Kindness is powerful and contagious. That’s the message being spread throughout the Western Slope community by Captain Kindness and Lady Kindness. 

Behind the red masks and silk capes are Jim and Roni Hale, both 71, who laugh at what they’ve been called to do at this point in their life but are overjoyed by the response.

“I believe we were called by God to spread kindness,” said Roni. “There’s so much anger, division and lack of respect for each other. God wants unity, and people who know God have the ability to bring His love into a situation and [share] it.”

Jim began wrestling with how to bring unity to Mesa County about seven years ago. Inspired by a town in Canada which was renewed by the Captain Kindness concept, he liked the idea but never saw himself in the role.

“Jim told me about it, and I said, ‘Why not you?’ That same day, I started making his costume!” Roni recalled. “At first, I supported him behind the scenes. I made the costume and sent him out the door. Now I have a costume, as do three of my miniature Aussies that I’m training to be Kindness Critters.”

Their mission aligns with the Mesa County Kindness Initiative, which strives to make Mesa County the “kindest county in Colorado.” The initiative emphasizes that kindness is more than just being nice—it’s generosity and compassion, freely given without expecting praise or reward.

Captain and Lady Kindness, along with other kindness superheroes, often make appearances at farmers markets, service clubs and anywhere kids are likely to be. Jim says he’s seen the moment people—young and old—realize how much kindness matters.

“It’s hilarious how kids live in a Marvel universe and expect me to fly away,” said Jim. 

Jim believes that while everyone has the hunger for kindness, not everyone finds it easy.

“I’m finding that if people don’t know the Lord, it’s a lot harder to be kind,” he said. “It’s not about just being kind to people you agree with.”

At a Juneteenth event in Lincoln Park a few years ago, Jim encountered a woman who was caught up in messages of pain. As Captain Kindness, he approached her and began talking about kindness. Her outlook shifted. She began to focus less on the pain of the past and more on the kind of community she hoped to create for her grandchildren.

“To spread the message of kindness in a fun, non-threatening way—that’s just like God,” said Roni. “God’s a genius and knows how to do stuff. Everyone has the superpower of kindness to bring people together—let’s use it!”

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