The Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Program along with the Quinte Mall and Charm Diamond Centres is proud to announce that Naomi Saunders of Frankfort is Quinte’s Kindness Citizen of the year. Anyone who knows Naomi can attest to the fact that she is one of the most kind, considerate and thoughtful people that you will ever have the privilege of knowing.

As a matter of fact the name Naomi Saunders and the words kindness, caring and compassionate are synonymous. Naomi is well known in the Belleville and Frankford area for all that she does to make this word a better place to live.

Naomi’s introduction to helping others came at a very young age when she assisted her mother to canvas door to door for the Cancer Society. As an adult Naomi went on to help with the Daffodil Campaign by delivering flowers to local businesses as a fundraiser for cancer. Naomi was also involved in the Relay for Life, she was a team member, a committee member as well as a vendor providing yogurt at various Relay events throughout the area where she was instrumental in raising $20,000.00 over a 5 year period at the Relays for Life events.

In addition, Naomi has volunteered for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation were she did fund raising through sneaker sales and the Diabetes Walk for a Cure.

Fund raising has been very important to Naomi, she has helped to raise thousands of dollars for the Canada Post Community Foundation, which is a registered charity that distributes grants to Canadian schools, charities and community organizations.

Naomi’s kindness and generosity were also instrumental for her being recognized by Danone Yogurt and winning the Head and Heart Award.

Naomi first began helping out with the VARAK Program in 1998. At that time Naomi worked for Shoppers Drug Mart in downtown Belleville and decorated the window display in honour and in memory of Mark and our Program. From there Naomi was instrumental in getting us product for giveaways for our Kindness Crews and for the past number of years Naomi has spearheaded the Kindness Crew in Frankford and Stirling along with Sandy Costa and has made and distributed chocolate dipped pretzels as well as yogurt that are always a hit when our Kindness Crews are out and about. In addition, Naomi also decorates the downtown core of Frankford with Blue Ribbons and signs each March for VARAK Week.

If there is a neighbour or friend that needs help Naomi is the first to answer the call. Her thoughtfulness and caring attitude is second to none. We are absolutely thrilled to honour Naomi with this prestigious and well deserved Award.