A simple act of Christmas kindness

“There were many times when our faith was tested.” – Dean

Sometimes a simple act of kindness can change lives – pull a family back from the brink of complete despair and give them hope for the future.

For Catherine and Dean’s family, that act of kindness was from a friend who saw their hurt when no one else did.

Six years ago, life was good. Dean had steady work hours while Catherine stayed home, raising their four children. Although not wealthy, they budgeted well and had everything they valued in life – their faith, a growing family and a home full of love.

Then bit by bit, things began to unravel.

Unexpected events

It began when they had to move house. As a result, money became tighter, but they had crunched the numbers and knew they could manage. Then Dean’s work hours were cut, and suddenly the family’s income stream plummeted. Dean and Catherine did what all responsible Aussie parents would do – tighten their belts, roll up their sleeves and give it their absolute best.

But the most devastating blow came when Catherine was diagnosed with a rare brain condition. One doctor told them Catherine would probably die or suffer a severe, debilitating stroke and “be left a vegetable”. To top it all off, they had to make major decisions about treatment that carried serious risks for Catherine.

“It was an incredibly tough time,” continues Dean.

Catherine and Dean had never asked the Salvos for help before and weren’t prepared to now – even when times were tough – even when Catherine was sick – they tried to go on, struggling through alone.

But they were at such a low spiritually and emotionally, it showed. Dean’s wages were barely keeping the family afloat. Catherine was struggling with fear, nausea from her treatment and physical exhaustion.

They were terrified of missing bills and mortgage payments. They were terrified they wouldn’t be able to keep the lights on. But most of all, they were terrified of letting their kids down.

And with Christmas coming, it was fast becoming a certainty. Celebrating was out of the question. The family could not afford presents or even a special Christmas dinner. Catherine and Dean were in utter despair.

A simple act of kindness

Sandra, a Salvos worker who knew Catherine and Dean from the community and church, saw through the tough front they were putting up.

“I’d known Catherine and Dean and their children for years,” says Sandra. “They are beautiful people who give generously to others and open their home and share their time lovingly. But I could tell they were struggling now.”

Sandra put the family’s name down for a Salvos Christmas Cheer hamper, which arrived loaded with much-needed food and Christmas presents for not just the kids but mum and dad too.

This simple yet enormous gesture filled Catherine’s heart with hope.

“We were really surprised and grateful,” she says.” The food we were given from the Salvos also included little treats for the children at a time when we were only buying basic needs. I was amazed at the beautiful things people would think to give. We felt it was a gift from God.”

Catherine’s treatment was successful and she continues to grow stronger each day. And with support from the Salvos, the family is beginning to find their feet again.

Having experienced first-hand help from The Salvation Army, Catherine now says, “… I am incredibly grateful for the thoughtful, generous people who give, year after year.”

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