World Smile Day

Each year the first Friday of October marks World Smile Day.  A day to do one act of kindness and make someone crack a smile!  So, this year the day of smiles takes place on 5 October 2018.

The day was founded in 1999 by Harvey Ball, creator of the now world famous yellow smiley face.  When he thought his logo was becoming too commercial and losing its real meaning, he organised the day to recognise that a smile knows no religion or politics and that we should all spread a little happiness.  And after all, it doesn’t take much effort to smile!

When Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created not just to honour his memory but to sponsor World Smile Day and raise money through donations and the licensing of the smiley face for charities that often receive little recognition.

I’m really pleased that Harvey Ball had the foresight to recognise that his logo would eventually take over the world.  Who would have thought that the cute little smiley face that was sewn onto jeans and jackets in the ’70s would become part of our everyday expressions as an emoji!!  But, we must not forget that Harvey wants everyone to carry out that one act of kindness – and that really isn’t too hard for us to do!

Now in its twentieth year, 2018 looks to be another big one for World Smile Day, with people all around the world cracking smiles, making the world a better place.  So, what could you do to help raise a smile on World Smile Day.  Well why not get a group of friends together and pop along to your local care home and hold a sing-a-long.  Or you could arrange to help an elderly neighbour by doing their shopping or clearing up their garden.

So … don’t just grin and bear it – give a real smile and spread a little kindness on World Smile Day!