Never quit. Never give up.

As I finished a shift as a tour guide Sunday, a smiling woman approached me near the entrance to the State Park where the proselytizers usually set up.

“Would you like a bracelet,” she said.

She held out a rubber band with the message “never give up” “never quit.”

She pointed from the area just inside the park at a van parked in the distance.

It was filled with stickers, shirts, hope and love.

Sharon Johnson is the founder, with love in her heart. Her organization is a 501(c3) focused on spreading hope in place like Niagara Falls where suicide prevention might make a difference.

She’s based in Cleveland but said she found willing support in State Parks who let her park on Prospect Street.

The message is suicide prevention. One random act of kindness, one butterfly sticker, one hug or smile can make a difference. Johnson and her volunteers have the privilege of traveling from Ohio to spread their message.

On a serious note, Johnson said she’s been told there are roughly 30 suicides a year in Niagara Falls. State Parks doesn’t release any details for fear the number might increase.

It was refreshing to sense someone leading with love, not preaching or judging or trying to push a message.

It was born of her life experience when she was down and someone offered a random act of kindness and has grown to a powerful force.

She will likely talk about Jesus if you ask, but the primary message is hope and love. I pointed her toward a Reddy Bike and she was enthusiastic but on Monday, she and her travel partner instead rented scooters from Gaelen Baillie’s Sight See Rentals and Tours kiosk.

They were still filled with joy and sharing love. You can find out more at www.nevergiveupneverquit.org