Contagious kindness is taking over the Pembina Valley this month.

For the fourth year in a row, May is once again Pay it Forward month in Morden and Winkler

"It's all about random acts of kindness," Morden Area Foundation Executive Director Lynda MacLean says. "We're just trying to encourage people to look after people."

Both the Morden Area Foundation and the Winkler Community Foundation have teamed up to challenge residents to "pay it forward" all month long.

MacLean notes it's not necessarily about big gestures, but small acts.

"Every act of kindness adds up," she says. "It brings a friendly, loving atmosphere to our communities."

Suggest acts include helping a neighbour out with yardwork, visiting someone who could use some company, or sharing some baking.

"While we are blessed to live in such amazing communities and schools where so much kind-heartedness happens every day," Winkler Community Foundation Executive Director Myra Peters explains. "We hope that people will slow down just a little and recognize when someone does something nice for them. And then hopefully they will pay that thoughtfulness forward."

Anyone who takes part is encouraged to also pass on their stories to encourage others on social media using the hashtag #PIF17.

Touched by a random act of kindness this month? Share you story using the hashtag #PIF17