Though there are many uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, and the news can be scary at times, there are many people doing great things to support one another, albeit from a distance. Celebrities have stepped up to make a big difference in the lives of those in the most need. Ordinary people have donated, printed, and sewn personal protective equipment. Healthcare workers have proved—time and time again—just how strong they are. It’s through these acts of humanity—both big and small—that we have been able to raise our spirits this week. We hope these feel-good stories will do the same for you:
The 99-year-old who raised $9 million.
Pacing around your backyard might be the only exercise you’re getting right now, but think about how difficult it might be to complete 100 laps at the age of 100. Tom Moore, a British World War II veteran, made this goal in honor of his upcoming 100th birthday on April 30. Initially, he set out to raise $1,250 for the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. To date, he’s managed to raise more than 9 million from 347K people—and counting. As long as COVID-19 continues, so will Moore, who hopes to keep up ten laps a day.
The concert cabin company that’s helping the elderly and their families stay connected.
Most of the highly anticipated concerts and festivals of the year have been postponed, rescheduled or canceled altogether. Rather than allowing their portal cabins to sit idle, a Dutch company is providing them to nursing homes. How come? Because they serve as the required barrier to keep both the elderly and their loved ones safe, it’s a way for families to be nearby, without having direct contact.
The anonymous donor who sent out $87K in gift cards.
With unemployment reaching an all-time high, millions of people are out of work. This is stressful, to say the least, especially for those who are struggling to support their families. One anonymous donor in the small town of Earlham, Iowa, decided to support all 549 households in the community. Each one received a letter in the mail with a $150 gift card for food—from restaurants and grocery stores to Amazon and beyond—a total gift of $87,000.
The FedEx delivery driver who went above and beyond.
While everyone should be mindful of contracting COVID-19, those over the age of 65 or with pre-existing conditions are more at risk than the general population. With this in mind, a South Florida mother has been extra diligent in protecting her 11-year-old daughter, who has Type 1 diabetes. She left a note letting delivery personnel know about their immunocompromised child, and one FedEx driver paid attention. He wiped down and sanitized the cardboard package before leaving it on their doorstep. Thanks to a security camera, this kind act was captured on camera. The mom was so touched she posted about it on Twitter—and now it’s gone viral.
The Christ the Redeemer statue that got a doctor makeover.
If you’ve ever ventured to South America and touched down in Brazil’s capital of Rio de Janeiro, you know one of the sights to see is Christ the Redeemer. This massive statue looks over the city below and is often adorned with various colors and decorations, depending on the holiday and season. In response to COVID-19, lights projected a doctor’s uniform onto this iconic landmark on Easter day. Complete with a white lab coat and a stethoscope, the display also featured ‘thank you’ written in various languages throughout the evening.
The Restaurants Relief campaign that raised $10 million.
Many people miss their favorite eateries, local watering holes, and Friday night traditions of going out for dinner and cocktails. Sadly, many restaurant and bar owners are worried about their financial future—and whether they can welcome us into their doors once social-distancing bans have lifted. To help support this industry, Emmy-award winning television host and acclaimed chef and author Guy Fieri spearheaded fundraising efforts for The Restaurant Relief campaign. Created by The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, they’ve been able to raise $10 million—and counting—for United States service workers.
A Maine musher who delivered groceries to those in need.
Though it may be difficult for folks in other parts of the country to imagine, many northeast states have been battling snowstorms in addition to navigating COVID-19. To ensure the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions were able to feed themselves and their families, a musher in Maine has been delivering groceries via dog sled. Usually, Hannah Lucas owns a kennel of Siberian Huskies and runs the Northlane Siberian Huskies and Seppala Siberian Sled Dog Team, but now, she uses her trusty companions to spread goodwill. In addition to groceries, she’s also completed a few runs for prescriptions at Walgreens.
