Spontaneous applause breaks out for random acts of kindness

Year-four pupils from Whytemead Primary School decided to spread some happiness around the area and gave out treats to people on the streets.

Deputy head teacher Clare Mavin said: “The response from our local community was so wonderful. We just wanted to do something positive for a change and it worked so well.”

Two of the mums, Mrs Haydon and Mrs Bagley, made a huge batch of cupcakes and the children made lovely tags and messages for each one.

The children also wrapped individual flower stems with a special message they had written.

Mrs Mavin added: “We set off to Broadwater high street to give out our treats.

“The response was overwhelming. We brought a smile to so many people’s faces. Customers in Starbucks even erupted into a spontaneous round of applause.

“Our random acts spread like a happy ripple through the community, encouraging people to make each other cups of tea for their own random acts and the ladies in the post office gave us money, which we then donated to St Barnabas.”

The children were thrilled at the response and loved the feeling they got from being kind to others, saying things like: “It feels better to give these things away than getting presents.”

The school, in Dominion Road, received phone calls, letters and cards to say thank you, including one from a 90-year-old woman who said it was a lovely surprise.

Mrs Bamber wrote: “I would like to pass on my personal thanks and delight to you, your staff and the children of your school for the wonderful rays of sunshine they spread around Broadwater.

“As I sat in the coffee shop with a friend, I was nearly in tears as they presented an elderly couple with a beautiful rose and touching, handmade card.

“The customers and servers present erupted in applause; it was just so lovely to witness young people passing on such a special blessing of goodwill and love, and not looking for anything in return.

“The sunny feeling continued as we saw the children going up and down the main shopping street and finally returning to us, to bless us with a delicious cupcake and handwritten tag.

“Furthermore, when chatting to the ladies in the Post Office a little later on, they were thrilled to have been blessed in the same way and were subsequently inspired to carry out their own acts of random kindness (such as making the tea for their colleagues).

“I’m sure the ripple effect from such a super idea will continue beyond expectations and I pray it will catch on among other schools and communities.

“It has certainly been a talking point in our family as we all enjoyed a bite of the scrumptious cake! Many, many thanks once again to all involved and God bless you for being such a blessing to others.”

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