School Programs
In early February each elementary and high school in Hastings and Prince Edward County is provided with a Kindness Kit that contains all of the necessary supplies and information to enhance their participation.
Over 60 elementary schools and 14 high schools representing over 26,000 students in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties are invited to participate in the program.
Schools are provided with a link to access Contest Entry Forms and Activity Sheet.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Colouring and Poster Contest Entry Forms can be accessed by a link and downloaded. Each school can submit 1 winning entry for each contest category (maximum 3 per school). Winning entries will be on display at Quinte Mall and each winner will receive a certificate, plaque and Quinte Mall gift card in honor of their accomplishment. Draws for other prizes are awarded as well. All prizes will be forwarded to the winners school for distribution at a later date.
A Kindness Activity Sheet can be accessed by a link and downloaded for Kindergarten Students.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Each high school can nominate a High School Kindness Citizen of the Year. High Schools are provided with the HS Kindness Citizen Nominee Submission Form and details for submission.
The overall winner will receive a laptop computer donated by Quinte Mall and a printer provided by VARAK. The winner’s name will be displayed on the digital screens located throughout Quinte Mall. In addition, there are two other draws selected from nominees for a $250.00 Bursary sponsored by the VARAK Program.
Contest Categories:
Colouring Contest:
Grades 1 – 3 (choose one winner only from this category)
Poster Contest:
Jr Poster grades 4 – 6 (choose one winner only from this category)
Sr Poster grades 7 – 8 (choose one winner only from this category)
Congratulations to Devin Carmen
Winner of the 2025 High School Kindness CitizenThe Violence Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Program along with the Quinte Mall is pleased to announce that Devin Carmen is this year’s High School Kindness Citizen.
Devin is a Grade 12 Student who attends Eastside Secondary School. Devin was nominated by his High School because he exemplifies the attributes of genuine caring and kindness. Devin is always the first to say hello to others in the hallway, he will bear hug friends and welcome new people to the Eastside community.
In the Special Olympics Devin is the ideal sportsman, he congratulates others and enjoys participating just for the fun of it.
Devin volunteers every morning to help set up the classroom and assists other students in their morning work.
Devin was presented with a new laptop computer courtesy of Quinte Mall and a printer from the VARAK Program along with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Quinte Mall Gift Card.
High School Bursary Winners
Congratulations to Elizabeth Joseph
Quinte Christian High School
Elizabeth is a Grade 11 Student who attends Quinte Christian High School.
Elizabeth was nominated by her High School because of her kind and caring nature.
Elizabeth has a naturally kind and compassionate heart. She treats all members of her school community with respect and care. Elizabeth’s teachers say that it is an honour to teach her each day.
Congratulations Elizabeth on winning the VARAK Bursary, you have made your school community an even better place.
Congratulations to Max Szabo
St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School
Max is a Grade 10 Student who attends St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School. Max was nominated by his School because he is always respectful to staff and his peers and often goes over and above to help anyone who needs the help.
Max frequently helps peers who struggle by setting aside his own needs and he has the unique talent of helping others in a way that makes people feel better about themselves.
Congratulation Max on winning the VARAK Bursary, St. Theresa’s is so lucky to have you.
Congratulations to Jack Bouder
Winner of the 2025 Junior Achievement AwardEvery few years we become aware of young individuals who have made extraordinarily positive impacts on their Community and this year we are so thrilled to acknowledge the accomplishments of 8 year old Jack Bouder.
Jack has raised thousands and thousands of dollars to help others in his Community by selling cookies, painting rocks, selling chocolate bars and almonds, you name it and Jack has done it.
Some of Jack’s accomplishments are, that he participated in Grace Inn’s Coldest Night and has an annual hats, socks, mitts and blanket drive to purchase granola bars and snacks for those at Grace Inn.
Jack has held his own run for cancer and also raised money to provide support for 3 children who recently lost their father.
In the summer of 2024 Jack did a bottle drive and sold rocks for his 3rd annual Christmas Party helping Santa give gifts to 14 children.
Jack has learned at a very young age the importance of kindness, caring and compassion. In a world where you can be anything you want to be like Jack! Jack was presented with a plaque, certificate of appreciation, a Quinte Mall Gift Card and a Toys are Us Gift Card.
Colour/Poster Art
Elementary schools can submit 1 winner for each category of colouring and poster contest (maximum 3 per school). The winning entries will be on display at Quinte Mall during VARAK Week.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
For any inquiries or to get involved please contact us!
varak96@gmail.com
Chris Macdonald
613-966-8531
Pam Smith
613-962-2371