Port Moody aims to claim title of Canada’s Kindest Community and unlock $100,000 for local charities

Port Moody is making a bid to become Canada’s Kindest Community, a national contest run by Coca-Cola and Community Foundations of Canada – and win $100,000 in new funding for local non-profits.

Port Moody Foundation president Robert Simons appeared before council on Nov. 25 to announce the city’s participation and to urge residents to submit stories of everyday kindness before the Jan. 1 deadline.

He said the foundation believes the community already embodies the spirit of the program but needs residents to help prove it.

“Everybody every day does something that’s very kind,” Simons said. “It really does reflect the type of community we have.

“But you have to vote, you have to submit submissions . . . there is an open time to do that from now until the end of the year.”

Simons said anyone can submit an entry by visiting Coca-Cola’s campaign website, adding their name and contact information, and describing a personal act of kindness – big or small. He gave examples like clearing a storm drain or helping someone cross the street. “It’s all kindness,” he said.

If Port Moody secures the top spot, the community would receive a $100,000 prize, distributed locally through the Port Moody Foundation. The funds could be granted to organizations across the city, supporting everything from food security initiatives to arts and culture programs.

Simons said awareness is crucial, especially without a local print newspaper. 

“I know it’s out in the social media space right now,” he told council. “We can’t sort of publish it and have it out there on paper, but it is a wonderful program, and I think it really does reflect the type of community we have, because we are kind.”

In a Nov. 21 social media post, the Port Moody Foundation said it hears stories of generosity and neighbourliness “every day” through its work with community groups, volunteers and local non-profits. It encouraged residents to share examples of kindness widely, tag the foundation on social media, and help build a strong base of local submissions.

“Share far and wide with your friends and family. . . . There are so many, big acts and small everyday acts – they all make Port Moody the Kindest Community in Canada” the release says.

Submissions will be judged on four criteria – impact, community involvement, clarity and authenticity, and a compelling case for why the community deserves to win – with 10 points available in each category.

Coca-Cola doubles prize as its Holiday Caravan rolls across the country

This year’s competition coincides with the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan tour, whose red truck and Santa appearances draw crowds across Canada. 

The company relaunched the contest on World Kindness Day, Nov. 13, announcing it has doubled the grand prize to $100,000 and expanded the partnership with local community foundations.

The top 10 communities will be shortlisted based on the highest number of valid submissions per capita, with the winner announced Jan. 19, 2026.

Tony Chow, president of Coke Canada Bottling, said the campaign is meant to amplify the impact of ordinary good deeds.

“We believe that now, more than ever, the world needs more kindness and that kindness is contagious,” he stated in the company’s release.