On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Compassionate York Region took part in Culture Days at the Central Library. 

We were among weavers, potters, knitters, and origami artists—groups that more visibly embody “culture.” Yet we felt strongly that compassion, too, is part of our shared culture. And that day, we had the joy of inviting the community to join us in expressing it. 

Our activity was simple but powerful: people painted messages and symbols of peace on rocks. Peace Rocks!—with an emphasis on “rocks.” 

The timing was intentional. The very next day, September 21, marked the International Day of Peace. I confess, I had hoped Compassionate York Region could have done more to mark the occasion. In truth, I wish the world could do more. Too often, it seems the conversation is dominated by war. 

But hope has a way of showing up unexpectedly. 

At first, I shared my own sample rock.

Soon, though, I was outdone—children and adults eagerly took up the paintbrushes, decorating their rocks with creativity and care. 

Richmond Hill is beautifully diverse, and that richness was reflected in our Peace Rocks. I overheard messages being painted in Farsi, Russian, Spanish, French, Mandarin… each one proclaiming the same truth: we all long for peace. 

These rocks will now sit on desks, brighten gardens and balconies, and appear along trails across Richmond Hill. Each one is a quiet reminder, a small but steady declaration of compassion and peace. 

We’ve begun spreading peace, one rock at a time. And I hope we never stop. 

Here are more of our creations: