The (m)Ice Cream Project was an idea that came about on a hot day in July by animal care workers working at the Central Animal Facility. On this day, we were short staffed and decided that it would be nice to boost moral and wellness with some cold ice cream sandwiches. As the day progressed, there were more ice cream sandwiches in our freezer than our team could eat, so when University of Guelph Physical Resources workers came by to make deliveries to our facility, looking very warm and exerted due to the hot temperatures and heavy labor they provide, we offered them a couple ice cream sandwiches and they absolutely LIT UP with smiles, laughter, and gratitude. It was such a small act of kindness that led to such a strong feeling of connection and comradery.

This fulfilling interaction gave us the idea to reach out to our Wellness@Work representatives to see if there were any grant opportunities that could be applied for to support a Random Acts of Kindness event, that we now call The (m)Ice Cream Project. You might notice that “mice” is in the name, which was added because it is witty and fun, but also because we love the animals that we care for at the facility and the majority are mice.  

If you’re dropping off any materials or products to the back dock of the Central Animal Facility, be ready to be offered a warm “Thank You!”, an ice cream sandwich (we also have dairy free options), and a bottle of cold Gatorade to beat the heat.

Thank you to Wellness@Work for funding this amazing and fun initiative that’s focused on gratitude, keeping cool, and team building across campus. We hope this short article will be the seed that continues to grow in other Departments to start their own Random Acts of Kindness initiatives in the coming semesters. 

Author: Theresa K Martin (M.Sc., RMLAT)

Reposted from GREAT at U of G.