News Release

Canberra Latter-day Saint Turns 35, Does 35 Acts of Random Kindness

Canberra mother of five, Elizabeth Kikkert, was featured in several newspapers over the weekend due to her birthday tradition of giving kind acts of service to people in her community instead of waiting for gifts from others.

According to an article in The Age newspaper, “the euphoria she feels by making someone else’s day beats a pile of presents every time.”

Read the rest of the story in The Age.

Elizabeth said of her birthday experience, “It's exhilarating giving gifts and time to people. Seeing their reactions was my birthday present.  Those reactions continued throughout the day and the happy faces of strangers are implanted in my mind.” 

“As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are taught to love our neighbours and be anxiously engaged in doing good. When I am in moments of showing tender compassion to a stranger who needs a lift, my life is so full and joyous.” 

Watch a short video about the Church’s humanitarian work which takes place in 185 countries around the world.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.