2024 Annual BeKind UNM Celebration
January 22, 2024 - Dorene DiNaro
For over 15 years the BeKind UNM committee has hosted their annual BeKind UNM celebration during National Random Acts of Kindness week in February to help promote kindness and civility on campus. This year, all lobos are invited to help spread kindness again at this year’s celebration which features the popular Kindness Carnival, two opportunities to participate in the Teddy Bear Toss during a men’s or women’s Lobo basketball game, and the chance to help fellow Lobos by donating to the Lobo Food Pantry.
The 2024 BeKind UNM celebration kicks off with the annual teddy bear toss at the Men’s Lobo basketball game, this Sunday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. at the Pit. Fans are asked to bring a NEW stuffed animal to the game and participate in the toss at half-time for their chance to one of the grand prize baskets which include one of the following: gift cards from the UNM Bookstore, Dions, Christy Maes, Popejoy tickets, a lobo quilt, and swag from Zia Graphics, UNM Athletics, Staff Council and other campus departments and partners.
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, everyone is welcome at the free BeKind UNM Kindness Carnival in the SUB Atrium from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The popular event features games, activities, a photo booth, music, visits with therapy dogs and a donation drive to benefit the Lobo Food Pantry. Carnival participants who bring a donation for the Lobo Food Pantry will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize which includes a one-month UNM parking pass and UNM swag.
The last big event is another opportunity to participate in a Teddy Bear Toss at the Lobo Women’s basketball game on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. for another shot at one of the grand prize baskets. Fans are again asked to bring a NEW stuffed animal to the game and participate in the half-time toss. Stuffed animals collected from both games will be donated to Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Fire Rescue to use when they are dealing with children experiencing traumatic situations. Representatives from The Jennifer Riordan Foundation will toss out the first bear at each game.
This year, the UNM Health Sciences Office for Community Health, Health Workers Initiative is hosting a food drive to benefit the Lobo Food Pantry, Feb. 1-12. Donations can be dropped off at their office at 1650 University Blvd. Suite 3300.
Visit the BeKind UNM web page for more information.
