The first Friday of October each year marks World Smile Day, a day to do one act of kindness and make someone crack a smile!
The day was founded in 1999 by Harvey Ball creator of the now famous yellow smiley face, when he thought his logo was becoming too commercial and losing its real meaning, he organized the day to recognize that a smile knows no religion or politics and that we should all spread a little happiness. And after all, it doesn’t take much effort to smile!
When Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created not just to honor his memory but to sponsor World Smile Day and raise money through donations and the licensing of the smiley face for charities that often receive little recognition.
Now in its seventeenth year, 2015 looks to be another big one for World Smile Day, with people all around the world cracking smiles, making the world a better place.
So … don’t just grin and bear it – give a real smile and spread a little kindness on World Smile Day!