It's spring: RAK up an act of kindness

Thinking about doing something nice for someone you love, or even someone you don't know?

Well, today is the day to do it, because not only is it the first day of spring, it is also the first Random Acts of Kindness Day.

RAK Day (pronounced "rack", as a play on the phrase "rack off") is the brainchild of Josh de Jong, founder of Auckland mortgage brokerage Mortgage Makers.

Mr de Jong said an incident of road rage where he saw drivers refusing to let each other in prompted the idea.

"I just thought, wouldn't it be awesome if everybody did something kind instead of fighting for space?" he said.

He teamed up with Marshall Gray, project manager for Christian Life Centre Auckland and manager of Life Centre Trust, freelance travel writer and PR consultant Megan Singleton, and design and marketing business owner Reuben Gwyn.

The group approached companies, asking for giveaways for RAK Day, and came away surprised by the response.

"The reality is, people have loved the concept," Ms Singleton said.

Giveaways are concentrated in Auckland this year, but the organisers hope to find sponsors nationally for future RAK Days.

Hospitals will be among the beneficiaries today, with Kelly Tarlton's donating family passes to children in the neurological ward at Starship, and Karajoz Coffee giving away coffees at Middlemore.

Other giveaways will be made on The Radio Network, Classic Hits, Life FM, Rhema and ZM.

And for someone unknowingly seen doing a RAK in Auckland there is the chance to win a four-day cruise for two from Los Angeles, courtesy of Carnival Cruises and Air Tahiti Nui.

Auckland University theology lecturer Dr Philip Culbertson said RAK Day was a fabulous idea.

"We live in a such a narcissistic culture where it's so much about 'me, me, me' that I think it's wonderful for people to surprise others with unexpected kindnesses for which they aren't necessarily going to be rewarded or thanked." 

10 ideas for RAK Day

* Make your family breakfast in bed.
* Pay for the coffees of a table next to you in a cafe.
* Pay for the movie ticket of a person in line behind you.
* Send a pizza to your local hospital reception with a note saying, "You've been RAK'd - for the reception staff".
* Send a handwritten letter to your best friend saying how you appreciate him or her.
* Put fresh flowers in a colleague's office.
* Organise coffee and cake for morning smoko.
* Weed your neighbour's garden or mow their lawn while they are at work.
* Students, bring flowers or chocolates to school to surprise your teacher.
* Kids, give parents a voucher saying you will do the dishes for a week.