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In the lead up to the holidays, we asked colleagues and students, to share with us all the fantastic ways you have been helping those around them. No matter how big or small, being kind towards other people can go such a long way.

Over the past couple of weeks, staff and students have been submitting entries to The Random Acts of Kindness Competition, which have since been reviewed by a panel of judges. We are pleased to share with you the six shortlisted entries. 

Summary of staff shortlist

Anonymous

This member of staff was nominated for being there for their colleague when they needed support from a friend. Even though she had heavy deadlines, this colleague demonstrated kindness and friendship, and attended a hospital appointment for abreast screen after they had found a lump. As written in the nomination: "Having her with me meant the world to me and for this selfless act of kindness and friendship she deserves recognition."

Salwa Bowen

Salwa not only has been raising money for children living under the unlucky stars, but is educating her children on the importance of kind acts. She has organised a family fundraiser, running 1000 miles before Christmas and has so far raised £4000. You can find out more at www.mylittlehearttoyours.com 

Karen Robinson

Karen routinely gives up her time on Friday evenings to volunteer at the West End Soup Kitchen and is fully committed to the role she has there as a friend/mentor/supporter. She has created great relationships there. For several years, Karen also volunteered at the Lady Bird Association, befriending older ladies who didn’t have friends or family to accompany them on day trips.

Summary of student shortlist

Jamal Sheikh

Jamal regularly delivers Too Good To Go bags to homeless people living in West Jesmond. He has developed a great relationship with people in the community and helps whenever he can. This has become more of a routine for him than a random act, as he delivers the bags nearly every other day.

Anonymous

After finishing their shift at work, they came across someone in need of urgent medical assistance. They responded quickly by alerting their manager who was trained in first aid, helped ensure the person was still responsive by continuously speaking to them and waited until an ambulance came.

Talha Hafeez

Talha was employed at a bakery over the summer holidays which encouraged an ‘Everything Fresh’ rule, meaning that leftover food would be binned at the end of the day. Talha created a system at the bakery to pack food, call a charity to pick up the food and distribute the remaining to the homeless across the city once his shift ended.

The shortlisted entries will be in with a chance of winning a £25, £50 or £75 Amazon voucher. Please cast your vote before Friday 16 December, after which the winners will be announced. 

Good luck!