As we enter week blah of self-isolation, panic brawling shoppers no longer clutter my feed. Instead images of communal goodwill, or #viralkindness, pop-in hourly, a welcome salve to the hardships facing many of us. Kicking-off in the UK, the #viralkindness campaign has spread globally and is giving those of us who’re four-walls bound a way to support the vulnerable members of our communities. It’s also a way to check-in on each other as we adapt to our new norm.
If you’re not already, here are a handful of ways to spread a little viral kindness. Remember to follow all health guidelines to ensure maximum kindness impact!
- Link-up locally
Local-led #viralkindness and #mystreetsupport groups are connecting neighbourhoods. Whether they’ve 23 or 2.3k members, they’re a virtual spot for locals to help locals in need – think supermarket runs for self-isolators and call rosters to check-in with neighbours on their own. Download your #mystreetsupport Starter pack or join your area’s #viralkindness group on Facebook – such as the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Northern Beaches and Central Coast Kindness Crew.
- Donate a care package
Each night more than 8000 Australians sleep rough, and at this time of crisis, there’s an increased emergency accomodation need for those escaping situations of abuse. Finding themselves in overcrowded, informal or with no housing at all makes these members of our community some of the most exposed right now. And although social-distancing restrictions have forced many charities to suspend their services, you can show your support by donating a care package with The Good Box. As well as giving essentials, like hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes, each box comes with a personal note of support from the donator.
- Adopta Healthcare Worker
Dividing members into ‘Adopters’ and ‘Adoptees’, Adopta Healthcare Worker Sydney is match-making busy healthcare workers with people in their community keen to help out. Adopters can walk pets, cook meals, or drop-off groceries. A friend recently spent her day putting up posters to find a local nurse’s missing cat while she was on shift.
- GoFundme
If you’re in the financial position to help, GoFundme pages are sourcing much needed cash for many who need it. Shout a meal for healthcare workers or support families in need through Western Sydney Mutual Aid.
- Go grassroots
We don’t need hashtags to help. Letter box drops are helping neighbours everywhere be neighbours. Download this card to put in letterboxes and push under doors, or start your own neighbourhood WhatsApp group. These past weeks I’ve connected more than ever with others in our unit block, pinging each other for toilet rolls, tools and moral support (A.K.A Tiger King memes).
Viral kindness this week
Some favourites from the past week.
Musicians are challenging each other to learn the Last Post in time for ANZAC Day so that neighbourhoods across the country can observe the day while observing self-isolation.
- #Rainbowsinwindows
Joining #goingonabearhunt are windows full of rainbows by kids (and kids at heart)
- Coffee for quarantine-rs
Cafés cheering on locals in quarantine with cheerful messages and pay-it-forward coffees.
Coming out of the US, it’s a daily dose of just ‘good news’ – like Matthew McConaughey hosting virtual bingo for his local nursing home or a student creating face masks to help deaf and hard of hearing people read medical staff’s facial cues. Clog your Insta feed with all the good feels.
Stay safe and look after each other!
TEDxSydney 2020 will take place on Friday 6 November 2020. Read more
