From a tragic event, a family has created a mission for peace and kindness.
Bill and Denise Richard, the parents of 8-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, announced a campaign that spreads their son’s message of peace, in a statement published on Time.com on Monday. Called the Martin Richard Bridge Builder Campaign, the project encourages young people to perform acts of kindness and service for a greater good.
“Our goal is to give kids a chance to learn about ways they can make a difference and share their stories to inspire others to do the same,” the Richards wrote.
Martin was one of the three people killed on April 15, 2013, when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. His sister, Jane, lost her leg in the attack and his mother was injured as well.
The campaign, as part of the Martin Richard Foundation, was inspired by a poster Martin created in 2012 that read “No more hurting people, peace.” After his tragic death, the photo of Martin holding the sign went viral, and has been a source of comfort and positivity for his grieving family. Now, it has become a catalyst for positive change.
"Our hope is for Martin's legacy to live on through today's children and to show that no matter your age, you can always choose kindness," Denise and Bill Richard told People.com.
In partnership with Hasbro, Inc. and youth service organization Generation On, the Martin Richard Bridge Builder campaign gives kids the tools to make a difference. On the campaign’s site, free project guides and lesson plans can be downloaded, and a “story wall” is available for participants to post and share their positive projects. People are also encouraged to share their work on social media, using the hashtag #NoMoreHurtingPeople.
“We hope our son’s life is able to live on in those words,” the Richards said in the statement. “We hope you choose kindness.”
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