Random acts of kindness

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This article was published 19/12/2015 (3651 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Unexpected help for the holidays

I was grocery shopping at the Giant Tiger in Southdale when a lady approached me and asked if I was living alone. I told her I was a university student living in an apartment.

She then slipped a $10 bill into my hand and told me to use it for groceries during the holiday season. I was stunned at her generous offer.

I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart and that I will certainly do my best to pay it forward.

— Hannah Ellis

Police officer prevented tragedy

WHILE enjoying a bowl of soup at Stella’s on Portage Avenue on Dec. 12, I noticed a police car on Memorial Boulevard suddenly stop in the middle of the street and activate its emergency lights.

Squinting past the bright lights, I saw why the officer stopped his car. A visually impaired, elderly woman with a cane was attempting to cross the road. She had wandered off the main crosswalk and was virtually invisible to drivers, in imminent danger of being hit by any passing car.

It all seemed like a moment from a Frank Capra film. The officer walked the woman, arm in arm like old dear friends, safely across the street. He didn’t rush her, and she walked with a relaxed smile, probably thinking for the first time that evening she was completely safe and secure.

Even the facial expression of the officer spoke volumes — you would have thought he was chaperoning his own dear grandmother.

Some people would say this officer was only doing his job, so there is no reason to acknowledge his actions, but had you been there and seen this unfold in front of you, you would have to agree this officer stepped out of his car to assist because he sincerely wanted to, not merely because it fell under his job description.

In an instant, he became a modern-day George Bailey. Had he not been there, I have no doubt this poor woman would have been run down. Had he not been there, a heartbreaking tragedy was inevitable.

If this officer ever wondered if he’s making a difference, this was proof his contributions are positive and profound.

I will never forget what I witnessed that evening. It will inspire me to contribute even more to my community. No detail is unimportant, no person below the threshold of being worthy of a helping hand.

As that officer made his way back to his car, he flashed a smile and a generous wave of his hand to the cars approaching behind him — a spontaneous gesture that communicated the sentiment of greeting old friends.

Job well done, “Officer George Bailey.” Job well done.

It’s a wonderful life after all, isn’t it?

— Jefferson Bishop (East St. Paul)

Very pleased with poinsettia

ON the morning of Sunday, Nov. 29, I was shopping at the Real Canadian Superstore at 550 Kenaston Blvd.

As I was paying, there was a lady ahead of me who purchased enough groceries to receive a free poinsettia plant. She turned to me and asked if I would like to have it.

I was quite surprised, and then she said they can’t have poinsettias in their home. The cashier went and picked one out, and it was the largest, most gorgeous poinsettia I have every seen.

The lady’s name is Gabriella. She didn’t know I love anything with poinsettias on it. Our Christmas dining room table has a tablecloth full of poinsettias in the design, and we have a fibre-optic poinsettia on our server. I also use poinsettia napkins and plates at Christmastime.

Gabriella, thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me this poinsettia plant.

— Betty Somers

Grateful for thoughtful gift

AS a member of the Salvation Army, I often stand beside a kettle during the Christmas season, collecting cash donations for people who might otherwise have a less-than-happy Christmas.

On Dec. 9, I was at Polo Park when a staff person from the Rocky Mountain Soap Company approached me. She offered me a personal gift from her and insisted I use it.

When I asked why, she said she thinks that all too often, we are not seen and appreciated doing this charity work.

I would like to say thanks again for this kindness.

And Merry Christmas to everyone!

— Shirley Watkinson

Share your random acts of kindness by emailing kindness@freepress.mb.ca.