My hope is that we develop enough courage to develop courage. To try to have, try to learn to treat each other fairly, with generosity and kindness. – Maya Angelou

These days, the world around us can seem overwhelming. It’s easy to feel helpless when faced with a seemingly never-ending bad news cycle, but the truth is, we all have the power to make things just a little bit better. How? It’s simple. Just be kind.

17th February 2023 marks Random Acts of Kindness Day, so why not take the opportunity to spread a little kindness and see what an incredible difference it makes? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Be Kind To Yourself

It might not come easily to some, but the importance of being kind to yourself can’t be underestimated. Not only will it help improve your self-worth, it will also help you to a foster a more positive mindset, meaning you’ll find it easier to be kind to those around you – win-win! So eat well, rest up and treat yourself to a little something that puts a smile on your face. Go on – you deserve it.

The Buddy Box is filled with items to help put a smile on the face of a child undergoing cancer treatment.

2. Be Kind To A Child With Cancer

Every year, between 700 to 800 children are diagnosed with cancer in Australia. Heartbreakingly, it is the leading cause of disease-related death for those aged 1-14 years. Cancer doesn’t just impact the child, it impacts the entire family, leaving loved ones feeling helpless, confused and alone. So this Random Acts of Kindness Day, why not show them you care by purchasing a Buddy Box, filled with items to help put a smile on the face of a child undergoing cancer treatment. Children like Alex, Riley and Molly, who were all cheered up by the delivery of a Buddy Box whilst receiving cancer treatment.

3. Be Kind To Future Generations

February is National Cancer Prevention month, and with cancer as the leading cause of death worldwide, it’s crucial that we all take steps to stay healthy. A balanced diet, staying sun safe, avoiding tobacco and lowering alcohol consumption are all great ways to lower our risk of developing the disease, but this Random Act of Kindness Day, why not invest in a future where cancer no longer poses a threat by donating to research? Cure Cancer is currently funding 13 exceptional scientists, all of whom are fearless in their commitment to finding a cure through ground-breaking research and innovative ideas.

4. Be Kind To A Stranger

It doesn’t take much to change the course of someone’s day. In fact, a small and unexpected gesture from a stranger can have a long lasting impact on both the giver and receiver, helping to lower daily stress levels and improve our sense of connectivity. So this Random Act of Kindness Day, why not set Kindness as your intention? Hold the door open for a stranger, give someone you don’t know a compliment, buy the person in the queue behind you a coffee or donate a Comfort Pack to a cancer patient. We will pack and deliver the Comfort Pack, filled with items to support someone receiving treatment, to a Ramsay Health Care cancer patient on your behalf. 

The Comfort Pack was created to offer patients a moment of physical and emotional comfort as they undergo cancer treatment.

5. Be Kind To Your Mind

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, particularly for cancer patients and their family members. If you’re currently going through cancer, make sure you tap into a support network that can help to bolster your mental health. Try talking things through with someone who isn’t a family member, or even ask your medical team to put you in touch with a specialist support group. If you know someone who has cancer, why not offer to do their grocery shopping, cook dinner or pick up their kids from school? Easing the mental load of a cancer patient can go a long way, and will help them feel loved, supported and seen.

6. Be Kind To Those Who Need It Most

Want to make meaningful change with your small change? Well, Change 4 Change does just that! It rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar, then donate the excess to a cause that’s important to you. The automated donation platform transfers $10 to your selected charity every time it’s accumulated, and all donations are tax deductible. Sign up today at change4change.com.au - and don’t forget to select Cure Cancer as your chosen charity!