Let us know about the simple acts of kindness

‘I learnt many years ago you had to ration’

As we all face our second weekend in lockdown, The Timaru Herald is launching a new series celebrating random acts of kindness across the community.

We’ve already reported on some of those in recent days and we want to continue to do so over the coming weeks.

We may have been locked down, but we still have the ability to show care and compassion to those around us. An act of kindness might seem simple, but it often means a lot to those on the receiving end.

Do you know of someone who has been delivering groceries to those who can’t get out at all?

Has your neighbourhood got a system going to call those who may have no-one else to help them out?

Do you know of an unsung hero who deserves some recognition?

Anything kind, let us know via phone 03 687 1350 or email: editor@timaruherald.co.nz.

As is often the case, some of those who are in need are reluctant to speak out and offering to help can be the prompt they need to accept some assistance.

We are launching the series with the kind gesture of our very own news team, who chipped in and organised a delivery of grocery staples to former Timaru Herald general manager, long-time Timaru District councillor and former mayor Ray Bennett earlier this week.

He has been at home since the Government introduced guidelines advising those over 70 to stay home, and said he had been prepared to ration his supplies.

‘‘I learnt many many years ago that you had to ration things out to make sure you have enough to keep going,’’ Bennett said.

‘‘During the war there were coupons, there was rationing, I might have one biscuit instead of two or something.’’

He said he had been keeping an eye on his supplies but was delighted to have his stock replenished.

‘‘I was running short of bread so the Timaru Herald came in at the right time with some bread, and I must say the sausages were quite delightful, absolutely delightful,’’ he said.

‘‘It was jolly decent, it came out of the blue, quite unexpected and much appreciated.’’

Bennett said it is important to remember the lockdown is for our own good, we need to use common sense, and we need to look out for each other and be kind.

‘‘I have a ringing list of eight or nine people I ring every day and inquire how they are getting on, and one or two people ring me as well,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ve got to stay in touch with everybody, that’s the important thing, those people on their own especially.’’

There is little doubt there will be many, many more similar stories in your community and we want to share them.

Former Timaru mayor and long-time councillor Ray Bennett was delighted to have his food stocks replenished by Herald staff. He was running short of bread at the time.

The letter from the Herald staff to Ray Bennett, which said: Just a few things to keep you going during the lockdown. Please let us know if you need anything else. Kind regards, your friends at The Timaru Herald.