Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Tip of the hat to Buffalo!
The City of Good Neighbors gets another honor as Reader's Digest declares Buffalo America's Nicest City. The magazine cited efforts during the Christmas blizzard by residents to help others get in from the cold and blinding snow.
Craig Elston's compelling story was cited in the magazine article. Elston recalls being stranded in his C&C Cuts barber shop on Fillmore when he realized he should allow others stranded to come in. "I thought it was the right thing to do to help people," Elston tells WBEN, who noted a number of people came in, and made a viral video on social media to alert that his shop was a safe zone. Eventually 30 to 40 people spent time in his shop.
Elston says he was shocked when he heard of the Reader's Digest article, but even more when he learned he was in the spotlight. "I was more so shocked that my story was the cover story. It was very humbling, and shocking that my story touched on many people across the world," says Elston.
Elston tells today's youth to have humility. "Just being able to know that if somebody needs you, or needs your help or assistance, that you're willing to give them that assistance, and it becomes second nature, it shouldn't be forced," advises Elston.
Krista LIpczynski of Kindness Buffalo says everybody always looks out for everybody and is willing to lend a helping hand wherever it's needed. "Everybody that I know has been down on her luck at some point, and it means a lot to have somebody reach out and help us. Somebody volunteers to help somebody, drop a meal off if you're having a rough time," explains LIpczynski.
Her Facebook group, Kindness Buffalo, started when one of her friends was diagnosed with leukemia. "That started the outreach of support that she got and started this whole movement. So we did different food drives, things like that. We went and took gift cards to Roswell patients, family members in the waiting room, drop toiletries off and different supplies to Child Services," says Lipczynski.
Patrick Kaler of Visit Buffalo Niagara admits when he first came here, he was skeptical the warm welcome he received was genuine. "I quickly learned that it is truly genuine and authentic. Buffalonians really are very nice, warm people, very welcoming," says Kaler. He tells his own story when he speaks to people or bringing in groups.
Kaler is thrilled to get the national attention not just from Reader's Digest, but from the Today Show and others. "It gets the attention, meeting planners, sports rights holders, and just leisure visitors in general. It's a great place for people to visit, as well as live, that it's safe, and we've got a great quality of life. And on top of it, people are just so welcoming," adds Kaler.
The magazine also mentioned Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest in January, and how the community rushed to his aid.