RapidStudio's #RAK15 small act of kindness - change a life
Steven Hook / 9 February 2015
RapidStudio's #RAK15: A Random Act of Kindness
When the RapidStudio team decided to participate in a random act of kindness, I was called on to join. Honestly, my mind wasn’t in the right place. I didn’t feel like putting myself out there, and I was comfortable in my little bubble at the office. But sometimes, stepping out of that comfort zone leads to truly life-changing experiences.
Visiting the Day Care Centre
One of our team members mentioned a day care centre for mentally and physically handicapped people. We decided it would be a wonderful idea to visit the facility and do a Paint By Shadow activity with the patients and staff. This would give each participant something to enjoy and be proud of.
When we arrived, I was taken aback. Instead of the well-established facility I had imagined, the centre was a small, hot, and stuffy two-room brick building with a modest tin roof. Of the usual fifteen patients, only five were present. We learned their families couldn’t afford the taxi fare after the holidays. Some patients were drawing with pencils, while others were knitting, embroidering, or simply lying on the floor.
Painting Outside
After introductions, we decided to paint outside in a shady spot. One patient in a wheelchair (with flat tires) painted with his one remaining hand. Julie, who makes the canvases, guided a blind man as he painted. He later told her, “I can feel the paint getting dry on the brush.” Although he couldn’t see the painting, he expressed joy at doing something meaningful.
Vincent mounted the completed art on the wall, running a power extension to a neighbor since the facility has no electricity or water. We later discovered that meals for fifteen people were cooked daily on a small paraffin stove placed on the floor.
What We Learned
This experience touched all of us. It highlighted how much these patients and volunteers rely on the kindness of their community. While the conditions are challenging, their spirit remains unbroken. We quickly dashed out to buy some snacks to supplement their lunch and brighten the day even more.
We’re already brainstorming ways to support this centre further. One of our plans includes creating a sign for the facility, and we’ve nominated Grafix Cnr for the task. We can’t wait to see what they create!
Join the Random Act of Kindness Movement
We challenge you, our community and customers, to give back with one random act of kindness. Together, we can make a difference. Learn more about the Random Act of Kindness campaign by contacting us today.
Let’s all spread a little kindness wherever we can!
