you covered! 🎭✨
Alice in Wonderland, The Musical
July 6 – Aug 31
Eat Me! Drink Me! The smash hit original SBTS Musical based on Lewis Carroll's classic story is back! Grab your friends and the whole family and fall down the rabbit hole with us this summer! This 80-minute romp features a wildly inventive script and wonderfully musical score that will have you laughing and singing along with a curious young girl named Alice, and an even curiouser cast of characters of Queens, Cards, White Rabbits, Mad Hatters and Cheshire Cats!
Twelfth Night
July 19 – Aug 30
Shakespeare’s most complete comedy returns to Point Pleasant Park this summer in a high energy production full of laughs, sighs, and music. Inspired by Vaudeville Theatres of the early 20th century, eight actors take on some of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters in this fast-paced, hilarious version of Twelfth Night.
How to find Them
Performances take place in the Cambridge Battery at Point Pleasant Park.
The best way to get to the site is via the Tower Rd. Parking lot. It takes about 15 minute to walk down the main trail. Follow the SBTS logo signs!
For folks who need assistance getting to and from the venue, they offer a free golf-cart service. You must call or email ahead to book this service and must book before 4:30pm the day you are planning to attend.
✉️ info@shakespearebythesea.ca
🛍️ www.shakespearebythesea.ca
@sbtshalifax
August GIVEAWAY - CLOSED
July - World Tea House
Located in the heart of Halifax on Argyle Street, World Tea House is where old world tea traditions meet modern mixology and cafe culture. With plenty of room to sit, listen to the world music and enjoy a pot of tea or try one of the award-winning tea fusions.
📍 1592 Argyle St, Halifax
📱 (902) 422-8327
🕑 Mon: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
🕑 Tu-Sat: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
🕑 CLOSED SUNDAYS
🛍️ www.worldteahouse.ca
@worldteahouse
July GIVEAWAY - CLOSED
June - Audrey's Little Shop of Plants
Looking for the ultimate destination for all your houseplant needs? Look no further! Audrey’s Little Shop of Plants offers a diverse range of houseplants, terrariums, pots, and custom soils that are made in-store.
Their passionate and knowledgeable team is there to help you transform any space into a lush oasis. Conveniently located in Downtown Dartmouth, visit and experience their exceptional service firsthand.
📍 102 Portland St, Dartmouth
📱 (902) 405-2880
🕑 Mon/Tu 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
🕑 Wed/Fri 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
🕑 Sat/Sun 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
🛍️ www.audreysplantshop.com
@ audreys_littleshopofplants
June GIVEAWAY – CLOSED
May - The Wine Spa
Opening Spring 2024 - Indulge in the luxurious ambiance of Halifax's newest gem - A unique social-spa experience. Where relaxation meets indulgence in the most delightful way! Nestled in the heart of Halifax, The Wine Spa is not your average spa. It's where friends celebrate and enjoy wines as fine as the company they share.
📍Located in The Governor on Hollis/Bishop
🛍️ www.thewinespa.ca
@thewinespaexperience
May GIVEAWAY - CLOSED
April - Almonak
Discover Almonak, a cozy neighborhood restaurant, tucked away in the North End, where they invite you to indulge in a fresh new take on classic brunch dishes. Everything is made from scratch, with an emphasis on rich flavours and beautiful presentation. They source some of the best ingredients to offer you a dining experience like no other.
We were saddened to hear about a series of unfortunate events (vandalism and robbery) that have impacted their restaurant lately and we think they could especially use some extra kindness.
📍 5659 Almon St, Halifax
📱 (902) 450-2959
🕑 Mon-Fri: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
🕑 Sat-Sun: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
🛍️ www.almonak.com
@almonakhalifax
April GIVEAWAY - CLOSED
March – Tribeca Bistro & Bar
📍 1688 Barrington St, Halifax
📱 (902) 444-0470
Monday: CLOSED
🕑 Tue/Wed: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
🕑 Thur: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
🕑 Fri/Sat: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
🕑 Sun: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
🛍️ www.tribecabistroandbar.com
@tribecahalifax
March GIVEAWAY - CLOSED
February – Vandal Doughnuts
Doughnuts: the ultimate happiness in a ring of sweetness! Enter to win one of 2X $100 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗻𝘂𝘁𝘀 gift certificates just in time for 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 (so you can share with your friends), Feb 11-17. From glazed perfection to sprinkled delights, these treats create moments of pure joy.
📍 2306 Gottingen St, Halifax
📍25 Portland St, Dartmouth
📱(902) 422-0262
🕑 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Every day
@vandaldoughnuts
*February GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Winners were announced Saturday, Feb 17th for Random Acts of Kindness Day.
January – Agricola Street Bookstore
Bookworm alert! Have you been to Agricola Street Bookstore yet? It's more than a store, it's an unforgettable experience. This charming North End spot is a treat for the whole family – yes, even your furry pals! 🐾 Explore a diverse range of second-hand and new books for all ages in a beautiful space. And that's not all – they've got a collection of stationery, tea, and delightful gifts waiting for you. Discover a world of stories and goodies! #HalifaxReads #BookstoreMagic #CozyJanuary
Winner of The Coast Best of Halifax 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards
Gold Winner - Best Independent Bookstore
Gold Winner - Best New Business
📍 2684 Agricola St, Halifax
📱 (902) 453-7993
🕑 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tue-Sat
🕑 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun
Closed Mondays
🛍️ www.agricolastreetbooks.com
@agricolastreetbooks
Next Book Buy Back Weekend: Jan. 13-14
*January GIVEAWAY: CLOSED
___________________________________
2023 Gift Certificate Giveaways
- December - Feed Nova Scotia
- November – The Nook Espresso Bar and Lounge
- October – Nurtured
- September – The Narrows
- August – Michelle Ashley's Bakery
- June – Uncommon Grounds
- May - My Mother's Bloomers
- April – Biscuit General Store
- March – Strange Adventures Comix & Curiosities
- February – FireWorks Gallery
- January – Layers
2022 Gift Certificate Giveaways
- December – Feed Nova Scotia
- November – Potikki's
- October – Sweat pea
- August – Café Lunette
- July – Saint Lou's Barbershop
- May - The Tare Shop
2021 Gift Certificate Giveaways
- December Five Holiday Giveaways:
- Highlander Spa
- The Garden
- Duly Noted
- Sweet Janes
- The Lemonade General Store
- November – Black Market
- October – The Stubborn Goat
- September – The Tare Shop
- August – Bookmark
- July – The Carleton
- June – The Board Room Game Café
- May - Inkwell Boutique
- April – Mary's African Cuisine
- March – Black Sheep Restaurant
- February – Tokyo Roll
- January – Steve-O-Reno's
A big thank you to Nikon Lenswear, our Official Lens Partner, for joining the challenge and showing their support for LOCAL businesses.
Beware of Scams
Unfortunately, there has been a surge of fraudulent accounts on social media platforms during Covid and Black Sheep Restaurant, as well as Downtown Halifax, were targeted. Their pages were duplicated, and the fake accounts reached out to people telling them they won the giveaway contest and asked them for their credit card information. Please be vigilant, never give personal or financial information on social media platforms and report suspected fraudulent accounts.
Random Act of Kindness Foundation
For this challenge, we were inspired by many individuals and organization from around the around world. One that stood out for us was the Random Act of Kindness (RAK), which we decided to join as RAKtivist and recently took the Kindness in the Workplace Pledge. They have several valuable resources available for everyone.
#Share Your Story
Let’s upstage the negative stories by sharing your experience of a random act of kindness. Someone left you an anonymous note to lift your spirits? We’d love to hear from you. Share them on social media using #BeKindHFX
IMPORTANT DATES
February 14-20th – Random Act of Kindness Week – #BeKindHFX
February 17th – Random Act of Kindness Day
November 13th – World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is an international observance on 13 November. It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations’ kindness NGO’s.
