Stories of Kindness from Around the World

During a shopping trip into town one day, my son and I noticed a lot of homeless people. These days, we've been seeing a lot more people on the streets, and we felt compelled to help. So we made a deal with each other.

We went to the cash machine and withdrew some cash. Then we gave ourselves a certain amount we could give away to the homeless people whom we encountered. Once we have given away that set amount, we stop.

We had a lovely day out, and on the way home, a young girl asked us for help. We had given all our cash away already, so we passed her.

But as we walked on, I couldn't help but think she looked so in need of a decent meal.

At the same time, my son blurted, "Mum, I know we have spent all our cash, but could we just go back and help her?"

"Yes," I agreed. "That's a great idea."

We turned around went to the cash machine once more. Then, we headed back to the young girl who still hadn't received any help. We gave her £5, and told her to get a meal at the food stall across the road.

She gratefully accepted, and then asked us to wait for her to come back. This puzzled us a bit, but we did as she asked.

She bought some food and came back to give us the change.

"Oh, no, it's okay! You keep it and get something for breakfast!" I told her.

But she insisted we take the money.

"No, really. Thank you so much for helping me, but I have all I need for the moment."

Since that day, we have never forgotten that young girl. She reminded us that, sometimes, you just have to go that extra mile.

On our way back to the station, we came across others in need, and we were more than happy to pay forward her change to them.