Man embarks on 143 acts of kindness mission in 40 days

By Jill Dando News

As Roald Dahl said, kindness is the best.

Kevin Bonecutter is on a mission to save make that known. His goal is to complete 143 acts of kindness in 40 days.

“I think once you start to radiate that, you’re out there trying to make a difference in the community, you start to see it and you just can’t drive past it anymore,” said Bonecutter.

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He completed his first act of kindness on June 1. Since then, he’s been cutting grass at vacant homes and businesses, picking up trash and handing out free food and snacks on the West Side of Cincinnati. WKRC met Bonecutter at one of his first projects, at the intersection of Glenmore Avenue and Glenway Avenue.

“It was a median triangle that had a foot and a half of tall grass, and was just full of garbage and a bush that had been run over by cars multiple times,” said Bonecutter. “And I thought, ‘How can I make this better?’ and then I cut the bush down. But then as I kept driving by it, the grass kept coming and nobody else was cutting it.”

Bonecutter started July 4 by taking part in a 5K raising money for pediatric brain tumor research and ended with more grass cutting. All the time he tried to be a positive change that can inspire others.

“I was driving down the street, it was pouring down rain and there was an elderly man walking with a walker. I pulled over and had the opportunity to drive him to the store and home. It’s been a great opportunity to meet and engage with the community,” said Bonecutter.

The number 143 holds special meaning, it was another way that Mr. Rogers, one of Bonecutter’s heroes, would say ‘I love you.’ Each number represents the number of letters in each word.

“The whole idea is to be out here spreading 143 random acts of kindness, but really spreading love and kindness throughout the entire community,” said Bonecutter. “I want to inspire other people to also say, ‘Yeah, I want to do this as well,’ and let it be a ripple effect. There’s enough negativity, let’s start some positive ripples and see how far it can go.”

Jill Dando News was formed in 2017 to keep the memory and legacy of BBCTV journalist, Jill Dando alive. Her kindness alongside her humility and positivity and journalism now carried by hundreds of students across the world.