The Radnedge family gives back to Townsville with 30 Random Acts of Kindness

A Townsville family is doing their best to counter the negativity in the world by doing a kind deed on every day in November. See how they’re making a difference.

One day at a time, a Townsville family is leading a grassroots effort to push back against the negativity that they see in the world by doing good deeds throughout the community with their 30 Random Acts of Kindness project.

Every November for the past five years, the Trina Radnedge and her boys Jax, 11, and Jimmy, 9, have volunteered their time to spread kindness, recognise local legends, and fundraise for charity – with $2500 donated last year to Townsville Hospital and Health Service official charity Brighter Lives.

Whether its handing out vouchers, leaving scratchies on windscreens, handing out cold cups to school students, Zooper Doopers to people hiking Mount Louisa, or doughnuts to firefighters, the family is sharing an increasing number of donations from locals and businesses.

A property manager at Helen Munro Property, Mrs Radnedge wanted to teach Jax and Jimmy that “it’s cool to be kind” and the importance of the little things in life, like giving a nice surprise.

“It’s getting close to Christmas, and I know that people start stressing about funds and things like that, so that’s why we chose November, and because World Kindness Day is on November 13,” Mrs Radnedge said.

Jimmy, 9, and Jax, 11, Radnedge traditionally start November by leaving scratchies on the windscreens of parked cars. Picture: Supplied.

“We feel like sometimes people see what’s happening in the media with Townsville and the crime and things like that, so like to put a little bit of faith out there that there’s still kindness going around.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

She said they spent the three months leading up to November coming up with random ideas where they could do good, including gathering nominations for worthy recipients, with foster child supporting charity Hope in a Suitcase selected as their 2024 beneficiary.

Jimmy, 9, and Jax, 11, Radnedge delivered these goodies to footy coaches who volunteer and donate their time all year round, thanks to a donation from RGB Facilities Management. Picture: Supplied.

“A Touch of Salt donated a $100 restaurant voucher that we gave to local legends Kerry and Brian, who have been a part of The Pyjama Foundation for years, helping foster kids and taking them out for the day,” she said.

“A plumbing business donated $1500 so this Saturday, we’ll be heading to Woolworths and handing out 10 by $100 grocery vouchers. They also donated $200 worth of butcher vouchers, which we donated to a gentleman on Saturday.

Local legend Debbie Breen was nominated to receive an act of kindness after volunteering in the community and donating blood. Picture: Supplied.

Jax, 11, and Jimmy, 9, Radnedge headed to their local barber shop to pay for two haircuts to bring cost of living relief to two customers Picture: Supplied.

“People just love it. We went to a football carnival on Saturday, and everyone said they look out for our (social media) posts to give them a boost in the mornings … they said it makes their day, even though they’re not the one on the receiving end, but just love seeing what we’re spreading around Townsville.”

The Radnedge boys begin November by leaving scratchies on the windscreens of parked cars. Picture: Supplied.

Their kindness spreading efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, with Mrs Radnedge nominated for Townsville City Council’s Australian volunteer of the year in 2023.

To donate or follow the family’s efforts, visit: www.facebook.com/trina.morgan.925.

Originally published as The Radnedge family gives back to Townsville with 30 Random Acts of Kindness