Linden Shelford  gives Mayor Lyn Hall a high five – photo250News

Prince George, B.C. – Meet  Linden Shelford.

Just 5 years old , he has been on a giving journey this December,  and it has  prompted a wave of positive reaction.He has been doing a reverse advent calendar.  Instead of  getting a treat each day,  he has been giving something  to others  each day.   The  daily  acts of kindness have not  gone unnoticed.

This afternoon,   Prince George Mayor  presented a special “Spirit of Christmas Award” to  Linden.  And while the Mayor  extolled the praises about  such a young man  doing  something so special, Linden was  doing what many 5 year olds  like to do,  spinning around in circles  until he got so dizzy he plopped down on the floor.

The thank yous didn’t end  with the Mayor,  MLA  Shirley Bond  stepped up to present  a special, framed  note from the Premier  which reads: “Congratulations Linden for taking on the challenge of doing a random act of kindness every day leading up to Christmas Day.  I am sure this has been a great experience for you.  You are a true example of what the spirit of Christmas is all about!”

Minister Bond had more,  as she passed over to Linden notice that a  special  plaque,  engraved with his name, will be placed on the new Novak  Legacy wall in the Civic Centre.  She also presented him with a plush Nanguz.

Then it was Superintendent Warren Brown’s  turn.  His detachment  had been an early recipient on  Linden’s  list,   receiving a tray full of jelly beans ” I would like you and your parents to come to my police station and I will give you a personal  tour” said Supt. Brown to  Linden .

(At right,  Linden and his mother surrounded by Mayor Hall, Superintendent Brown and  Shirley Bond)-

Linden is the one getting all the attention but  the idea came from his mother, Tania Kroot  “I wanted to teach him about giving.  I’m  currently not working  so I had the time and it was something we could do together.” But then social media got wind of  their actions,  and she says the donations of  items to give away started pouring in  “It blasted off”.

As for what Linden  would like for Christmas?

“Spiderman train,  Spiderman lego” was the instant reply.

Interesting that  someone so small  who has done so much in 22 days, thinks a superhero  comes in a mask and  special  costume.