Coronavirus: Australians join rest of the world in random acts of kindness
An Australian-based initiative promoting acts of kindness has helped Woolies workers as Hollywood stars and the rest of the world in self-isolation or lockdown are finding ways to show their generosity.
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An Australian-based initiative promoting acts of kindness is creating more generosity towards workers on the coronavirus frontline.
The #TheKindnessPandemic project was set by Dr Catherine Barrett, whose aim is to spread kindness for people working during the coronavirus pandemic or who are marginalised including the elderly and disabled.
She now has a Facebook Group with close to 70,000 members from around the world sharing acts of kindness.
The first campaign was inspired by reports of supermarket staff being verbally abused.
“Supermarket workers are going to work to help make sure we have the supplies we need – without them we will have no food,” she said.
“We need to be kind to supermarket workers and let them know that we appreciate what they are doing for us.
“The Random Acts of Kindness shared in supermarkets have been heartwarming.
“People have emailed or called their local supermarket to thank them.
“Those going to the supermarket have dropped off cards thanking staff, bought staff chocolates and some have posted notes around supermarkets reminding customers to be kind to staff.
Woolworths workers have received notes from shoppers thanking them for their hard work as part of the project.
Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said it is incredibly important that kindness prevails.
“It’s the simple things - say thank you, be polite and treat them with respect,” she said.
Australians are also taking to Good Karma Networks set up online across the nation with other heartwarming acts.
Members of the online communities are encouraged to ask for help, share resources and knowledge, and ultimately harvest the power of collective action.
Thousands of people have joined almost 40 of the networks which are set up around suburbs in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and SA. Australians can also set up their own local Good Karma Network.
As supermarket shelves are stripped bare, members of the North Melbourne Good Karma Network have been out in droves to lend a hand.
One member undergoing chemotherapy said she was unable to find any white bread or oats - two foods she could still eat comfortably, but were sold out everywhere as panic buying amid the virus crisis continues.
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It wasn’t long until members of the 3000-strong community swung into action.
“I have more bread and oats than any one person can consume now! Thank you everyone, you are all so kind,” the member wrote.
Some have offered to pick up goods and post mail for those who are self-isolating and the elderly, while others barter with toilet paper and dishwashing liquid.
Members even provide tip-offs when precious loo roll is spotted on supermarket shelves.
Amy Churchouse, the director of Good Karma Effect which is the overarching body of Good Karma Networks, said the online communities provided plenty of opportunity to ask for help and lend a hand.
“They are connecting people in compassionate ways so that people can ask for help. And they are asking for help for many reasons, all of which are being addressed by their communities,” Ms Churchouse said.
“We are strongly advising people to ask for help if they need it, not to panic and to take responsibility for the information they are consuming, the decisions they are making and the actions they are taking. To be kind, work together and solve problems.”
Ms Churchouse added people were “scared and feeling alone” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Good Karma Networks give us an opportunity to help each other be ok with whatever challenges we are facing, because we are all facing them together,” she said.
In Queensland, Brisbane double amputee Mike Flynn undertakes a 16km round trip on a tricycle to help buy and deliver groceries to his friend Pete Milne in Windsor.
In these very testing times, mateship has never been so important. Enter Mike Flynn, a double amputee who would do anything to make sure his best friend has everything he needs. https://t.co/dsMILxfNr4 @MacLyon7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/A1YkvFJQOU
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) March 18, 2020
Globally, personal trainer Gonzalo decided to run an exercise session from his apartment block which people joined from their balconies under lockdown in Spain.
Video shows the fitness fanatic coaching residents of his apartment block on their balconies, while he leads the class from the rooftop.
Hollywood star Naomi Watts has shared her online yoga and self-care tips, but Gal Gadot sparked controversy with her attempt to cheer up coronavirus isolationists with a star-studded cover of John Lennon’s song Imagine.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose “at home” videos, featuring his miniature horse Lulu and donkey, Whiskey, have brought many smiles to social media users.
Stay at home as much as possible. Listen to the experts, ignore the morons (foreheads). We will get through this together. pic.twitter.com/FRg41QehuB
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 16, 2020
The advent of the so-called “Wuhan-shake” – the new ways people in China are saying hello without using the now-worrisome handshake — have also spread online
Many Italians who refuse to let the growing virus affect them have been seen singing on their balconies.
As residents of Calgary, Canada, practiced social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus, one woman put up her Christmas lights to bring some cheer to her neighbours.
The trend of putting up Christmas lights amid could also be seen in US cities, such as Pittsburgh.
My Christmas lights are back on, cause this is what I need right now. ☘ï¸ðŸŽ„ pic.twitter.com/buOl0cTNDq
— Pam Swan (@prairieswan) March 18, 2020