STUDENTS had an extra spring in their step as they made their way to school on Wednesday, and it was all thanks to a random act of kindness.
Despite the cold, dreary weather, students walking to school via Chapman Street had every reason to smile after Tan Hovenden and her team at Tan’s Tuckerbox whipped up some early morning, hot jam donuts.
Ms Hovenden said the free goodies were a way to spread a little cheer during a blustery start to winter.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing,” Ms Hovenden said.
“Anything to bring about a bit of happiness, and the world needs that now.”
Ms Hovenden said not everyone had the pleasure of getting a lift to school and this was her way to help “put a smile on a child’s face on a cold, gloomy morning”.
Throughout the morning, the shop gave away around 60 donuts and Ms Hovenden said the gratitude which resulted from the gesture was priceless.
Recently struck down with an infection on the brain, Ms Hovenden spent several weeks in hospital in Bendigo after the infection spread throughout her, paralysing one side of her body.
She then tested positive to COVID and was isolated from family and friends during her recovery.
While she’s only been out of hospital for a little over two weeks, Ms Hovenden said Wednesday was the first day she had felt 80 per cent better and the free donut day was her way of celebrating.
“Prior to the infection, I was the sort of person that did not stop,” she said.
“I’m full of beans all of the time.”
Despite being lonely in hospital, Ms Hovenden said she was overwhelmed by the support of the local community who sent well wishes, flowers and supplied meals for her family.
“Swan Hill is such an amazing town and I’ve never felt so loved,” she said.
“I learnt a very valuable lesson about my life being in hospital – that I’m not invincible.”
Ms Hovenden said she was thankful to be back in her shop, providing a little cheer to others.
“It was so nice to be able to surprise the kids with the donuts,” she said.
“Money isn’t everything.”
