BARB Pank recalls being hugged in a shopping centre by a stranger.
But that’s the nature of what she and the group she’s involved with do – they offer people they don’t know their kindness.
“On that occasion we put $50 in a few envelopes and gave them out to people who we thought might benefit,” the Women Inspiring and Sharing Humour (WISH) member said.
“And yes, we’ve had some people cry, and others have given us a hug.
“It’s beautiful to be able to see the reaction on people’s faces when they receive something unexpected.”
One of the founding members of the group Ela Gibson said the random acts of kindness weren’t all about giving money.
On Mother’s Day for example, they’ll likely give out some flowers to mums.
And they’re always coming up with creative ideas to inspire their kindness and humour.
The group currently has five members. Before Covid, they had up to 30 members, and they’re on the lookout for people who are willing to meet once a month in a coffee shop.
“At our meetings, we ask members to make a donation to the kitty,” Ms Gibson said.
“We then work out how we’ll use the money. Whenever we do an act of kindness, it’s such a feel-good thing that we always want to do more.
“Sometimes we’ll get creative. We’ve paid for people’s groceries, for example.”
When asked what new members might get out of it, the group is quick to offer a reminder that they’re there for the giving, although there is huge satisfaction in being able to brighten up a stranger’s day.
“And we have our friendship and companionship,” Ms Gibson said.
“There’s lots of laughs along the way. You can just feel really good about doing what we do.”
The group has been operating for about 15 years, and they feel that with more members they’ll be able to do more within the community.
To join, Phone Ms Gibson on 0417 611 441.
