'Happiness is inextricably linked with that of others'

TALKTIME: EOIN BUTLERtalks to Ronan Harrington, director of Acts of Random Kindness

You’re a non-profit company that manufactures underpants . . .

No, no . . . we are Ark. It stands for Acts of Random Kindness. Every time a customer wears something of ours, we ask them to perform one random act of kindness. We pay ourselves a wage, but any profits beyond that are invested in the company. Money we make further down the line will go into a charitable fund. It started out with T-shirts, but we’ve since branched out into underwear . . . for undercover kindness.

Where did the idea originate?

My business partner Cameron Stewart began importing clothes and selling them on eBay when he was 14. Four years later, in 2008, he had the idea of using clothing to promote his “Arking” lifestyle. Between blogs and word of mouth, it has grown into a massive movement or tribe on college campuses. We have 7,000 Facebook followers and each Friday we suggest acts of kindness for them to perform.

So, basically, every time I wear your underwear, I have to help an old lady cross the street?

No, it could be anything from giving up your seat on the bus to buying a homeless person lunch or even just making your friend a playlist. The idea is that every time you throw on an Ark T-shirt, you know you’re going to do something nice for someone. Obviously we won’t check up on you. But people really buy into the idea.

Tell us what’s happening in this photograph (pictured)?

Last month, to celebrate the launch of Ark underwear, a group of Trinity students walked into the Gorta charity shop on Liffey Street. They stripped down to their underwear and donated their clothes – much to the surprise of customers and staff. We’re trying to show that giving doesn’t have to be a serious, saintly pursuit. It can be fun and creative.

Did any passersby say, ‘Here’s an act of random kindness. Put some trousers on!’

Well, some people might have considered a bunch of pasty Irish guys cavorting around the city centre at lunchtime an unwanted intrusion. But by and large, it was well received.

Are people ever wary or suspicious when you try to do something nice for them?

Well, they say Irish people tend to be good givers but mean receivers. And there have certainly been times when I’ve tried to help someone with their shopping, say, and they’ve reacted as though I was trying to rob them. There is a certain cynicism out there. But as this movement grows, I think a lot of that will be dispelled.

On your website, you talk about a tribe of people living a different sort of lifestyle. A movement ‘defined and carried by the people who believe in it . . .’

Yes, the concept is to create a movement around the brand. Something people can believe in. So we’re talking about a group of people who are really loyal to the brand. It all comes from word of mouth, believing in the concept.

Not to labour the point . . . But these people would identify with each other on the basis of wearing the same underpants?

No, it’s not about wearing the same underpants. It’s about identifying a new way of life. People have been searching for new values and a new source of morality. . . Ark provides a new framework by which people can pursue a better way of life.

Building a happier society in which people are kinder to each other – that’s a pretty ambitious target for a young start-up . . .

Of course it’s ambitious. We want to make Ark a global brand and movement. But progress never comes from one idea, person or organisation alone. It comes from everyone realising that their happiness is inextricably linked with the happiness of others. They may come to that realisation through engaging with us, watching a documentary or just getting an education. If enough people do that, it’ll have its own impact.

If someone bought the T-shirt without reading the terms and conditions, would they still be obliged to perform acts of kindness every day?

Yes. Yes, you would!

Ark T-shirts and underwear retail from €9 at arkhq.com