Trinket project spreads kindness across the Pass

A Crowsnest Trinket Treasures box invites visitors to “leave a trinket, take a trinket,” encouraging simple acts of kindness and community connection. Created by University of Lethbridge students Hunter MacDonald and Megan Evans, the project encourages residents to explore Crowsnest Pass while sharing small treasures, positive notes and smiles with their neighbours. Submitted photo

A small kindness project started by two University of Lethbridge students is encouraging people in Crowsnest Pass to slow down, explore their community and share a little joy with their neighbours.

Crowsnest Trinket Treasures was created by Hunter MacDonald and Megan Evans after the pair came across a similar project in Lethbridge.

“They had a variety of them in Lethbridge, and we went on a scavenger hunt one day and interacted with all those,” said MacDonald. “I just kind of thought, you know, this is the kind of thing that we need in Crowsnest Pass.”

The idea is simple. Much like a little free library, people are invited to leave something behind and take something with them. Instead of books, the boxes are filled with small items such as stickers, positive notes, small drawings or other trinkets.

MacDonald said the goal is to keep the boxes positive and welcoming.

“Our big thing is we want people to put stuff in there that another person later is going to see, and that [will] bring a smile to their face,” he said.

He said people should avoid putting garbage, wrappers, divisive items or anything negative in the boxes. The project is meant to be a small source of encouragement, not a dumping spot.

So far, the community response has been strong. MacDonald said the box in Coleman has received plenty of positive attention, including posts on social media. The boxes are checked once or twice a week, but he said they have not had to fully restock them because people have been using them as intended.

“I think at this point now that people are interacting with them enough that there’s always things in there,” said MacDonald.

Evans said the project also encourages people to explore familiar places in a new way.

“It’s a great way to get people exploring their communities,” she said, adding the boxes can also draw attention to nearby businesses and community spaces.

One of the boxes is located outside Tuesdays Bookshop in Bellevue, near the sidewalk crossing standard outside the store. Lorraine Davis, owner of Tuesdays Bookshop, said MacDonald and Evans spoke with her about the idea in early May.

Davis said they discussed a couple of possible locations before the box was placed near the crossing. She said she loved the idea from the start.

“It brightens up the neighbourhood seeing people pop in items and take a little treasure,” said Davis. “We all need more joy and kindness, and the trinket box does just that.”

Davis said people regularly stop by the box, and the response she has heard has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Most say what a delight it is and whoever thought of it should be celebrated,” she said.

For Davis, the project fits naturally with the kind of community space Tuesdays Bookshop tries to be. She said she would like to see similar boxes appear throughout the Pass.

“It’s a small act of kindness and this world needs more of that,” she said.

Both MacDonald and Evans are University of Lethbridge students. Evans, who studies art history and museum studies, said her education has shaped the way she thinks about how people interact with visual culture, community and shared public spaces.

She said the project raises questions about what makes someone want to stop, open a box and take part in something small but meaningful.

The pair hope Crowsnest Trinket Treasures continues beyond the summer. MacDonald said they would like to see more boxes added over time and hope the project remains active year-round.

“We hope to see it continue long term,” he said. “It’s just a way to continually spread positivity that we hope to see continue into the future.”

Evans said the project can also become a way to celebrate Crowsnest Pass itself, including through locally inspired stickers, art and mountain-themed items.

“It’s honestly a great way to celebrate where we’re from too,” she said.

For people who want to support the project, MacDonald said the best thing to do is simple: visit the boxes, leave something, take something and help keep the spirit of the project alive.

He said the hope is that Crowsnest Trinket Treasures encourages people to walk around, learn more about their community and connect with others.

“What we want people to take out of this is just encouragement to explore your community, get to know your neighbours, walk around, share positivity with others,” said MacDonald.

Evans added the project is about noticing what is already close to home.

“Not only go outside of your community, but take a look at what’s inside too,” she said.

Davis said MacDonald and Evans deserve credit for choosing to focus on kindness at a time when negativity often gets more attention.

“Megan and Hunter are an inspiration,” she said. “Their thoughtfulness, generosity, and desire to brighten the lives of others is a powerful reminder that simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.”