Since its inception in 2020, Kindness is Free (KiF), a bullying prevention program of Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley (WSGV), has grown from a local, community-centered initiative to a national kindness movement.
In just five years, KiF’s anti-bullying curriculum and programming have been implemented in more than 450 Boys & Girls Clubs across the U.S, with support from more than 1,450 businesses and organizations. Its message has inspired more than 275,000 people to take its simple but impactful Kindness Pledge: Practice kindness every day.
“This initiative began amidst a global pandemic, in a time that felt very dark, and it has blossomed into something truly inspiring, far beyond what we ever thought possible,” says Lori Milgard, founder and visionary of Kindness is Free. “Throughout these five years, one truth has remained central: Our message of kindness is simple but it’s intrinsic to who we are as people. We need it.”
For the past two years, as part of its Back(Pack) to School Campaign, KiF has hosted pop-ups at more than 30 schools across Southern California, dropping off more than 15,000 backpacks and school supplies, sharing its Kindness Pledge and helping kids customize their new backpacks. This summer, KiF recognized Camp Kindness Day at Tom Sawyer Camps, teaching more than 400 campers about the importance of kindness and giving away sweet treats to celebrate. Earlier this year, its Rose Parade float won the Bob Hope Humor Award for most whimsical and amusing float, and its campaign reached more than 30 million people through the parade’s TV and online broadcasts.
“Here at our Boys & Girls Club, we see the true power of kindness every single day in our youth. They are not just on the receiving end of this mission — they are the driving force for it,” says JR Dzubak, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of WSGV. “By encouraging youth to lead with empathy and compassion, we’re not just hoping for a better future; we are actively building it.”
On World Kindness Day (Nov. 13), KiF will honor a group of leaders and role models dedicated to spreading kindness, compassion and positive change in their communities at its second annual Kindness Hall of Fame event. You can register for the live webinar. KiF also hosts monthly kindness challenges and a chance to win KiF merch on its Instagram page, @kindnessisfreeorg.
Other ways to get involved? Kids and parents can take the Kindness Pledge and access KiF’s free bullying prevention curriculum. If your child (12-18) would like to be on KiF’s next Rose Parade float, you can fill out the participant form.
