The random act of kindness that said it all

The Editor,

A very uplifting experience came my way recently, and I wish to share this with your readers.

I had finished feeding sheep on my property and was heading back to the Homestead adjacent to the Castlereagh highway, when a car drove slowly by and then deliberately steered off the road and parked next to my boundary fence.

The driver flashed his headlights to beckon me over and I pulled up to find out what he needed.

It turned out that he wished to help me and, after an introduction, he asked do I have any children still at school.

My reply was “no”, as they have all grown up.

He then proceeded to withdraw from his wallet $100 as a donation to a farmer suffering in the drought.

At first I said that he didn’t have to do this, but he insisted, and graciously I accepted and thanked him sincerely for his help.

It was a very special moment that will never be forgotten, as the repetitive act of feeding sheep with a grain to maintain their survival can be both tiresome and, at times, it seems as though it will never end.

He went on to tell me that his business in Dubbo had thrived over the years (he is now in his 90s) and at times he had given large amounts to groups for various reasons. He made the comment that he didn’t like to give money to charity because they tend to keep half of it and so his plan was to drive around the district roads and, when he came across a farm, he would call in.

Had I had children still at school, he would have offered me more.

He is a beautiful man, to be driving around our country roads and caring for his fellow countrymen in any way that he can.

I spent the $100 on dinner at our local club and so the reward shared goes far beyond the dollar value.

The spirit of kindness, of caring for those in need and of listening to the call, not from us but from an entire state suffering from a drought affecting all of NSW, has been echoed by his gift.

May God’s blessing be with him and may you the reader to be aware that we’re not alone.

It is a very rewarding to know that there are people listening.

Max Mudford Gilgandra The Editor,

Sending a message of thanks for the photos and news articles in Dubbo Photo News from Orana Physical Culture.

Our members, and especially our younger members and their families, wish to express their gratitude that you have generously supplied space in your publication.

Margaret Lynch

Orana Physical Culture