Shelford Selfless Act Initiative

We have learnt that amid the fear, there is also community, support and hope.

One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness can prevail in uncertain times. People have come together to sing on balconies; groups offer support to the elderly or vulnerable in society and there is a greater awareness of the value of connection. Helping others is good for our mental health and wellbeing: it can help reduce stress and help cultivate happiness.

Acts of kindness

If you would like to carry out acts of kindness, try one of these. But don't forget to remain socially distanced, sanitise your hands and wear a mask when you’re out and about!

Brighten someone’s day with flowers: When you’re on your daily walk, deliver a little joy to someone through flowers. They don’t have to be store-bought, just a posy picked from your garden and left at the front gate of a stranger with a ‘have a nice day’ note will help put a smile on someone’s face.
Take in the bins: A small job for many of us can be a difficult chore for older neighbours or those living with illness or disability. So, when you bring in your rubbish bins, look out for a neighbour and pop theirs in, too. If you’re hosing out your own bins, you may want to give your neighbour’s bins a rinse. Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly before and after.
Run errands: Not everyone can get to the shops now. So, on your next trip to the supermarket offer to do the shopping or pick up medicine for a neighbour or friend. You could pick up a little something extra while you’re at the shops such as a small box of chocolates to surprise them when they unpack their groceries. Remember to keep your distance when dropping off the goods – or better still leave on the doorstep and make a quick call to let the recipient know it's there.
Pay it forward: If you’re out getting essentials and stop in at your local cafe to buy a take-away coffee, pay it forward and shout the next customer a brew. It's such a simple act but could just make someone's day.
Send a picture: Put a smile on a loved one's face by sending a piece of homemade art. With many people missing their families. This is a lovely way to show people you’re thinking about them.
Shout a meal: Give someone the gift of a night off cooking and shout them dinner. Whether it’s through a food delivery service such as Uber or Deliveroo, or through one of the myriad local restaurants or small businesses now doing takeaway or offering pre-ordered food hampers you are also supporting local business!
Be a good listener: You may not be able to see your family and friends and some could be struggling to deal with the current situation. Take the time to phone them, especially those who are alone, and really listen. Cheer them up by talking about topics they enjoy, recall shared memories to help them stay connected, and remind them they are not alone.
Send a card: Being in lockdown means we are missing birthdays, anniversaries and other celebratory events. Acknowledge import milestones in peoples’ lives by sending a card.
Give back: With many people doing it tough at the moment, donating to a cause you care about is a sure fire way to send those feel-good endorphins soaring. Many studies have shown the benefits of altruism. Whether it's a food delivery organisation, women's support service or other community foundation, there's never been a better time to give back to the community.
Help a disability initiative: The Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs group collects plastic bread tags for recycling. About 200 kilograms is enough to buy a wheelchair for a needy person in South Africa. About 100 tags fit into a normal envelope with a $1.10 stamp, so it doesn’t cost much to be kind.
Take part in the Shelford Winter Appeal: Prepare clothing or food donations for the Shelford Winter Appeal. More details in the Service Learning newsletter page.
Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them.
Make a cup of tea for someone you live with.
Help with a household chore at home.
Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call.
Arrange to have a video lunch with a friend or family member.
Tell someone you know that you are proud of them.
Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them.
Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up.
Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal.
Send an inspirational quote to a friend.

Spread the love

If you choose to take part in one of these selfless acts, snap a photo and post it to social media with the tag #shelfordactofkindness and email it to slewis@shelford.vic.edu.au.

Simone Lewis

Service Learning Coordinator