Teacher turns children's affirmations into kindness hotline
Illawarra teacher John Penno and his children started Call 4 Kindness Hotline and received more than 1,300 calls in two months.
Lake Illawarra primary school teacher John Penno and his children Jack and Daisy set up Call 4 Kindness Hotline. Callers hear recorded affirmations from the kids.
What began as bedtime encouragement from Penno and his wife has expanded into a public service. People can call (02) 3814 5511 any time to hear one of 40 recorded messages.
Examples include "you are important to the universe" and "I'll help you up and I'll be kind to you". Since launching in mid-August, the line has received more than 1,300 calls.
Penno said the kids' voices carry natural purity that makes the messages resonate. He hopes a kind message might help someone reframe a difficult day.
- 1,300+
- Calls received
- 40
- Recorded messages
- 8
- Jack's age
- 5
- Daisy's age
Why it mattersSimple acts of kindness can shift a person's perspective and brighten their day without requiring crisis intervention.
AustraliaAn Illawarra community initiative offering free, accessible daily encouragement to Australians who need a lift.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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