Tiny acts of kindness grew after her brother's death

Rachel Hunt started the Tiny Kindness project after her brother died, inspired by a small gesture from a family member; the Instagram account has shared over 5,000 stories from people in more than 88 countries.

Rachel Hunt launched Tiny Kindness after the death of her brother in 2018. A simple cup of tea made by her sister's 10-year-old became a turning point. The project collects brief accounts of small, caring gestures shared on social media. Hunt says these moments acknowledge difficult experiences while also showing ordinary care. Key details: - The article reports that her brother died in October 2018 and that his death was from a heroin overdose. - Hunt started Tiny Kindness roughly a year after his death and has gathered more than 5,000 submitted stories from over 88 countries. - The Instagram account @tinykindnesses has about 50,000 followers and focuses on modest, everyday acts rather than performative positivity. - Hunt selected about 200 stories from the submissions for a forthcoming book to be published by an imprint of Hachette, and the article notes she experienced several personal hardships in 2024, including a divorce, her father's illness and death, and her daughter's hospitalization. Summary: The Tiny Kindness project highlights how small, attentive acts have comforted individuals and built a broad online community. A book drawing from selected submissions is set for publication by a Hachette imprint; further publication details are undetermined at this time.