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18th Annual Pay it Forward 9/11 Encourages Good Deeds to Strangers
Movement spreads from US to Canada, UK and Australia thanks to Come From Away musical
WHO: 18th Annual Pay it Forward 9/11 founded by Kevin Tuerff (NYC). Kevin’s 9/11 story is one of the true stories inspiring the hit musical Come From Away. The script references this kindness movement.
WHAT: Thousands of people across four countries will do three good deeds to strangers on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America. Examples include buying a cup of coffee for a random customer, bringing lunch to firefighters at a local fire house, or buying new packages of warm socks to donate to a homeless shelter.
Participants remind recipients of kindness to remember the souls of those who were killed that day and invite them to “Pay it Forward” by doing something similar to others.
The cast, band and crew of five Come From Away productions in New York City, East Lansing, Toronto, Canada, London, England and Melbourne, Australia will continue the tradition by receiving a $100 bill to assist them with their random acts of kindness.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 11, 2019
WHERE: Nationwide USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
WHY: Kevin Tuerff was one of 6,579 stranded passengers and crew diverted to Gander, Newfoundland when US airspace was closed on 9/11. The tiny town welcomed in people from 90 countries and provided everyone with food, clothing and shelter. To find a way to thank the Newfoundlanders for their compassionate action, Kevin founded Pay it Forward 9/11 in 2002 in Texas. Wednesday, September 11, 2019 is a national day of service and remembrance in the United States and Canada.
2016 Washington Post
2017 9/11 Tribute Museum (New York City)
History
Oregonian: Portlanders commemorate 9/11 with acts of kindness (2009)