“Getting assistance from a community group, centre or core team of individuals, which once was quite commonplace within local neighbourhoods and locations, has now become difficult, in some places, impossible - and has been further exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions.
However, one community collective has managed to turn to online approaches to engagement, with quite rapid success; especially within the multicultural community of Melbourne, which has been hardest hit with extended lockdowns, curfews, and even door-to-door testings.
The Kindness Project has transformed from a closed Facebook group to a network of almost 1000 volunteers who have been able to show random acts of kindness by taking them from the streets to the homes of the most vulnerable. Grocery runs, care packages, and homemade masks have been delivered to people’s doors; while others have chipped in anonymously to cover renter’s bills, provide job leads and references, and even donate to those starting their own businesses during the pandemic.
However, the project has paid close attention to the needs of not just the individual, but the wider issues affecting a large proportion of the education population: international students. With thousands stranded in student accommodation, unable to study, and forced to rely on substandard support systems, The Kindness Project has been able to help using a unique approach. Utilising their online platform, they have been able to offer online mentorship opportunities, matching skilled professionals and business owners to students in need of job assistance, upskilling opportunities, and also to offer advice as they transition to meet new market demands.
Taking random acts of kindness and funnelling community efforts into long-term change has become the driving force behind The Kindness Project; and their continued expansion is testament to their impact within the neighbourhood, and beyond.”
