A generous New South Wales teacher is the latest Australian to receive a $15,000 surprise as part of a TODAY show segment, supported by The Lott, rewarding people for their Random Acts of Kindness.

During the COVID lockdowns, 22-year-old Aimee O’Brien started Kings Langley Kindness to keep families across Western Sydney entertained. 

Aimee regularly organises fun and interactive activities for her local community, such as arts and crafts, themed walks, and scavenger hunts that feature fictional and non-fictional characters, including The Wiggles, Disney princesses and superheroes.

A handful of activities are hosted in her own backyard, including a fan favourite called ‘Spoonville’, where children are invited to decorate plastic spoons with art materials. 

Aimee incorporates positive affirmations into her activities to ensure adults and parental guardians aren’t left out - brightening their days and lifting their spirits.

To further assist parents home schooling their children during the lockdown, Aimee also voluntarily posts activities to them. 

Besides working her day-to-day job as a teacher, Aimee has also started a local animal rescue to help reuinite lost pets with their owners.

The animal rescue “Kings Langley & surrounds – Lost and Found Pets’ started in 2015 and has since played a pivotal role in assisting over 500 beloved pets to find their way home.

Her kindness doesn’t stop there. Aimee also purchases groceries for the elderly and delivers them to their doorsteps. 

After multiple nominations, we spoke to Aimee after the segment.

“I don’t know what to say! I’m completely speechless,” she exclaimed.

“I’m a primary school teacher. I have nephews. I know firsthand how difficult it is for parents and their children to be cooped up during lockdown. Kids are active.

“I wanted to help them take a break from screen time and to get out of the house. To feel some sunshine and make some memories with their families.

“It’s such a small gesture with such a significant impact. It’s a token of my time that has helped so many families.”

When asked how $15,000 would make a difference, Aimee said the surprise would continue funding the small community gestures.

“I’m definitely going to put the $15,000 towards the community. I have so many more things planned for the kids and their families.

“I’m making a new theme for the activities once a week. I was actually up at 4.00 am this morning creating one, and my dad told me to go to sleep! That’s when I knew something was up.

“There are some people who are struggling financially during the lockdown. There was a lady who had her house broken into recently. I thought I’d take it upon myself to help out by delivering groceries to those in need.

“I started the animal rescue shelter as I wanted to be a vet growing up. However, I ended up doing the teaching. It’s a way for me to juggle the best of both worlds and still help animals – being the voice for the voiceless.

“I can’t thank you enough.”