Retired teacher and long-time volunteer Bonnie Jeanne Knight recognized with Random Act of Kindness surprise

Bonnie Jeanne Knight is a retired teacher and dedicated volunteer who has worked tirelessly to support those facing homelessness and poverty in our community.

For years, she volunteered and baked for Stepping Stone (formerly the Drop-In Centre), inventing new dishes out of bulk donations received. She also volunteered through the pandemic at the homeless shelter at Loyola House.

“She has totally committed her time and skills to the Drop-In Centre and to those who need help for many years,” her anonymous nominator told GuelphToday. “Without any hesitation, but with a lot of heart and thoughtfulness, she gives of her time not only to her friends but to the homeless.”

She also volunteers weekly helping to feed those in need at the Royal City Church.

“I have the time and that makes the difference,” Bonnie Jeanne said of her desire to give back. “I started volunteering when the Drop-In Centre was on Gordon Street and I live only two blocks away from there. It made it very easy for me to give my time where it can be put to use.”

To show Bonnie Jeanne our thanks for the quiet work she does to help make our community a better place for those in need, our GuelphToday team surprised her with gifts while she was at lunch with friends.

Since Bonnie Jeanne is always caring for others, our team gifted her dinner for two at one of her favourite restaurants and a gift card to treat herself to new plants and gardening supplies.

“I was totally surprised and very much caught off guard,” Bonnie Jeanne said of the surprise. “It’s very lovely and incredibly generous.”

Thanks to our generous co-sponsors, The Boathouse Tea Room, The Bloom Room Floral Company, Meadowville Garden Centre and the Warka Tree, for helping to make this Random Act of Kindness possible.

Our nomination form is always open to nominate someone in the community who selflessly gives of themselves despite challenges or hardships, is positive in the face of adversity, or is just plain extraordinary and deserves a special surprise.

If you would like to support our Random Acts of Kindness program, please email [email protected].

GuelphToday is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with our Random Acts of Kindness, a foundational piece of our GuelphToday Cares program. 

The GuelphToday Cares team's mission is to create meaningful change in Guelph - and inspire others to do the same.