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It's World Smile Day, here are 5 easy ways to do some good in Vancouver

Today we have a simple mission for Vancouverites: Make at least one person smile.

Today we have a simple mission for Vancouverites: Make at least one person smile.

Making someone smile can be as simple as a smiling at them. A smile, after-all, is said to be contagious and today’s the day to spread the infectious expression around as much as possible.

 Happy World Smile Day! Photo: ShutterstockHappy World Smile Day! Photo: Shutterstock

October 4 is known around the globe as World Smile Day, thanks to a man by the name of Harvey Ball. He’s the artist who created the smiley face in 1963 as “a symbol of good will and cheer on the planet”.

The story goes that by the late 1990s Ball found that through over-commercialization of his smiley symbol its original meaning and intent had been lost, so he decided to do something about it.

“He thought that we, all of us, should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world,” the World Smile Day organization declares.

And so in 1999 World Smile Day® was created. It has continued every year since in Ball’s hometown of Worcester, MA and around the world. After Ball died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honour his memory and keep the tradition going strong.

So, what are you waiting for, "do an act of kindness. Help one person smile".

Here’s some ideas…

Simple gestures

Let's start simple. It often doesn't take a lot of effort to make someone smile. Take the time today to give someone a genuine compliment, crack a dad joke, offer to help a stranger in any small way or leave a friend a sticky note with a positive thought on it.

Leave someone a note and make them smile! Photo: Shutterstock

Buy a coffee for a stranger or someone in need

There are a few cafes around town that offer the option to buy a 'suspended coffee' on top of your order that will later go to a person in need. At Nelson the Seagull, on Carrall St in Gastown, it only costs an extra $2.50 to give someone who may be experiencing homelessness a warm cup of coffee.

East Vancouver Roasters, on Carrall St, also offers the program. Why not ask your favourite cafe if they have a similar initiative, or even encourage them to start one.

Or, next time you're in line at a cafe you could offer to pay for the next person's coffee order. Most people smile at the thought of a free coffee!

 @palletcoffee/Instagram@palletcoffee/Instagram

Donate to a fundraiser

There are many people out there in need who would be boosted by the thought that a complete stranger is willing to help them.

We've written about a few causes lately, including a call to help Vancouver's famous clock master Ray Saunders get back on his feet after an accident left him seriously injured. A homeless veteran who put a plea out to the community for support to help his dog Rocky that was hurt in a car accident.  As well as local business Say Hello Sweets that asked for assistance after its ice-cream truck was badly damaged in a burglary.

There are so many more calls for help. You can have a look here.

 Canadian clock master Ray Saunders in hospital. Photo: SuppliedCanadian clock master Ray Saunders in hospital. Photo: Supplied

Provide a meal for a youth in need

If you're going out for dinner tonight pick a restaurant that supports charity Mealshare. For every meal sold at participating venues a healthy meal is provided to a youth in need through the organization. If you like poutine, you're in luck, the Poutine for a Purpose event in support of the charity is currently running, but you'll have to hurry it ends Oct. 5. Find out the 14 dishes available at Vancouver restaurants here.

Give up a little of your time and volunteer

While you might not be able to volunteer today or tonight, instead of your usual Friday night routine, you could do a little research and find out where you might want to help out in the future to keep the smiles coming all year round.

Places like the Greater Food Bank or the Dugout are always looking for volunteers. But there are countless opportunities to peruse at Go Volunteer.

Whatever you decide to do, remember to smile!