WHEN it comes to random acts of kindness, it’s often the little things that mean the most. It’s the things - like everyday necessities - that we often take for granted until times get tough.
In lieu of a big event or donation, the team at Ray White Glenroy realised that what the residents of the area needed most was their support when it came to the little things.This Melbourne-based team has been putting together ‘care packages’ filled with food, cleaning products, toiletries and games - all with a personally written card urging residents to reach out at any time.The office began sending the packages last week with 20 going out in the first week and another 20 going out this week. They hope to expand and continue sending them out to the locals who need them most.Glenroy operations manager Georgia Constantinidis said the packages were dropped off to their landlords, tenants and clients who had lost their jobs as well as elderly or vulnerable members of the community.“We wanted to come up with something for the community, just a way to provide basic necessities and the main thing was that it’s not related to generating business and is something different not many people are doing,” Ms Constantinidis said.“We don’t mention real estate at all, this isn’t about business it’s about supporting the people in our community because we are all in this together.”Care package recipient, Assunta Lauretta relies on the rent paid by her tenants to supplement her income. With her tenants unable to pay rent, Ms Lauretta said she is incredibly grateful for any help she can receive.“It was unbelievably sweet and thoughtful and I was overwhelmed. It was just totally unexpected and highly appreciated,” Ms Lauretta said.“It reinforces to me that at the end of it all there are good people in the world and not just the bad or sad news.”Glenroy office principal Mete Karan said he feels the office has a responsibility to help those in the community that are struggling.“Necessities are scarce at the moment and there are a lot of people taking advantage so the whole team had a discussion about the importance of helping at a time like this,” Mr Karan said.“Previously we were holding community events whereas now we stripped it all back and said ‘what are the essential needs right now?’ and we came up with the idea.“It’s a matter of giving something back, it may be something simple but it’s amazing how important it is and we’ve had really good feedback.”
