December Hero of the Month: Diane Dupuis-Kallos of Montreal, Canada! A note from Orly Wahba, Founder and President of Life Vest Inside… The Worldwide event was a greater success than I ever could have imagined! Watching the footage of people from across the globe uniting and dancing for the common cause of Kindness was heartwarming, empowering and touching. It was a true testament to the fact that regardless of our differences we are all the same; we are all citizens of humanity. We don’t have to wait for ONE DAY when the world will join together in peace, but rather we can make that day a reality TODAY by simply taking a stand and voicing our belief in kindness, respect and unity. The history of the world may be one of war, hate, and destruction – but we have the power to turn all of that around; to pave a new path for our future, a path of KINDNESS! Through Life Vest Inside and Kindness Boomerang I have met some of the most extraordinary people from across the globe. Bonds, friendships, and relationships that I know will last and will forever leave an imprint on my heart. An amazing team of Group Leaders from 30 locations was formed because we all believe in the power of kindness. We may have started off as strangers, but we have grown to become great friends, a small family of Kindness Foot Soldiers with passion in our hearts to make the world a better place. When I first set off on the journey to create this WorldWide event, I had no idea how I was going to accomplish it. But as fate would have it, the perfect team of Group Leaders was formed who share the same love, passion, and belief in the good of humanity. We may have been a small group but in the words of Margaret Meade, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” I would like to extend a debt of gratitude to each of the Group Leaders for their dedication, commitment, and the heart and soul they put in to make the event such a great success. I would like to highlight one of the Group Leaders who has become much more than just a Group Leader, but a great friend – Diane Dupuis-Kallos (Montreal Coordinator). From the very beginning, Diane’s passion radiated. Her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence was inspiring. Diane never missed a beat and her energy was felt through and through. I feel fortunate that our paths have crossed and I look forward to our continued friendship. I am excited to announce that Diane has just been appointed as the Kindness Ambassador for LVI Montreal! I am honored to have you as a member of the team! We asked Diane to briefly sum up her experience with Life Vest Inside and the Worldwide Kindness FlashMobs and she responded with THIS! “I like to think of myself as a nice, kind and considerate person. After signing up to be a Coordinator of the Montreal version of the World Wide Dance for Kindness – it really made me pay much closer attention to kindness around me and what I do. Let’s be honest – being kind is really hard work!!! It’s so easy to go about our lives in our little bubbles, taking care of ourselves, our family and close friends… donating some money and time here and there – and being nice people… No problem. Imagine if everyone took an extra 5 minutes each day to do an EXTRA act of kindness… Just 5 minutes… It could be as simple as smiling at someone, giving them a compliment, talking to someone who is lonely, lending an ear to someone who is upset… I truly believe we could help make this world a much better place… I know I am forever grateful for my fabulous and sweet Co-Coordinator Mabe – our always smiling head choreographer Heather – our great team of photographers and videographers – our behind the scenes supporters that helped make it all happen – and most importantly all our participants. They took time out of their busy schedules to come to practices, learn the steps, read our long e-mails and most importantly – they came and danced, held posters, gave out cards – and helped spread the word of kindness! I know my life has been changed by coming upon Life Vest Inside’s Kindness Boomerang video and embarking on this fabulous adventure! I am so looking forward to meeting Tory and Orly in person in January – and becoming an ambassador for Life Vest Inside. I know we have touched over 100 people’s lives right here in Montreal – who will then touch how many more!??!” We couldn’t agree more, Diane! Thank you for being such a wonderful example of Kindness!


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