Acts of Kindness during Covid-19

Acts of Kindness during Covid-19

One of the very few upsides of Covid-19 is the endless kindness people have shown towards one another. At the risk of sounding like a softie, here are two stories to restore your faith in humanity.

The Pantry of Sharing

The Pantry of Sharing project was started last week by a volunteer group called Little Bricks. Supakit "Bank" Kulchartvijit said he modelled his project after Little Free Pantries, originally started by Jessica McClard in Fayetteville in Arkansas. The philosophy behind the project can be summed up as "Take what you need. Leave what you can." The needy can get food and other basic items to sustain themselves, while those who can afford to give can leave what they can. The group started out with four pantries in Bangkok and one in Rayong to inspire others to do the same in their communities. The roadside pantries have now mushroomed across the country. As of Monday, 249 pantries have been spotted in 51 provinces, according to Supakit. He has asked people who set up a roadside cupboard or those who spot one to take a picture and send it to his Facebook page so he can update the figures. Typical items inside include rice, fruit juice, milk, eggs, instant noodles and water. Why not find one near you and donate? Visit the project's Facebook page at fb.com/TooPanSuk for more info.

Buy Your Friend a Meal

The idea to make free meal coupons for the needy came to actress Inthira Charoenpura from two sources. First, she read a story about a cafe in Italy where customers pay extra money for their coffee so those who can't afford a coffee can get one for free. She was also inspired by student activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, who bought a round of guay tiew at a noodle shop and put up coupons that anyone could redeem for a free bowl. Inthira started the free meal project with the #เลี้ยงข้าวเพื่อน (buy your friend a meal in Thai) hashtag from her Coffee Tree cafe in Nonthaburi. At first, she put up 20 coupons in front of her cafe that anyone could use to exchange for a plate of phad kaprao. This way, those in need don't have to line up for free food. Her idea has spread and now several restaurants in her neighbourhood have joined the mission. You can help by donating money or ingredients so these food shops can provide free meals for friends in need. Send a message to fb.com/anythingbutITR.

Pornchai Sereemongkonpol

Guru section Editor

Guru section Editor

Email : pornchais@bangkokpost.co.th

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