A “QUACK” For Kindness
Vanier Duckies
Have you ever come across a rubber ducky on campus? If you haven’t, stay on the lookout because they represent a movement, the kindness movement. Run by an anynymous Vanier member, the Vanier Duckies aims to spread joy and positivity. With World Kindness Week being in the month of February, let’s learn more about this quiet initiative.
When was Vanier Duckies created?
“Duckies first moved to Vanier in January 2024 and started showing up on campus on February 22, 2024, the 2-year anniversary is fast approaching. Happy Anniversary to Duckies, we can’t wait to celebrate with you by sharing Duckies & Duckie merch all month long.”
Who came up with the idea?
“The idea was the brainchild of a Vanier alumnus who still spends a great deal of time at the college and was inspired to encourage a healthier, kinder Vanier community. Years ago, a friend and former teacher showed immense kindness to this Vanier Raktivist (Random Acts of Kindness Activist). The Duckies initiative grew from that moment and became a way to give back to a community with deep roots and lasting impact. When you’re at Vanier, you know there’s something special about this campus. From students and teachers to support staff, maintenance crews, and everyone in between, we are a village of partners—able to lean on one another and nurture kindness both at work and at school.”
What is the purpose of Vanier Duckies?
“The purpose of Duckies is simple: to make people happy. They are meant to bring a smile—and unexpected, light-hearted moment of encouragement when you least expect it. Each Duckie is one of a kind, just like the person who finds it. We want you to know that this Duckie was meant to find you. Maybe you needed a reminder to be kind. Maybe you needed a little extra kindness, motivation, or belief in yourself. Duckies are meant to be a lasting reminder that you matter, that someone is quietly cheering you on, and inviting you to pass that kindness forward as you continue your journey.”
Is Vanier Duckies considered a club? If not, what is it?
“The Duckies is not a club. It is a kindness movement. It is a visual and tactile reminder that in a world that can feel harsh, difficult, and hard to navigate, we all need to be there for one another. Instead of walking through life in a silo, believing no one sees you or supports you, the Duckies remind us that someone is there. Even if you don’t know them. Even if they never say a word. School can be hard. Life can be hard—sometimes cruel and unfair. Over time, that weight can wear down even the strongest minds. Duckies exist to remind us that you matter. That school matters. That kindness toward your peers and teachers matters. Beyond culture, religion, and identity, we are human. Choosing kindness along that shared path helps us become more productive, empathetic, and connected members of society.”
Is Vanier Duckies led by students? If not, who?
“Well, that’s part of the mystery of Duckies. The movement is led by a community member who cares deeply about the people on this campus and beyond. Who leads Duckies isn’t as important as the impact of that leadership—promoting and modeling kindness at school and at work. In fact, each of us can be a leader of kindness. The challenge? Perform at least one kind act toward a stranger every day, with no personal reward beyond making someone’s day a little brighter. The real payment is better mental health, stronger community, and greater compassion—and that’s a reward that keeps multiplying.”
Where does Vanier Duckies source its kind messages from?
“The Duckie Raktivist spends countless hours scouring the internet to uncover original messages of kindness. No two are ever the same. Every Duckie has its own name, number, personalized affirmation, and suggested random act of kindness. Each Duckie is as original as the person who finds it—and that is exactly what makes them special. That’s why Duckies are exclusively available at Vanier.”
Why were ducks chosen to be the carrier-of-kindness vehicles for Vanier Duckies? “That’s a great question. Duckies simply make people smile. They’re non-threatening, wholesome, and familiar. Many of us grew up with one floating in the tub—bringing joy, laughter, and small moments of happiness. For many, a Duckie is a reminder of simpler, happier times. It felt fitting that Duckies would show up again now—as a small slice of comfort at school, and a gentle bit of encouragement when it’s needed most.”
When do the people behind this movement find the time to hide the ducks around campus?
“This is a challenge for sure. Often, they are hidden in the evening or early morning.
There is always a Duckie in my pocket though, ready to be placed when your back is turned and often, right in the middle of Vanier life. They are most often in plain view but some find more discreet hiding places where you least expect them!”
How do you come up with locations to hide the ducks?
“Walking the school, there are never ending places where a Duckie could be placed. Sometimes you can’t miss them, others you have to look deeper into desks, drawers, equipment, keyboards, above the sight line or in the oddest, quirkiest spots… you never know where one might turn up, being creative with the hiding spots is a lot of fun.”
What do people do after finding the duck? Do they keep it?
“Each Duckie has a QR code on their tag. We ask the person who found it to anonymously register their Duckie (but only about ¼ of Duckies are registered!). From this info, we know that most people keep their Duckie, attaching it to their bag or purse. Some people give them away to friends or family and there is small portion of people in the Vanier community who love to re-hide them. Surprisingly, sometimes we find Duckies while hiding Duckies that we didn’t hide there, so they keep giving back! We just hope that all Duckies end up in a good home because a lot of TLC (tender loving care) has been put in to each one!”
Why do members of this initiative remain anonymous?
“Because we believe kindness doesn’t need recognition. Acts of generosity are their own reward. The mystery is part of the joy—it gives the Duckies a life of their own. They aren’t about who placed them, but about who finds them and how that kindness continues. Maybe one day we’ll share publicly who the Duckie Raktivist is. For now, all that matters is that Vanier appreciates it, and that knowledge brings more than enough happiness.”
Why is Random Acts of Kindness Week important?
“For us, every day is Kindness Day and we celebrate all holidays and special milestones on our campus. We do however highlight World Kindness Day (November 13th) and World Kindness Week in Canada (February 16th-20th). Watch for the pink (for antibullying & kindness) & yellow (for friendship) Duckies at those special times, in addition to our 2-year anniversary, and Valentines Duckies that will love their way into your hearts!”
How does Vanier Duckies mission align with this week?
“At its foundation, Vanier Duckies is about being kind and encouraging positive self-talk and acts of kindness toward others. A village grows when its members support one another, and we thrive in communities built on respect, encouragement, and care. Often, this starts with a small step: brightening someone else’s day, extending a gesture of kindness, and recognizing the value of inclusivity. When done randomly and without expectation, these acts have a ripple effect—and that is the heart of the Duckies mission: to normalize and promote kindness within our community so that everyone can not only survive, but truly thrive.”
If a student wanted to join this initiative, how would they do that? Would they have to swear in secrecy?
“What would be wonderful is for students to create a Kindness Club at Vanier. Kindness is something our society needs more than ever—it’s something we all crave, benefit from, and flourish within. Duckies could be one contributor to that larger kindness movement. Students can support the initiative by following us on social media, sharing our content, and promoting random acts of kindness on campus – for themselves and for others. There’s no oath, no secrecy required. Kindness has no limits.”
To conclude…
“If there’s one mission behind Duckies, it’s to create and promote more kindness—both within Vanier and in the larger community. Vanier Duckies has an Instagram and Facebook presence @VanierDuckieRAK, and it would be wonderful if our community could follow and share our posts. The more visibility Duckies receive, the more we can spread positive mental health messages, good deeds, and random acts of kindness throughout our school, families, and community. And if you find a Duckie, be sure to register them with the QR code so we know where they end up! One day, we hope to see Vanier Duckies reach other schools, CÉGEPs, and universities—because more kindness is never a bad thing. We are also working hard to have our college recognized as a World Kindness School. Lastly, we’d like to say thank you to Le Petit Duck Shop and the Vanier Foundation who have made some contributions to the Kindness movement on our campus. Be sure to share your kindness stories with us and help make that happen! Keep up the kindness, Vanier—you truly make a difference in the lives of so many.”
