Kindness in Action: Stories From the CPC Community

In Canada, the third week in February is celebrated as “Kindness Week.” Last week, we invited CPC members to share their stories of kindness, both received and given. The tales gathered here are small glimpses of kindness in action — simple gestures, thoughtful choices, unexpected generosity. Each one is a reminder that even the smallest act can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. We hope these stories leave you a little lighter, a little warmer, and maybe even inspired to pass something good along.

Felisha Ali

Two and a half years ago, I went through a moment that still feels unreal.

While this is a personal story, it reflects something bigger — CPC’s culture of purposeful kindness, inclusivity, and engagement.

I experienced a medical emergency that escalated quickly, and for a brief moment, it was unclear whether I would make it. From the moment I was discharged from the hospital and home recovering, Cathy Milton reached out. She kept reaching out. Purposeful kindness is a daily practice and she embodies it.

What happened after the crisis moved me. Cathy remained present throughout my recovery. She checked in constantly, asking thoughtful questions, wanting to understand what happened. Not performatively, not out of obligation, but with genuine care. She wanted to know how I was really doing.

Cathy’s kindness was intentional, steady, and deeply human. In one of the most frightening moments of my life, she reminded me what true community looks like, and why it matters.

Shaye Belanger

One of the most meaningful acts of kindness I’ve experienced in my work came when a group of my students at Carleton University nominated me for the Betty Weiss Memorial Award. Their nomination wasn’t just a recognition of my efforts — it was a tangible reminder that small, everyday moments of support, encouragement, and genuine care truly matter. Knowing that these students took the time to put my name forward, simply because they felt seen, heard, and supported, was an unforgettable gesture of kindness that continues to inspire the way I show up for others. As an added bonus to this act of kindness, I had the honour of being named the recipient of the award!

Skye Berry

When I accepted the role of Executive Director of CPC, I will be honest — I was nervous.

Stepping into this position felt bigger than me. I questioned whether I was ready, whether I would measure up, whether I truly belonged in the role.

What I did not expect was the outpouring of support that followed.

From thoughtful messages to quiet encouragement, from members reaching out simply to say “we are glad you are here,” to steady collaboration behind the scenes, I have experienced purposeful kindness in ways that have deeply moved me.

Every single act of support has reminded me that CPC is not just an organization. It is a community. A community that practices what it teaches. A community built not only on professional excellence, but on generosity, inclusion, and human connection.

If Kindness Week has shown us anything, it is that our mission is not aspirational. It is lived. And I am grateful to be part of it.

Kamee Gilmore

One of the things I value most about being part of Career Professionals of Canada is how members genuinely show up for one another — not just professionally, but personally.

I experienced this firsthand during a demanding, time-sensitive project that overlapped with an out-of-town family wedding. Like many of us, I felt the tension between professional responsibility and wanting to be fully present for an important family moment.

A fellow CPC member stepped in without hesitation. She took the lead on the work I had started, carried it forward with care, and ensured everything stayed on track. Thanks to her support, I didn’t have to choose between professional commitment and family connection.

This experience reflects what makes the CPC community special. Purposeful kindness isn’t about recognition or obligation. It’s about trust, collaboration, and understanding that when we support one another, everyone is stronger.

Gabrielle LeClair

Some time ago, I experienced an act of kindness that has stayed with me over the years.

This happened shortly after I had been laid off. I was late getting home from a networking event, exhausted after a long day. My young daughter was walking with me, and, unsurprisingly, she was in a bit of a mood, too. Suddenly, I didn’t care that dinner out would use up all the money I had in my wallet — I was just too tired to keep walking home. I gave in and guided my daughter into a nearby restaurant.

As we ate and talked, I was grateful for not having had to prepare a meal that evening. I barely noticed anyone else around us. When we were done, I asked the waitress for the bill, but she told me the people who had been seated at the table beside us had paid it when they settled their own bill. They had left quietly, not wanting or expecting thanks.

I doubt they could have known how much I needed that kindness that day, but I really did. Their selfless act gave me more than just a meal. It reminded me that the world can be generous, thoughtful, and full of small miracles — exactly the affirmation I needed at that moment.

Cathy Milton

My moment of unexpected (and very needed!) kindness happened just this week. Eight months ago we adopted a rescue hound, Dixie — the sweetest girl on earth. She has become extremely attached to me so I try to take her on outings when I can. I took her along on a quick grocery run, and in my usual speedy exit from the car (to prevent her exuberant attempt to follow), my smart key fob slipped out of my pocket to the floor of the car without my noticing.

When I returned to the car, it wouldn’t unlock with the keyless entry button. The fob was locked inside. Dixie was staring at me through the window, growing more concerned by the second — and so was I. The area is very remote. There are no taxis and roadside assistance often takes hours to show up, if at all.

A couple who had just pulled in and parked beside me must have sensed the panic. When I explained what had happened, they immediately offered to drive me home to get the spare key — a 30-minute round trip for them. They lived just minutes away but didn’t hesitate for a second.

Their generosity completely floored me. And Dixie? Once I got back in the car, she acted like the whole thing had been part of the plan all along.

Sometimes kindness shows up right when you need it most — in a rural grocery store parking lot, with a rescue hound watching from the front seat of the car.

Barb Penney

Ever get stuck inside your own head and feel crowded out by imposter syndrome? Me too.

When life (and work) doesn’t go to plan my natural tendency is to look inward. What am I doing wrong? Where is my mistake? How can I repair this? The doors of self-doubt open wide and that inner critic walks in and takes over.

And then something unexpected happens.

A CPC member reaches out. With a compliment. With an invitation to meet. With an offer of support or a request for advice. And I’m lucky. It happens a lot.

They don’t know my confidence is slipping. They don’t see the second-guessing behind the scenes. They have no idea I‘m questioning myself. But their simple act of connecting with kindness shifts something.

My energy returns. Optimism replaces doubt. I feel hopeful again. I return to a productive space where my natural abilities and strengths do their best work.

CPC members remind me that a simple gesture can make a monumental difference to others. Kindness matters.

Michelle Precourt

When I saw the call for short stories about kindness, the very first person who came to mind was Sharon Graham. From day one, she welcomed me first as a student, then as a volunteer, and finally as a course instructor. Every action Sharon takes comes from the guiding principle of purposeful kindness.

I recall the early days of the pandemic, when there were far more unknowns than certainties, Sharon made a small, yet significant gesture that impacted me (and others) more than she likely knows. She stepped in with quiet leadership, hosting weekly check-ins for CPC members to create connection during a very isolating time. She also invited me to lead short mindful meditations as part of those wellness check-ins.

That simple invitation did two powerful things: it supported others during an unprecedented, unsettling time, and it gave me a sense of purpose when purpose felt hard to find. Sharon recognized a skill set in me that she believed could benefit the community and created space for it to be shared. To me, that is the essence of purposeful kindness.

Karine Touloumjian

My kindness story is about our Executive Director, Skye Berry, and Career Professionals of Canada as an organization.

Skye, I want to thank you for helping me source new clients. I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness and trust. It’s individuals like you, and so many others at CPC, who reflect such generosity and a genuine spirit of support. Our association is fortunate to have you leading the way.

Whether participating in the Member Networking Discussions, welcoming members as part of the Welcome Wagon, or serving as a judge for the Awards of Excellence, I have consistently experienced kindness, collaboration, and encouragement. I feel grateful to be part of this community and to give back alongside such caring professionals.

I am happy to have met so many wonderful individuals with the same purpose and mission of helping job seekers.

Kathy Weston

I’d like to share Sebastian’s story

I met Sebastian in September 2024, when he was homeless and living in a van. A young immigrant from Romania, he had come with hopes of building a better life and creating new opportunities for himself. I first noticed him outside a store holding a cup. Although I didn’t know his background or the challenges he had faced, I felt compelled to offer support. I gave him my business card and told him that if he reached out, I would help by preparing a résumé to support his job search.

Sebastian and Kathy

He did call, and that moment marked the beginning of an ongoing connection. Over the past 18 months, I have provided friendship, guidance, and encouragement, helping Sebastian remain hopeful and focused during a difficult time. I consistently reminded him not to give up and supported him as he worked toward stability and safety.

With assistance from a few generous friends who were in a position to help, we were able to connect him with interview opportunities. Today, Sebastian is employed in a stable, decent-paying job that allows him to support himself, afford food, and maintain housing. While he still has goals ahead, his circumstances have improved significantly, and his future now looks far more stable and promising.

Daisy Wright

There is a small act of kindness I like to practice on a regular basis. When a LinkedIn post crosses my feed and does not have a “Like” or a comment, I make it a point to do one or the other, and sometimes both. My thinking is that the individual invested a lot of thought and spent a long time (and sometimes it’s an act of courage) to write a post. Why allow it to go unrecognized and unappreciated? Now, to be honest, I don’t engage with every post. It has to have some genuine meaning for me. But, when it does, I don’t just scroll past. Sometimes the smallest acknowledgment can have the biggest impact. It’s a quiet way of encouraging people to keep sharing their ideas and stories.

Share Your Story!

If you did not have the opportunity to contribute during Kindness Week, we would still love to hear from you. Please feel welcome to share your story in the comments below.

Kindness does not belong to a single week. It lives in the moments we choose to notice and share every day.

– AI-generated image by freepik –