Reader's Digest Australia Feb/Mar 2026

EMIKO FRANZEN (HEARTS) F ebruary 14th brings with it the universal celebration of Valentine’s Day. For many of us, the date triggers a sweet sense of nostalgia. I still remember the flutter of excitement I felt as an eleven-year- old, saving up my pocket money to buy a single chocolate heart wrapped in shiny red foil. I spent days agoniz- ing over what to “scribe” inside the accompanying card to my true love, Master Paul Wisley. Paul lived just down the road and likely had no idea I existed, but I admired him with all the quiet determination a primary schooler could muster. The things we do for love! As we grow older, those gestures often evolve from chocolate hearts into ex- traordinary feats of devotion. In our feature “When it comes to Love” (page 50), we share the remarkable lengths people will go to for a partner, parent, or friend. From a man sifting through 18 tonnes of garbage to recover his wife’s treasured rings, to a generous soul paying the adoption fees for 40 shelter dogs, these nine stories prove that love is the ultimate motivator. Love also takes the form of deep compassion for our fellow creatures. This issue explores the origins of the Fry family’s successful vegetarian food SheronWhite, GM OF sales & publishing The Extraordinary Reach of Love business—a journey that began with a profound “epiphany moment.” Wally Fry was a builder commissioned to construct a piggery, but seeing the facility in operation moved him so deeply that he committed to vegetari- anism on the spot. His mission to cre- ate nutritious, ethical, and delicious food has even inspired me to adopt “Meat-free Mondays.” (page 12) Finally, we look back at the objects that captured our hearts in child- hood. In 2003, the Toy Industry As- sociation named Troll dolls one of the most memorable creations of the 20th century. On page 109, one reader shares a wonderful story of her own iconic Troll doll, with an unexpected thread leading back to a childhood in Tauranga. This issue is truly filled with love in all its forms. As author M.K. Clin- ton once said, “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” I hope these pages leave you feeling inspired and connected. As always, we would love to hear your own stories. Please send them to me at letters@readesrdigest.com.au reader ’ s digest 4 February/March 2026 | readersdigest.coM.au DEAR READER © Oliver Barth / MSF 02 8570 2611 I msf.org.au I ABN: 74 068 758 654 THANKS TO YOU THERE By leaving a gift in your Will to MSF, you can help ensure MSF is always independent and always ready to respond, delivering humanitarian medical aid – today, tomorrow and always. Find out how to leave a legacy of expert medical care msf.org.au/leave-a-legacy <<Concat>>