An act of kindness
Christmas is a time of giving and helping others and it is not only good for them and a good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too.
Giving and showing an act of kindness connects us to others and creates a stronger community.
We have all heard inspiring stories where a complete stranger does something to help someone else out.
Often times we only hear about the grand gestures, but it’s usually the small acts of kindness that can change someone’s day.
Think back to the last time a stranger gave you a compliment or even just held the door for you – an act of kindness.
There are so many people in Springs, including business owners, who give more than what society expects from them, all the time and not just over Christmas.
Ina MacDonald from Operation Snowdrop has been helping needy families for the past 11 years.
Then there is Sanette Joubert, a familiar face in Geduld, who has been feeding families on a regular basis in Butler Park.
Rotary clubs go out of their way to support the community, foster homes and those in need.
Even sport and biker clubs do their monthly or annual ‘day jols’ to raise money for underprivileged children.
Let us not forget about our local SPCA as well as Springs and KwaThema Child Welfare Society, who is always in need of funding.
Wilma Pretorius from Paul Krugersoord decided a few years ago she would start to make senior citizens happy over the festive season.
On her own, she crochets knee blankets, make up small toiletry parcels and bake biscuits to sell to brighten up the forgotten senior citizens.
“Often times that kindness can change your outlook for the day or even become contagious so that you want to pay it forward,” she says.
She believes she is blessed to be a blessing.
But it’s not all about money. We can also give our time to others, especially over the Christmas period.
Try to discover interesting, new ways to interact with people.
Maybe leave a positive sticky note on someone’s desk or give someone a book you think they’d like.
There are so many ways to show an act of kindness.
Hope is always to grow in generosity day by day whether it’s through our finances or time.
