When we look for ways to spread kindness, we often turn to our local community. Sometimes, however, a community is spread across the globe, with people in need of support living in another country or even on another continent. When Random Acts supporter Erika Mucignat heard about a family in need 4,750 miles away, she did not hesitate to find a way to help.
When a Fandom Becomes a Community
Our story begins when Erika came across an online post by someone called Michele. Michele explained that she and her family were experiencing financial difficulties and asked for help. When nobody replied to her request, Erika felt as though she was meant to come across the post. She knew she had to help Michele and reached out to Random Acts.
Erika says that it was the Supernatural fandom, the SPN Family, that inspired her to perform an act of kindness.
“I entered the fandom in 2021 and discovered a world … complicated, but full of such acts, where people help each other in ways I never thought possible before,” recalls Erika.
An Idea To Bridge 4,750 Miles
There was just one small catch: Erika lives in Bologna, Italy, while Michele lives in South Carolina, U.S. One person needing support, one person ready to provide it, and 4,750 miles between them. But that did not stop Erika. She was determined to find a way to help Michele and her family!
After her application for an act of kindness was approved by Random Acts, Erika reached out to Michele to ask how she could help. What Michele needed most at that moment was food. Erika searched online to find a grocery store near Michele that would allow her to order items from another country and have them delivered directly to her. Erika eventually found a store and placed her order: water, sweet and savory foods, as well as fish, meat and pasta.
“Buying food in a foreign country is undoubtedly a curious experience,” she says.
Knowing You Have Someone on Your Side
When Michele received her food delivery, she thanked Erika, saying that she and her family were very happy and grateful for her support.
It may be true that Michele needed the food the most. However, Erika believes that her kindness and the knowledge that people were rooting for her were equally important.
