We help you give and we strengthen the causes you give to

Generosity is our cause

Submenu title

Back

alex khan handing chocolate

Stories of Anonymous Generosity from 40acts 2015

person Fiona Mearns
2 min

Anonymous. Smacks of something impersonal doesn’t it? A faceless, nameless, featureless thing of unknown provenance. But when you put ‘anonymous’ together with ‘generosity’ and put it in the hands of the 40acts community it becomes something rich, inventive, full of colour, warmth and sheer personality.

Last year we asked you to tell us how you got on with the challenges and you overwhelmed us with stories that were at times funny, profound, moving and heart-warming.

Some stories told of covers that were blown—sweets left on neighbours’ doorsteps which led to cards, conversations and invitations and became the catalyst for new friendships. Another told of buying a meal for a couple in a restaurant and trying to sneak out quietly only to be caught up with at the entrance and hugged by the grateful recipient who admitted to being humbled by the generosity. She and her husband had been arguing and the spontaneous kindness had pulled them up short and made them realise how trivial their bickering had been.

There were stories of thoughtful generosity that wanted to bless without fuss or ceremony. An envelope through the door of a family struggling to make ends meet with a simple note attached: "a Saturday evening treat for you all". The mother later posted on social media that she felt ‘blessed and loved’ and excited that because of someone doing the 40 acts of kindness they were able to have a take away dinner that evening.

Another 40acts follower told of a friend and her three boys who hadn’t had a holiday in several years but couldn’t afford to take up the offer of a cottage at a low price. Wondering what to do, and having just read ‘the Nudge’ she decided to anonymously give the money to cover the cost (along with a printout of that particular act).

Some took a simple approach: the person who had been thankful for her boss’s kindness during her illness from work decided to send an anonymous ‘you are fabulous’ card to brighten his day. The mystery card sat on his desk as a daily encouragement that he was appreciated.

Then there was the act of forgiveness requiring a profound change of attitude to a family member. The person deliberately chose to do this anonymously, without telling the recipient of the forgiveness, and was astonished how the resultant change in their behaviour made a huge difference to the relationship. More than that, they acknowledged that it had made a huge difference to their faith.

These are just a few of the stories you shared and no doubt for every story we got to hear about there were hundreds of others we didn’t. Generosity without fanfare, quietly blessing others in all sorts of ways.

Generous Newsletter

Monthly emails for supporters. Inspiration, practical tools and guidance to support the causes you love in more meaningful ways.