October is National Bullying Prevention Month and Kiwanis of Coeur d’Alene is proud to participate in this important effort. The club recently voted to fund three “Buddy Benches” for Borah Elementary School to help promote friendship and kindness and put an end to bullying. A Buddy Bench is a designated seat where anyone can go when they are being bullied or having a bad day. Students learn that if they see someone on the bench, that person is in need of some kindness, compassion and friendship.

Here’s how Adam Foote, school counselor at Borah, responded to the club’s decision:

“Thank you so much for your continued support of Borah! It was great to meet with you in person today to hear about how Kiwanis will be approving funding for three buddy benches! This will be a wonderful addition to our school, especially as we have been working with students this past month about having empathy by recognizing when other students are sitting alone, looking sad/lonely, and asking them if they need a friend to play with. Thank you so much! We are really looking forward to putting them to good use!!”

Teaching students to stand up for kindness follows a main principle of Kiwanis Club International: “To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.” We want to thank Borah Elementary staff and students for helping make a random act of kindness possible.

SANDRA DAVIS

Chair, Youth Committee

Kiwanis Club of Coeur d’Alene