Pass The Kindness On: Help us reach 1,000 acts of kindness
Belfast Operatic Company is inviting people across Northern Ireland to help us record 1,000 acts of kindness, inspired by the extraordinary true story behind our upcoming production of Come From Away.
To mark World Kindness Day on Friday 13 November, our cast members are pledging random acts of kindness throughout November and encouraging others to join in. Our goal is to reach 1,000 recorded acts by the time the show opens at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, on 23 February 2027.
Every act can make a difference and everyone is welcome to take part. The inspiration comes from Gander, Newfoundland, where almost 7,000 airline passengers and crew unexpectedly arrived after US airspace closed following the events of 11 September 2001. For five remarkable days, residents of Gander and neighbouring communities welcomed strangers with food, accommodation, comfort and friendship.
Their generosity inspired Come From Away, a musical celebrating the connections formed when ordinary people responded to extraordinary circumstances with kindness. Our campaign also takes inspiration from Pay It Forward 9/11, founded by Kevin Tuerff, one of the passengers stranded in Gander whose experiences inspired a character in the show. His initiative encourages people to perform acts of kindness for strangers and inspire others to do the same.
Whether it’s helping a stranger, bringing a meal to a neighbour or going out of your way to make someone else’s day better, it doesn’t really matter what you do, it’s the fact that we all do a little and pass the kindness on that matters.
Shirley Adair, Chairperson
For Shirley, the campaign reflects the friendships and support that already exist within Belfast Operatic Company, from welcoming newcomers to helping members through difficult times.
“Like the community of Gander, BOC brings together people from all walks of life. We start out sharing a love of music and theatre, but before long those connections deepen, creating friendships and a real sense of family.”
We now hope to take that spirit beyond the rehearsal room – into workplaces, neighbourhoods and communities across Northern Ireland.
Taking part is simple:
- Do something kind. Check in on someone who feels isolated, help a neighbour, buy someone a coffee or offer a listening ear.
- Record your completed act through our kindness form so it can count towards our 1,000-act target.
- Pass the kindness on. Encourage a friend, colleague or family member to take part too.
Your gesture does not need to be grand or expensive. A little time, thought or practical help could make a real difference to someone’s day.
One small act can inspire another. Help us pass the kindness on.
Belfast Operatic Company’s Come From Away runs at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, from 23–27 February 2027. Book tickets at goh.co.uk.
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