Make a difference? Yes we can!

Cameron Stewart the founder of the Ark clothing brand to speak at the annual Tuam Diocesan Youth Council Candlelight Mass to be held in Ballintubber Abbey on Friday June 18^th. 

When was the last time you bought a coffee for a complete stranger, or invited the person behind you in the supermarket queue to go on ahead or simply stopped to offer directions to a bewildered tourist? Many of us have become so busy and rushed that opportunities for such random acts of kindness pass us by unnoticed everyday.

'So I have this idea. I'd love you to join me..... I've started this clothing line with a purpose other than profit....' Ark (Acts of Random Kindness) is a clothing brand with a difference. Founded by nineteen year old Cameron Stewart from Holywood Co Down, Ark is a non - profit company which produces a high quality ethically produced clothing range. The idea is simple; by purchasing an Ark tee shirt or polo shirt you join the ark movement and every time you wear that piece of clothing you try to do just one 'act of random kindness' on that day.

Cameron got the idea when one night coming home from a night out he and his friends went for chips only to find that they were 50 cents short. As they frantically searched their pockets a homeless person who was begging at the door just placed 50 cents on the counter - an act of random kindness! Out of that simple anonymous act of random kindness a movement was born. To date there are over 10,000 'arkers' in more than 25 countries!

The clothing range is simple but stylish. It's also designed so that the wearer is carrying a message, inspiring others to be kind and getting them to think differently about the way life should be lived. As Cameron says 'Ark points to the world's best kept secret: that you make a living by what you get, but a life by what you give.'

Ark is a brand with a difference. Recently to advertise Ark's new range of underwear a group of young Trinity lads simply walked into a charity shop in Dublin, donated the clothes which they had on and walked home in their Ark branded underwear!  Ark is built on a dream. As Cameron says 'It's not going to change the world but if enough people do it, it can slowly usher in a society of better people that's nicer to live in. A society that sees the importance of I because of the strength of We.'

Cliona Feerick, Chairperson of the Diocesan Youth Council is thrilled that Cameron has agreed to speak at the Ballintubber event, 'The Ark story is a story of hope. The idealism of Cameron and his friends is truly inspiring and is a good news story worthy of hearing. As Christians we can make a difference to our world. I am convinced that Cameron's story will connect with and rekindle the idealism of young and old alike.'

The Candlelight Mass will be held in Ballintubber Abbey on the night of Friday June 18^th. It will start at 11pm and finish with a bonfire and barbeque. All are welcome. For more on the Ark movement see www.arkhq.com