When it comes to months February always gets the short end of the stick. Three out of four years it has only 28 days. And when a leap year comes along it still only gets up to 29. February is also traditionally a cold winter month where days are still short and can often feel grey and gloomy.

And there are some days that we may even feel a little “February” or at least know of someone who does. But there is some hope. Our friend Jeff Williams brought to our attention a growing campaign set to help turn the gloom around. It’s called 29Leaps and is based on the premise that given the extra day this year we can all do something to make things better for someone else.

So here is a list of 29 things to help brighten up February:

1. Shovel your neighbours driveway/walkway
2. Scrape your neighbours windshield
3. Hold a door open
4. Help out at a soup kitchen
5. Make some meals to deliver to the homeless or anyone in need
6. Organize a community event with proceeds going to a local charity
7. Drop off unused clothing
8. Make a video to inspire others to do the same throughout the year
9. Donate food/time/money to the food bank
10. Smile at someone who looks like they need it
11. Pay for the coffee behind you
12. Pay for 5 coffees behind you
13. Pick up litter in a park
14. Take the dog out for an extra walk
15. Find a volunteering opportunity
16. Cook someone’s favourite meal (even better if they’re there to enjoy it)
17. Put extra coins in the parking meter as you’re leaving
18. Be a companion for the Alzheimer’s Society
19. Really listen to a senior citizen
20. Really listen to a child
21. Offer to do the dishes/laundry/vacuuming
22. Bring flowers to work/ senior’s centre/ spouse
23. Be a Big Brother
24. Be a Big Sister
25. Write 29 notes of encouragement and leave them on random windshields
26. Purchase a bracelet of hope
27. Read a book with your child/niece/nephew
28. Support a school breakfast program in Guelph or your own community
29. Donate gently used housing items to Habitat For Humanity

Big or small every action can have a positive outcome. These are only 29 ideas in an almost endless list of actions. What would you add? What are you going to do?