To make the world a better place – that’s what the organisers of Random Acts of Kindness Week have fixed as their goal. The event is an invitation to join together to carry out good deeds.

The recession may have left a chill in the air, but a group of students are trying to convince the public it doesn’t cost anything to be kind.

‘Operation Kindness’ participants have recruited volunteers on the streets of Moscow to take part in a random act of kindness. People were asked to go to an orphanage to bring some love and care to the kids, just playing games, reading books, singing songs with them and doing all sorts of things that can make children smile.

“We’re not asking people to give money, just their time,” explained organiser Julia Zymova. “We’re encouraging people to come with us to an orphanage and show some kindness towards the little children.”

But how kind-hearted are Muscovites? Maybe some are not so charitable, but dozens of people appear to have their heart in the right place as they agree to fill this orphanage with kindness and happiness for the day.

“We’re doing this to spread some happiness,” said Julia Mikhalchik, a volunteer. “If there’s the slightest chance to make a child’s life happier I feel I must do it, and it shouldn’t just take a special day to make an act of kindness.”

And the children are reaping the benefits. According to a Russian proverb, “a kind word is like a spring day”, so it’s with the kindness of several that spring has come early for the orphans.