LACEY, Wash.–O Bee Credit Union has wrapped up an effort to spread kindness and encourage community members to do the same via a new contest.
The credit union said that as pandemic fatigue gives way to frustration for many, O Bee Credit Union was seeking to motivate members to be kind through its Kindness Contest.
“There are many simple ways to be kind, such as saying thank you, giving a smile or just having a calm presence,” the credit union said.
To enter, members only needed to visit a branch, show kindness, and complete an entry form, with O Bee saying it will draw a $100 winner at each of its seven locations weekly through March 4. Prize winners were chosen randomly every Friday. Members had to be at least 21 years old to participate and can enter each week. Entries were limited to one per family per week at one branch only.
In addition to spreading a little fun, the Kindness Contest was aimed at helping individuals improve their own health as well as making someone else’s day, according to the CU.
‘Positive Interactions’
“As stewards of the community we serve, we continually look for ways to bring about positive interactions,” said VP-Marketing Lee Wojnar. “These are stressful times. We want to remind everyone that simple acts of kindness like expressing sincere appreciation, holding a door, and smiling, are good for your health.”
O Bee added there is “much evidence” to support the health benefits of practicing kindness, citing a Mayo Clinic report that describes kindness as a quality of being that reduces stress by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain that boost moods.
Noting kindness is “contagious,” O Bee also distributed smiley face stickers at every branch for people to take and share with others.
“Members are responding well to our Kindness Contest,” Wojnar said at the time it was running. “Just a week into the campaign, we were hearing first-hand accounts about how forming kindness habits has enhanced moods, improved relationships, and reduced stress.”