Sowing seeds of kindness
Published in The Australian Jewish News
April 1, 2020
It all began with a kind handwritten note and a roll of much coveted toilet paper.
When Veronica Sherman had recently moved into a new home in the Melbourne suburb of Reservoir, she openly admired the flourishing tomato plants belonging to an elderly Italian neighbour a few doors down. And so, when the coronavirus pandemic escalated to another level in recent weeks, Veronica thought of her, and became concerned for her wellbeing. She took it upon herself to engage in a simple act of kindness.
“Hello. I’m Veronica from number 85,” she penned.
“Please let me know if you need help with food, toilet paper or collecting medicine. I’m happy to help with anything needed.
“I’m also happy to help with anyone you know close by that needs it.”
And so the note – written in English on one side, and translated by a friend into Italian on the back – was dropped off with some toilet paper and tissues on the neighbour’s doorstep.
The response was simple and heartfelt. Veronica later received a basket of home-grown tomatoes and zucchinis. Touched by the gesture, she returned to her neighbour’s doorstep with more toilet paper and bleach. In gratitude, the woman left Veronica a tray of homemade Italian biscuits.
“It has been such a sweet exchange,” she muses, saying the acts have moved her whole family.
“I just really feel for those who are not connected online right now, which includes the elderly to a large extent.”