A stranger’s kindness

Pic of Harpreet Marwaha. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 213076_01

Ewen McRae

Harpreet Marwaha has always been a big believer in helping his community.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic days he helped prepare and deliver meals to those in need around the Melton region, and in recent weeks he has turned his focus to providing free masks and hand sanitiser to those who are unable to get it.

More than 2000 donations have been made to community members who may be struggling or are unable to get to the shops for the necessary items.

“Everybody is affected by COVID in some way, and some people find it hard to get things like mandatory masks,” Mr Marwaha said.

“I put up a post on the community page on Facebook, and within five minutes I think I had 100 messages, so it was a bit overwhelming to see so many people in need.

“There was one lady who had cancer so she couldn’t get out, and another lady who was pregnant so was finding it hard as well, so many people in the community who need these mandatory items and I was happy to help.”

While some of the items have been donated by local businesses, most of the items have been purchased by Mr Marwaha himself, something he said he was happy to continue doing.

“I’m lucky that my business has been able to continue throughout, so I’m in a position to help out,” he said.

“I’ve always been taught from my family to help those less fortunate, and obviously I get a lot of help to distribute everything so every little bit helps.

“The response from the community has been amazing. So many wonderful messages of support and thanks, and that’s really nice to know that they appreciate it.”

Ewen McRae