With all the negativity plaguing the world as of late, I decided to look into some more positive events that have occurred recently. In media today, we tend to focus on all of the negative because they are the big news stories, but with all of the sadness, anger and hatred, we often forget that there is good in the world. So, here are some positive news stories from around the world that you probably haven’t heard much about.
1. A “Prank” Collects Over Two Tons of Food
In Brazil, it is tradition to prank the new college freshmen on their first day at a public college. Over the past five years, incoming freshmen at the University of Medicine in Itajuba were told that they must collect food for local charities from May 9-13, despite the tradition only lasting one day. Over the course of these five days, the freshmen collected over two tons of groceries to donate to charity.
2. Bill Gates To Improve The Lives Of 100,000 Families
In order to help those in Africa living off $2 a day, Gates and his wife donated 100,000 chickens to families and individuals, all while partnering with Heifer International to create a more sustainable poultry market. By breeding chickens, families can keep children healthy and boost income from $700 to $1,000 annually, raising the standard of living by thirty percent. The Gates Foundation wants to ensure that the chickens bought by families are properly vaccinated and well-suited to the local growing conditions.
3. Public Restroom Facilities Open In Sacramento For The Homeless
The Pit Stop, a mobile restroom facility opened in the River District, is part of a pilot program with a goal of providing a safe and clean bathroom to those who need it. All portable restrooms that are part of this program will have an attendant to ensure everything remains clean and in proper working condition. The Pit Stop includes toilets, sinks, used needle receptacles and dog waste stations. Not only does this provide a safe place for the homeless to care for their needs with dignity, but it also will collect data of those who use it to help further address the issue of homelessness.
4. Man Protects Rhinos From Poachers
Retiree Ray Dearlove immigrated to Australia from South Africa 30 years ago and has recently launched an effort to have 80 rhinos flown to Australia to protect them from poachers and extinction. Although it is expensive and ambitious, about $44,000 to fly each rhino, Dearlove plans to have all 80 rhinos safely in Australia within four years. Rhinos recently have been moved within the continent of Africa for their protection, but this will be the first time they have been sent across the ocean.
5. Sleepover At Cowboys Stadium
At the end of June, The Cowboys opened up their stadium for children who don’t have beds, giving away 100 twin sets at the end of the sleepover. Not only did 100 children get a bed to sleep in (each covered in the blue and silver of the Cowboys), but they also got to eat pizza, spend time with NFL football players and cheerleaders and watched a movie on the giant screen, keeping their beds at the end of the night. Ashley Furniture donated the beds and delivered them to each child’s home.
These are only five of the many good news stories that did not receive as much attention as the tragedies, so please remain optimistic about the world. Remember, violence will not solve violence and hate will not stop hate. As Albus Dumbledore once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Keep turning on the light and check out these happy stories and more at http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/
