Simple Acts of Kindness
2246. Leanne McDonald
Leanne McDonald, from Wolverhampton, founded ‘Simple Acts of Kindness’ during the pandemic to provide a support service for people in difficult circumstances across the city.
The community led organisation has since expanded, helping over 200 families a year, in partnership with professionals and the local authority to distribute essential household items to vulnerable people, as well as signposting towards further support services and connecting them with local community based projects. They focus on using pre-loved items to prevent them from going to landfill, and people are invited to donate clothing, household goods and furniture to be re-used or sold to help with fundraising.
Leanne runs the group in her spare time, but there is involvement from the whole community, with volunteers giving their time to help organise, collect and deliver items. The network stays in touch with those they have helped, who often donate their skills, or household items to the organisation once they are able to do so. Leanne loves to connect people and also runs additional events, including family fundays and has become a trusted source of help for those without a support network.
‘Simple Acts of Kindness’ currently operate via their Facebook page, but have received an offer from a local marketing company to build a new website which they hope to launch soon, as well as looking to expand to acquire a larger storage space to donate items.
Congratulating Leanne on her award, Stuart Anderson, Leanne’s local MP for Wolverhampton South West, said:
“I would like to congratulate Leanne on this fantastic achievement, becoming the UK’s 2246th Point of Light. The ‘Simple Acts of Kindness’ initiative, spearheaded by Leanne, is a fantastic addition to our community in Wolverhampton. So, it is fitting that Leanne’s hard work and dedicated efforts have been recognised with this well-deserved award from the Prime Minister. The award recognises the meaningful change that outstanding volunteers such as Leanne are making in communities like Wolverhampton.”
Leanne said:
“I’m speechless which for anyone who knows me is very rare!
“The overall aim for everyone within Wolverhampton and beyond is that by local people understanding and sharing items they no longer need to bridge the gap of material poverty to reduce stress increase better mental health so people can concentrate on daily life and focus their attentions on a positive future by using my love of people and experience of living in a rural area to encourage others to mirror a village mentality both by young people leaving the care system and families who find themselves in tough circumstances.”
Find out more about ‘Simple Acts of Kindness’