(WXYZ) — “Spreading cheer, putting smiles on people’s face. Spreading kindness,” said Amy Saurborn.
After hearing about a Facebook group called Downriver Rocks, Canton mother of three, Amy Saurborn, and her friends started their own group.
"Plymouth-Canton Rocks is a group where individuals or families, children, whoever it may be in the community or surrounding areas, paint rocks to spread kindness," Amy explains.
Here’s how it works, hand paint your rocks, label them on the unpainted side with Plymouth-Canton Rocks and then have fun hiding them.
“It’s like Pokemon Go or Geo-caching and you just go out rock hunt, look around," Amy said. “You can find them up hidden in trees or under benches.”
“Let’s hide it right here. On the side of the bush," said Carter Saurborn.
Once you find a rock, snap a picture and post it on the Plymouth-Canton rocks Facebook page, so everyone can follow the journey.
“Kids get excited just finding a plain rock on the ground," Amy said. "‘Oh, look at this cool rock,' but to find one that’s painted and decorated, that’s really cool."
The rocks have been shared all over the place – as close as the local dentist’s office, up in Oscoda, a ski lodge in Utah, and even France.
“The local elementary school also took part in the rock kindness movement,” Amy said. “So, we have a kindness rock garden.”
“Here in Plymouth-Canton we are all about building relationships and sharing positivity with one another,” said Hoben Elementary Principal Lisa Johnston.
Principal Johnston loved the idea when media specialist Diana Olds took on the project for their school.
“This year Lucas nursery was kind enough to donate river rocks to us for the whole school, so all the classes got one rock to paint and now it’s the kindness rock garden, which is awesome!” Amy said.
There are over 500 painted rocks. Though this is a permanent rock garden these rocks are to be admired.
“I can’t tell you how many people – grownups (and) kids alike – that walk by the garden, stop, smile, touch and pick up all the rocks and it brings such joy,” Principal Johnston said.
The garden motto sign says it all – "In a world where you can be anything, be kind!"
"We have a fabulous area and it’s a great community. It’s a fun way to bring the community together," Amy said.
