A RANDOM act of kindness has lifted the spirits of two Limestone Coast healthcare workers as the region’s sector ramps up its efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two anonymous members of the public each offered to buy a pair of shoes for a healthcare worker in need, providing a boost during a time when the profession needs as many boots on the ground as possible.
The donations were sparked by a public call to arms by Athlete’s Foot Mount Gambier store owner Paull Smith, who was eager to support the community during the period of uncertainty.
After appealing to the public on social media, Mr Smith said he was contacted in a matter of minutes with offers to donate shoes to those in need.
“I like to refer to them as angels of the region,” Mr Smith said, referring to healthcare workers.
“We definitely need to support each other during this time and I think something like this is exactly what people need to see.
“We need more acts of positive generosity during this scary time.”
Mr Smith said one pair of shoes was given to someone in desperate need who could not afford their own, while another was able to replace a cheap pair of shoes that had already started to wear after just three weeks of use.
“They saw the post and were reluctant to reach out, but it was great they did and that we were able to help.”
Mr Smith said his business offered the donors a 50pc discount on retail price for shoes being donated.
“Even before the virus outbreak, professionals were saying the most important thing people should look after is their mind and their feet,” he said.
“The healthcare workers are putting themselves on the line to help us all, they deserve any bit of help they can get.”
