Brock University's fencing teams recently traded their swords for paintbrushes, bringing a little extra colour and kindness to Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre.
As part of a recent team-building activity, members of the Brock Badgers fencing program came together to paint a collection of colourful rocks for HDS's Kindness Rock Garden, an initiative that brings encouragement, creativity and positivity to patients, visitors and staff.
The activity was spearheaded by Brock student-athlete Emily Bonisteel, who visited HDS earlier this month to personally deliver the team's creations.
“We wanted to do something together as a team that would have a positive impact beyond our sport,” said Bonisteel. “Painting the rocks was a fun way for everyone to get creative, but knowing that our messages might brighten someone's day at Hotel Dieu Shaver made it that much more meaningful.”
A Garden That Keeps Growing
Launched in May 2024 by HDS Rehab Assistant Michelle Publicover, the Kindness Rock Garden began as a therapeutic activity for patients to express themselves through art while sharing messages of hope, resilience and encouragement.
Patients paint rocks with colourful designs and uplifting messages, which are then placed in the garden for others to enjoy or take home as a small reminder that someone is thinking of them.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a beloved initiative at HDS, with patients, staff, visitors and community members all contributing to its success.
In September 2025, the garden celebrated a major milestone: 1,000 rocks painted, representing countless moments of creativity, connection and kindness.
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Read more about the launch of HDS's Kindness Rock Garden in May 2024.
For the Brock fencing teams, contributing to the garden offered an opportunity to strengthen their own connections while making a difference in the community.
“Being part of a team is about supporting one another, and I think that same spirit carries over into this project,” added Bonisteel. “It's pretty special to think that something as simple as a painted rock could bring a smile to someone going through a difficult time.”
Spreading Kindness, One Rock at a Time
HDS is grateful to Emily and her fellow Brock student-athletes for taking the time to contribute to the Kindness Rock Garden.
Their creativity and generosity will be appreciated by the patients, families, staff and visitors who discover their colourful creations, whether they stop to admire a rock or take one home.
Interested in spreading a little kindness of your own?
HDS welcomes contributions from community organizations, sports teams, schools and other groups interested in supporting the Kindness Rock Garden.
To learn more about how your group can participate, please contact info@hoteldieushaver.org.
After all, a little kindness can go a long way — one rock at a time.
