Random acts of kindness warm U of M international students

The University of Manitoba is a hub of kindness this week, with international students at the centre of a sweet movement thats bringing smiles, and treats to people across campus.

The universitys International College of Manitoba has launched Random Acts of Kindness Week, aiming to make it easy for students to do nice things for each other and pay it forward.

Susan Dean, the ICMs principal, said the aim of the week is to engage our students in building a community within ICM firstly, then within the university and the City of Winnipeg and then Canada.

The school has launched a bunch of small activities including a Thankful Thursday wall where students post things theyre thankful for and Candy-Gram Friday with proceeds going to the universitys food bank .

It really feels nice. Everyone should take part in it make somebody smile, said Maunika Patel. Patel moved to Winnipeg from Kenya in January to study at the university.

Shes one of almost 900 students from 72 different countries who left home to attend the U of M this year.

Its normal to feel lonely and homesick and anxious, so acts like this help them really come out, said Deane.