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Pre Day One : A man named Sammy and random acts of kindness

I arrived in Perth today, nervous as I stepped off the plane, knowing in just a few days I would be off on a 24 day bike ride. There was no turning back now.

As I picked up my luggage, I thought about how many people we could be helping by doing this ride, and I felt the anxiousness dissipate, but only a little.

I walked out to the taxi rank with my bike in tow. Needing a bigger car, I was approached by a man named Sammy who helped me place my items into his van, we exchanged our pleasantries and were off.

We started chatting, just small talk at first. The weather, something about Perth being a nice place to visit. Suddenly Sammy asked what I was doing in Perth with a massive bike.

I explained I would be riding across the Nullarbor over 24 days in order to raise money for charity. As I told him about each charity, we eventually got onto the topic of raising funds for oxygen in India.

Sammy went silent for a moment, and then explained how he had family and friends in India who were suffering. Most had contracted COVID-19 and were unable to access treatment due to a lack of hospital beds and oxygen.

We spoke about how lucky we were to be living in a country where this was not a worry, however Sammy said he was touched that someone in Australia was doing something to try and help.

As we arrived at the hotel, Sammy grabbed my bike and luggage, then handed me over $120.

“Can you please donate this toward your fund for India, I want to help,” he said.

As I went to pay for his fare, he told me to donate that money toward the fund too. Before I could even properly thank him, he hopped into his van and drove away.

This random act of kindness that Sammy was responsible for humbled me. He didn’t want to be thanked, he just wanted to help others. It made me realise if we all were a little more like Sammy – the world could be a much better place.

And the nervousness I felt as I stepped off the plane? It didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

To donate towards any of the four charities, including our oxygen for India fund, please visit https://www.wemakeadifference.com.au/nullarborbikeride