Father-Son Duo Spreads Kindness with Surprise Gifts in P.E.I.

A father-son team in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, has taken to the streets to spread kindness through unexpected gifts. Emile Gaudet and his nine-year-old son, John, have launched a movement called Give Bliss, where they surprise strangers with thoughtful presents. On December 1, 2024, holiday shoppers at Confederation Court Mall experienced this firsthand when the duo handed out gifts as part of their mission.

Since its inception in the summer of 2024, Give Bliss has garnered attention by delivering more than 400 surprise encounters in Charlottetown and during trips to cities like Toronto and Montreal. Emile explained their goal succinctly: “I just want the world to be happier,” John shared, reflecting the heart of their initiative.

Transforming Pain into Purpose

For Emile, the journey of Give Bliss stems from his personal battles with severe social anxiety, which began when he was around John’s age. He describes how this project has allowed him to transform past struggles into a source of motivation. “If you had asked me to do something like this six or seven years ago, you couldn’t have paid me $10 million,” he recalled with a laugh. “I had zero self-belief or self-esteem that I could accomplish anything.”

The foundation of the movement was laid about three years before they began filming their encounters regularly. During this reflective period, Emile immersed himself in philosophical content and contemplated the concept of mortality. “I think about how the number one regret of the dying is not living a life according to your beliefs and your behaviours,” he noted. “If I didn’t try, I knew I would regret it for the rest of my life.”

Now, Emile emphasizes that Give Bliss is as much about creating cherished memories with John as it is about brightening the days of strangers. He remarked, “It’s been really cool to see his progression. He was a little shy in the beginning as well.”

Building Confidence and Community

John, who has gained confidence through these interactions, expressed his desire to continue spreading kindness. “I’ve gotten way more better at speaking to strangers than I was in the past,” he stated. “I want to keep giving the gifts to people and to spread kindness.” Each gift includes a sweet treat, often chocolate-covered chips from Cow’s, accompanied by a handwritten note filled with words of encouragement.

The videos capturing their interactions reveal a range of reactions, from sheer delight to astonished surprise. One notable encounter involved Michael Baglole, who received a gift while walking home from work on Thanksgiving. “I really could use it that day,” Baglole said of the moment. “It’s that moment that someone recognizes you or just wants to talk to you for a minute.” This particular video has become their most viewed, accumulating over 1.2 million views on TikTok.

Beyond the initial surprises, the relationships formed through these acts of kindness have continued to flourish. Emile, John, and Baglole now consider each other friends, with plans to meet for lunch soon.

Emile believes that the true measure of success lies in these ongoing connections and the bond he shares with John. The pair hopes to expand Give Bliss beyond their local community, aiming to share their message of kindness and connection with people across the country and around the globe.