Presence in Popular Culture
TKO first hit the news when the Richmond Informer ran an article on September the 5th entitled “A free guitar for teenager Lucas, no strings attached” which told the story of the trio giving away a red electric guitar to a speechless teenage boy.
Their notoriety rose considerably when a BBC news item exploring their adventures entitled ‘The Kindness Offensive Begins’ appeared seven times throughout the day on the BBC One’s London News on the 7th October 2008. On the same day they were interviewed on The Late Show with Jumoke Fashola on BBC London 94.9FM to talk about their work.
The BBC One London News ran another News item entitled 'Hampers at the Ready' following the 'vinspired Kindness Offensive' event on the 22nd of December 2008, which saw them hand out over thirty five tones of presents to the public at random as well as other charities and community groups. It generated huge media interest delving into their large, unusual and always inspiring events. Several articles have been written about the group, most notable of which was The Independent, who ran a double page article (pages 10 & 11) focusing on and exploring the kindness and inspiration of this group.
Liam Byrne MP of the Cabinet Office said in the Sunday Times 28 December 2008 of The Kindness Offensive,
"Few have better captured the new urge to give than The Kindness Offensive"
TKO were featured on the front page of the February 26th 2009 edition of the Hampstead & Highgate Express with an article appearing on page 4 entitled 'Flipping great pancake day'.
'The Everyday Kindness Awards' was covered by the BBC News with an item entitled, 'A pat on the back for kind Londoners', broadcast throughout the day on the 14th August.
On the 24th August 2009 The Sun newspaper ran a large article on page 14 with the headline, 'It's cool to be kind', which detailed TKO history and aims.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson, officially commended The Kindness Offensive stating,
"The Kindness Offensive project has brought immeasurable joy to many thousands of Londoners"
On Sunday 29 November The Sunday Times Style magazine ran an article with the headline 'The feel good factor' in which TKO exploits were reported along with social commentary from several influential people.
Read more about this topic: The Kindness Offensive
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