THE concept is both powerful and simple – perform random acts of kindness and make the world a happier place.
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Nashville-based Aussie country duo O’Shea put it to the test yesterday, reaching out to strangers in Tamworth as part of a “guerilla gratitude” campaign.
Husband and wife Mark and Jay O’Shea, who used the same concept in their popular video clip #baddaygood, paid for coffee and doughnuts at Shoppingworld, covered a drive-thru order at McDonald’s, doled out free ice cream to tourists at the Big Golden Guitar and even taped $20 notes to petrol pumps at Caltex in Marius St.
“It’s pretty amazing when you see people’s facial expressions when they realise they’re getting something for free,” Mr O’Shea said.
“It’s a real combination of disbelief and suspicion.
“But when they realise it’s a genuine gesture, you can really change their whole day.
“It reminds them there are good people around.”
Oxley Vale mum-of-three Rebecca Sarcia was filling up her car at Caltex when she noticed the $20 note and a card reading: Pay it forward ... we just did and now it’s your turn”.
“It was kind of weird, I didn’t really know how to react,” Ms Sarcia said.
“But I’m so grateful. You don’t see that sort of thing happening much these days.”
A special video clip was filmed during yesterday’s giveaways and will be posted this morning to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Tamworth and One of a Kind Facebook pages.
RMH Tamworth manager Chris Watson said he hoped the project would encourage others to think more charitably.
“The message is that we’ve also got great local charities in Ronald McDonald House and One of a Kind that make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Mr Watson said.
The original #baddaygood video clip was a viral sensation, being viewed more than a million times around the globe.
It will be the first single off the duo’s latest album, The Famine and the Feast, which was released last Friday.