Helpful people who have not taken a vow to bring to buddhahood all beings over countless lifetimes are only that, helpful people. Bodhisattvas can do many ordinary helpful tasks, but their main focus is on encouraging the selfless nature of our minds to come forth and control our selfish tendencies...
Well, you could answer in many ways. I daresay a lot of people would talk in terms of heroic tasks and selfless deeds, which is certainly true. But another answer would be, by doing what needs to be done, on behalf of anyone who needs help, at that time, and in that place. The problem with romantic...