A random act of kindness gave a little joy to a family affected by the catastrophic Cudlee Creek fires when they were given tickets to the SA Whale Centre.

Karen Goldie of Myponga was struck by a Facebook post from an Adelaide Hills’ woman on the group ‘SA Bushfire Updates & Community Assistance’. The mother of three asked the group for ideas to keep her children occupied and stimulated in the wake of the fires.

“Like everyone I have been following the devastating bushfires," Karen says.

"I have been making monetary donations, sewing pouches for koalas at the Cleland Wildlife Park, and helping friends on Kangaroo Island, and looking out for other ways to help. So when I saw this mother’s post on Facebook I was taken by the fact that she was thinking about the welfare of her children and what there was for them to do. She was asking if anyone could recommend volunteering opportunities that would be appropriate for her children.

“Instead, I sent her a private message to tell her that I’d just won a family pass to the SA Whale Centre in Victor Harbor, and I’d really love for her family to take advantage of it. She said that was fantastic as one of her sons is mad about sharks and the ocean.”

Karen originally entered the contest on The Fleurieu App because she thought a trip to the SA Whale Centre would be a fun activity to do with her nieces and nephews when they visit from interstate. 

“I’ve never been to the Whale Centre myself, but my husband and I still intend to go. We’re more than happy to pay for our tickets. But I gave my tickets to a stranger because I thought - here’s a family that could do with a nice day out to put a smile on their faces.”