Rob and I have spent eight days in Melbourne at a wonderful celebration of great music.

We were walking home after a night of music and simply stepped out onto the tram tracks to cross over them, not realising that we were about to step into space. The step was much higher than the tracks.

I fell head first, flat on my face and Rob, in an attempt to save my fall, fell on top of me, hurting himself quite badly. I survived much better (more padding obviously), but thankfully neither of us had a broken bone. Embarrassment? Yes. Annoyance at our lack of attention as to where we were going? Most certainly.

Almost immediately after we fell, with a tram beetling fast towards us, a young man jumped onto the tracks and stood waiting to warn the driver and stop him if we were unable to move.

As we scrambled back onto the pavement three young girls rushed over, gave us huge hugs, dusted us down and made quite sure nothing was broken. The young man hovered quietly by until he knew we were safely off the tracks before moving on. They were genuinely worried for us. ‘The kindness of strangers’ was the phrase that flashed through my mind, as we could only thank those young people who had helped us.

I have been reminded many times of late of the kindnesses of strangers.

We’re always offered a seat on a Melbourne tram, and invariably by young people. They may have been glued to their mobile phones but they always jump straight up.

The streets of Melbourne are becoming the outdoor bedrooms for more and more homeless people. Invariably there is money in the tin next to the sleeping person. The pathetic bundles of blankets and cardboard packaging, covering the person, are a sight that is becoming more common. The homeless survive with those donations – the kindness of strangers.

Our book club collects new and used books for children and gives them to an organisation involved with refugees. We’re told these families look forward keenly to book donations. Their children are hungry to learn quickly.

Breast cancer survivors receive a hand-sewn bag of goodies including a breast cushion to tuck under the arm. This is a beautiful random act of kindness from a local group of women who meet to collect items and prepare the bags.

A diagnosis of breast cancer is traumatic enough, but knowing someone cares enough to give such a gift is heart warming in itself.

Years ago one of our daughters was involved in a car accident not of her making. As she lay trapped in her car until the ambulance arrived, someone whom she will never know wrapped a warm rug around her. She was unable to ever return the rug but she has certainly never forgotten the kindness of that stranger.

Every Christmas our council, various churches and organisations collect donations from the public - presents for children and food for families. These are all distributed to families in need before Christmas. These organisations take this Christmas responsibility very seriously and people are generous with their donations. 

If you can help this Christmas, please give something. The kindness of strangers is inspiring and catching.

One day you may be on the receiving end.

ANNIE YOUNG