‘I love doing it,’ says Ryan Cwick

Spreading kindness through the ‘Venmo Challenge’

Ryan Cwick says the “power of social media” helped him discover the “Venmo Challenge,” named after the popular mobile payment service. The challenge calls for cash donations to help those in need.

He says he uses funds received from people all over the country to give personal hygiene and other necessity items to others.

“I watched a lady that was doing this last year during the pandemic and as soon as I saw it, it immediately connected with me,” he said.

He says his mission is to spread kindness. The reward, he says, is priceless.

“The joy that you get when you see someone smile and you’re the one that did that is all you really need in this world,” he said.

In a communitywide effort, he distributes donated items to families and nonprofit organizations. He says several people have reached out to give and receive support.

“Everyone Venmo’s you 50 cents, a dollar, whatever they can. And basically, what they do is once they Venmo it to me, then I send it over and give it to someone who’s having a rough time,” he said.

He adds that kindness is free, and anyone can do it.

“Just the response of people wanting to do more for others is what’s truly inspiring out of it,” he said.
“Throughout life, we get knocked down and go through some hard times. Sometimes a little act of kindness can push you to the next level,” he explained.

The following and support have grown enough for him to make the challenge a year-round event. In just over a year of getting started, he has helped about 25 people and raised more than $20,000.

“Kindness is free,” he said. “It really comes down to being willing to do something for someone else.”

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