Heartwarming: Revelstoke Unstuck spreads ‘Revy Kindness’ with Surprise Valentines

Armed with home-baked treats and thoughtful cards, the volunteers of Revelstoke Unstuck are spreading the love this Valentine’s Day, showing the community what it means to be “Revy Kind.” 

On Feb. 14, 2022, local volunteer group Revelstoke Unstuck delivered flowers, Valentine cards, and homemade baked goods for their Surprise Valentine’s initiative.

Over 80 people received Surprise Valentine’s from the group, including the residents of Mount Begbie Manor and even as far away as Nakusp.

This is Sandra Gregory’s third year organizing Surprise Valentine’s. She started the holiday tradition shortly after founding Revelstoke Unstuck in 2020. 

“The goal every year is to try to reach another individual that we may not know is alone,” Gregory explains.

“Part of this is really advocating for the importance of connection and giving to someone a smile or a kind word, because we don’t know what battle they are facing.”

While Revelstoke Unstuck typically focuses on shoveling snow and busting ice for vulnerable residents, Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity for community outreach. Recipients for Valentine’s Surprises are nominated, and that number grows each year.

Volunteer Erica German organizes valentines cards, stuffed animals, flowers and sweet treats into bundles. Photo: Bailey Gingras-Hamilton

Leading by example through ‘Revy Kindness’

This spirit of generosity can be summarized by a term that Gregory and the volunteers of Revelstoke Unstuck coined accidentally – being “Revy Kind.”

“For me, ‘Revy Kind’ kind is what we represent as a community. We’re generous, we’re caring, we’re authentic. We’re willing to be that good neighbour,” Gregory elaborates. 

This year, Gregory is pleasantly overwhelmed by the number of good neighbours in Revelstoke. Shannon Krywa, a member of Revelstoke Unstuck, offered to do some baking for Valentine’s Surprises. That sparked a chain reaction, leading to nearly 300 delicious baked donations.

A tray of mouthwatering pastries is delicately prepared for delivery. Photo: Bailey Gingras-Hamilton

“The baking is actually amazing. I’m a bit speechless at how much we’re receiving,” Gregory explains. “That goes back to ‘Revy Kind.’ The phenomenal part of this community is it [starts with] one person, and kindness spreads.”

Despite the negative effects of Facebook, initiatives like Valentine’s Surprise display the positive aspects of large communication networks.

According to Gregory, many of the people nominated for Valentine’s Surprise do not use social media. However, their neighbours do.

“The first year almost broke our hearts because people were in such shock that someone had thought of them,” Gregory recalls.

“Two ladies were just scared of us because they couldn’t figure out why a stranger would be showing up at their door for no other reason but to give them flowers and wish them a happy Valentine’s [Day].”

Chloe Dumont, one of the many volunteers behind this initiative, seals up an envelope after writing a Valentine’s Day greeting. Photo: Bailey Gingras-Hamilton

The effect of having, and being, a kind neighbour

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the isolation that many seniors and medically vulnerable people face.

That is why Gregory believes this initiative is so important. She has firsthand experience of the positivity of good neighbours.

“I have parents in Ontario, and unfortunately, both are battling illnesses,” Gregory reveals. While she visits home as much as possible to help out, a lot of the support her family receives are from neighbours back home.

“I’m very fortunate that I have good neighbors and family that can be there when I’m not,” she elaborates, emotion filling her voice. “That’s what I always think about when we’re doing things like this.”

Donning a festive red dress, Revelstoke Unstuck founder Sandra Gregory takes a break from Valentine’s Day preparations to enjoy some fresh air. Photo: Bailey Gingras-Hamilton

Beyond helping seniors and vulnerable residents, initiatives like Valentine’s Surprise builds connections between volunteers. In a time where politics divide, helping others unites.

“It’s all so simple, and I actually think it’s a great thing for the community because strangers come together and there’s no ulterior motive. We’re not a government organization, [we are] nothing but people pulling together,” Gregory explains.

“With just the support of the community, I’d say it restores your faith in humanity. If you want to see something different, you have to be the difference.”