Random acts of kindness spreading joy in community

A simple gift of a bundle of goodies is spreading cheer around the Narrabri community.

Random acts of kindness, as the initiative is called, is popping up throughout the town and on social media.

Community Kids initiated the first bundles in July, presenting them to the hospital’s maternity ward, police in Narrabri and Wee Waa, a veterinary clinic and a gym.

The latest movements saw McKechnie Bros present a gift to Mitre 10. Mitre 10 then surprised MJ’s Newsagency with a package.

Community Kids centre manager, Kelly Herden, said they were glad to see the initiative spread happiness around the community.

The centre is now tracking the packages’ progression as they appear on social media.

“It is such a beautiful thing,” Mrs Herden said.

“It is a town where everyone looks after each other.  It just goes to show what our community is about.”

She said the reach of the initiative went beyond what they had expected.

“We thought it might just go on one or two times,” she said.

“It is really interesting to see who it passes through.

“We just wanted to spread some joy and happiness in the community.

“Some businesses have said it has really brightened their day.”

MJ’s Newsagency owner Mel Richardson is pictured with the package her business would present to neighbouring Maitland Street trader Lisa Dee’s Boutique. MJ’s Newsagency owner Mel Richardson is pictured with the package her business would present to neighbouring Maitland Street trader Lisa Dee’s Boutique.

Phoebe Stanford accepted the hospital's maternity ward’s bundle from Community Kids’ Tina Hardy. Phoebe Stanford accepted the hospital's maternity ward’s bundle from Community Kids’ Tina Hardy.

Megan Cameron (Phoenix two390 Gym) with Nate Cameron, holds her package. Megan Cameron (Phoenix two390 Gym) with Nate Cameron, holds her package.

Kelly Herden, from Community Kids, Barb Cameron with Neo the cat, from Narrabri Vet Clinic, and Tegan Mahar, from Community Kids. Kelly Herden, from Community Kids, Barb Cameron with Neo the cat, from Narrabri Vet Clinic, and Tegan Mahar, from Community Kids.

Senior Constable Ben Stride, Tegan Bourke with Hartley O’Brien, Sam Astill and Constable John Stuart with Ronan Cooper. Community Kids was excited to present a package to Narrabri and Wee Waa police. Senior Constable Ben Stride, Tegan Bourke with Hartley O’Brien, Sam Astill and Constable John Stuart with Ronan Cooper. Community Kids was excited to present a package to Narrabri and Wee Waa police.

Maitland Street business MJ’s Newsagency was the latest recipient of an act of kindness. Business owner Mel Richardson was surprised to receive her goodies and said it made her day.

She said with all of the challenges businesses had faced this year, it was nice to have something to make people feel positive.

“When you receive something like this, it is nice to have some positivity,” she said. “It’s a fantastic idea.”

She will now continue spreading cheer and prepared a gift to present to neighbouring Maitland Street trader Lisa Dee’s Boutique.

“It is nice for us to pass it on to someone else, to help boost their spirits,” she said.