Receiving a random flower brightened Ena Hridar’s whole Friday.

“I have had a really stressful day with so much schoolwork, and getting a carnation made me feel better,” said the second-year biochemistry student, as she relished her gift, courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Staff volunteers fanned out across campus to distribute the flowers in observance of Random Acts of Kindness Day.

“I got so many smiles and thanks today,” said Lori Lewis, manager of news services. “I enjoyed the opportunity to do something nice for the community.”

In another example of the day’s celebration, members of the Students United committee of the United Way handed out 300 cake pops to grateful recipients, with an exhortation to “pay it forward.”

Second-year chemistry major Melissa Cowell said she appreciated the gesture.

“It’s Friday morning and this makes for a good start to the day,” she said as she accepted a sweet treat in the CAW Student Centre.

Her classmate Emily Omahen said she already knew the United Way is a great organization, but she was excited for another reason: “This cake pop is going to make a great dessert!”

Second-year biochemistry student Lauren Seidel accepts a cake pop from environmental sciences major Eileen Chen, a volunteer with the Students United committee of the United Way.