It started with “Dear stranger.”
To touch, move and inspire the world, one powerful act of kindness at a time.
“What happened next stopped me in my tracks.”
– Lee Ramirez, founder
Years ago, I was rushing to my car in the middle of winter. It was really cold, I had a lot on my mind and a pile of work to get done. As I got to my car, I saw a note on the windshield and immediately thought, “somebody hit it.”
It was a handwritten letter, and it began with “Dear stranger.” The message that followed left me touched, moved and inspired. I read it many times over and carried it with me for a week before I put it on another car. Years later, I still carry the feeling that letter gave me.
That note became Care For Three. I thought if I handwrote notes to give away to strangers, maybe the next person would keep it going.
Often, we walk by people who feel lost and alone. What if one small act of kindness could change everything for them? What if it changed their life?
“You are so brave.
You are so strong.”
Written by a stranger, by hand. The Care For Three template still carries its words today.
“No one should ever feel alone, and this project has the power to unite all.”– Lee Ramirez
One note at a time.
Small acts, multiplied by many people, can transform the world.
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October 2017: the first notes
A few handwritten hearts left on car windshields in Denver. “And so begins the journey to change the world.”
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In every language
The Dear stranger letter is translated into Spanish, Italian and German, and notes begin turning up in Arizona, California, Ohio and the mountains of Breckenridge.
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Classrooms join in
270 students, staff and families at Montessori del Mundo write notes together, and a 7-year-old insists on delivering one to a total stranger.
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Around the world
About 3,000 notes in the first year alone, reaching more than a dozen countries, from the UK to Hong Kong, Singapore, Pakistan and Turkey.
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Random Acts of Kindness Week
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation features Care For Three in its kindness calendar and activities.
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Strangers became friends
Notes passed between family, friends and strangers have grown into real friendships and connections around the world.
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You are not alone
In Gloucestershire, UK, Darren finds a note when he needs it most, then leaves more than fifty of his own.
We are all in this together.
Write a note
Handwrite a note and put it out into the world. One is enough. Three if you feel it.
Share the story
Send Lee’s video to someone who could use a reminder that they matter.
Make them together
Make notes with your class, team or family. All it takes is the free heart and a little time together.