Esther Lauaki
Acts of kindness and generosity are shining through as the coronavirus health emergency brings out the best in the Wyndham community.
Offers to do shopping, run errands, share fresh produce in the event of supermarket shortages and check on the elderly during periods of isolation are flooding Wyndham Facebook groups
Point Cook’s Taala family are doing their bit for the community by establishing a “free cupboard” filled with essentials outside their home.
Father of five, with one on the way, Sam told Star Weekly he and the kids decided they wanted to give back to the community.
“With everything that’s been going on, we thought that we would do something to help,” Mr Taala said.
“Because we have a big family, every time we go shopping we always get a little bit extra … things like toilet paper, rice and flour.
“I’ve knocked on the neighbour’s doors and told them that if they need anything, the cupboard is available and if they would like to donate, then that’s all good too.
“People are donating into it and some and taking what they need from it.”
His wife Lilly said there was a valuable lesson in this for her children.
“We usually do something for the homeless … in this case, we try and find something to teach the children from every situation,” Mrs Taala said.
“The kids were excited to do the cupboard [initiative], they check on it and they feel a sense of responsibility to refill the cupboard so that others can have toiletries as well.”
In Werribee, teacher Jessica Rae was taken back by the kindness of her local pizza shop when she received a note with her order last week offering half price food to all pensioners.
“Please dont panic [about] food,” the note said.
“To all pensioners out there in this tough time … we will stand with you and make sure we all battle this together.
“Let’s spread positivity everywhere … at the end of the day, after every darkness there is sunlight.”
Ms Rae said she rang the store for clarification.
“I spoke to the manager Sanjay who assured me he wants to help the most vulnerable in the community and to extend that offer to those in need,” she said.
“It’s the kindness of others that holds the most value during the toughest times, a little goes a long way.”
