Pet Ferret Helped Donate Thousands of Books to Kids By Finishing a Full Marathon in 3 Weeks

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May 15, 2020

This little critter may only be 8 months old, but that hasn’t stopped him from raising thousands of dollars for charity.

Over the course of just two and a half weeks, Bandit the pet ferret managed to complete a full marathon by taking the challenge in his tiny stride and completing several miles per day alongside his owners.

Jim and Arabella Wood took Bandit out for a walk with their kids each day to raise money for The London Children’s Book Project and the At The Bus art charity.

Both organizations are putting together bundles of books and creative resources that will be handed out to thousands of young people in the Oxfordshire area.

“Children in disadvantaged areas are being badly hit [by the pandemic] as they can’t go to school and haven’t got the devices to learn online,” said Jim. “We need to get these bundles to kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access books.

Their effort began on what should have been the day of the London Marathon as part of the “2.6 Challenge” for UK citizens to run 2.6 miles for charities—but when Bandit showed no signs of tiring, the family decided to go for the full 26.2 miles.

Since the furry athlete completed his mission earlier this week near The Ridings in Oxford, England, his Just Giving crowdfunding campaign managed to raise roughly £2,200 ($2,700), which is expected to help distribute more than 12,000 books to low-income homes.

“The little guy is making a great effort for an animal that doesn’t do straight lines,” said Jim. “He seems to love it and is getting a lot of attention—from a distance—from other people out getting their exercise. You can see people trying to work out what he is.

“It’s good to be doing something to help which also makes people smile,” he added. “Our concern is that Bandit will think this is ‘the new normal’ and we will have to carry on doing this every day.”

Multiply The Good News By Sharing This Story With Your Friends On Social Media…

Company is Offering Free Access to 1,200 Meditations For All Unemployed Americans

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Good News Network

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May 15, 2020

zen meditating calm businessman-cc-michiexile — File photo by Michiexile, CC license

As more and more Americans file for unemployment amidst the novel coronavirus shutdowns, the Headspace meditation and mindfulness service is offering up its services to those who may need it most.

Starting this week, Headspace will be offering free one-year subscriptions to all unemployed and furloughed people in the United States in an effort to help support and mitigate the psychological effects of a rising jobless rate in the wake of COVID-19.

This initiative is part of the company’s newly-created “Headspace Promise” campaign to care for the mental health of communities at risk of suffering from increased stress and anxiety, particularly since the COVID-19 crisis began. In addition to offering free subscriptions for US, UK, and French healthcare providers on the frontlines of the pandemic, the company is also offering up their free services to K-12 educators in the United States, Canada, Australia, and UK.

Headspace has also announced partnerships with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to provide free Headspace content to residents.

“While meditation and mindfulness can’t change our circumstances in life, it can help us change our perspective on those circumstances. And, now more than ever, that’s an incredibly powerful skill to learn,” said Headspace CEO and co-founder Rich Pierson. “As a company dedicated to improving the health and happiness of the world, we take our responsibility to help support people’s mental health very seriously. It’s our promise today and for whatever tomorrow brings.”

Americans who are unemployed can visit the company’s website in order to register for their free Headspace Plus subscription and unlock access to more than 1,200 hours of meditation and mindfulness content including sleep, kids, and mindful movement exercises. In addition to the content in its existing library, Headspace will also be launching six new meditations under a featured collection called “Living through unemployment.”

Available May 18th, this collection will include meditations such as: “Adapting to sudden change,” “Sadness and loss,” “Recovering confidence,” and “Finding purpose.”

LOOK: Nike Donates Tens of Thousands of Shoes They Designed Exclusively for Healthcare Workers

“Job loss can have a substantial negative impact on people’s self-efficacy as well as their sense of control, which are two important anchors of mental health,” said Headspace Chief Science Officer Dr. Megan Jones Bell. “As a company committed to advancing the field of mindfulness and meditation through clinically-validated research, we know that Headspace meditations have been shown to have favorable outcomes of interventions on key measures like reduced stress, reduced irritability, decreased aggression, and increased resilience. These are really powerful markers in demonstrating how we can support the mental health of those experiencing job loss.”

This is just one of many inspiring stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage on the outbreaks, click here.

Representative file photo by Michiexile, CC

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Anonymous Donors Pay Off Millions in Student Debt for 400 Low-Income College Graduates

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McKinley Corbley

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May 15, 2020

More than 400 California college graduates were left overwhelmed with joy and surprise earlier this week after they were told that anonymous donors had paid off their student debt.

The unidentified benefactors paid off the debt by donating more than $8 million to Students Rising Above (SRA), a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that helps send low-income, first-generation college students through college and provide them with personal guidance, mentoring, internships, and career guidance.

Despite how 100% of SRA students are from low-to-moderate incomes and 62% are living below the federal poverty line, however, the average SRA grad finishes school with $8,000 in debt.

CHECK OUT: Landlord Hands Over His Family’s Stimulus Check to His 13 Tenants So They Could Save on Rent

“With student loans increasingly becoming a financial burden, SRA is grateful for the opportunity to facilitate relief to our hardworking alumni who have become highly productive members of the workforce nationwide,” said SRA CEO Elizabeth Devaney, who informed the grads of their relieved debts in a Zoom call this week.

Kimberly Armstrong, who owed $300,000 in law school debts, is just one of the SRA students who has now been freed from the financial burden thanks to the generous donation. She told KPIX: “It’s a shock; it’s amazing; it’s a relief, though … Literally, it’s a weight lifted.”

MORE: Billionaire Who Promised to Pay Off College Debt for Grads is Now Paying Off Their Parents’ School Debt Too

Dr. Zachary Tabb, who owed $160,000 in medical school debt, agreed with the sentiment.

“It’s life changing. I’ve had debt … really my entire adult life. And so it’s just something that—everywhere you go—it follows you,” he told reporters. “It’s really a generational impact. To completely un-burden myself and all of them … has a real multiplicative effect … not only on [my fellow SRA scholars’] lives, but on the contributions they can make to society.”

(WATCH the heartwarming coverage below — or our international viewers can watch the video on the CBS News website)

Be Sure And Share This Inspiring Story Of Kindness With Your Friends On Social Media…

“To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy is to set our own conditions to the events of each day.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote of the Day

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Good News Network

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May 15, 2020

Quote of the Day: “To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy is to set our own conditions to the events of each day.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo: by Saksham Gangwar, public domain, cropped

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quote of the Day page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

Quarantine Reunites 160 Former Disneyland Cast Members to Recreate the Iconic Parade At Home–And it’s Joyous!

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Good News Network

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May 14, 2020

It’s been 14 years since the final performance—but now 160 former Disneyland Paris cast members living all over the world have dusted off their dancing shoes in quarantine to present, one more time, The Wonderful World of Disney Parade.

Three weeks ago, Mat Davies was sitting at home, having exhausted Netflix and Disney Plus, looking for the next thing to pass away the time.

Feeling nostalgic, Mat told GNN, he started reminiscing about old times working at Disneyland Paris, and looking through old photos.

“Seeing photos of me dancing in the parade with so many great people, I decided to set up a Facebook group to see if there would be any interest in creating a lockdown version of ‘The Wonderful World of Disney Parade’ which ran at Disneyland Paris from 1998 to 2007.”

After initially contacting about 80 people, there seemed to be some interest and the group began to grow in membership. Today, the group has over 1,200 members, all of them former Disneyland-Paris parade performers reliving happy memories, sharing stories and photos, and reconnecting with old friends.

“Some of them haven’t seen or spoken to each other in almost 20 years!”

One member said, “This was the group that none of us knew we needed.”

Over 160 videos were sent in to Mat for him to expertly compile them into a single spectacular virtual parade.

MORE: 82-Year-old Grandpa Dances With a Broom Cuz’ He Isn’t Going to Let COVID-19 Ruin HIS Fun

They all knew the choreography of the same dance because the parade song, Dancin’ A Catchy Rhythm, was played throughout the park on loudspeakers, so no matter which parade float you were accompanying—Mary Poppins, Micky Mouse, or Aladdin—all the chimney sweeps, sailors, and genies were on the same beat.

See a clip of the original parade, and continue reading below…

One of the new videos was sent in by dancer David Mitchell from his home in Brighton, England. You can see him near the beginning (and later on) waltzing elegantly with a female partner who looks like she, too, had performed the moves hundreds of times. Had they met at Disneyland?

Yes, Alice and David originally met as cast members at the theme park in 2006, but he left soon afterward. Coincidentally, both ended up back at Disneyland Paris four years later, where they fell in love while working together again in the parade department.

“We got married in 2015,” Mitchell told GNN. “We now have 2 handsome boys—and it’s all thanks to Disney.”

“We were really lucky, as Alice and I got to perform together again in this video for the first time since 2013, which brought back lots of amazing memories.”

“This group is a big family who had lost touch and, thanks to Mat, he has brought us all together. Literally people are now chatting everyday to each other. It is so lovely to see and I feel so honored to be part of this special family.”

WATCH the truly heartwarming video below—and don’t forget to share…

SHARE This Chim-Chim-Cheeroo Story to Brighten Your Social Media Feeds…

Scientists Develop Near-Invincible New Textile Coating That Can Repel Blood, Bacteria, and Even Viruses

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Good News Network

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May 14, 2020

Bacteria-Resistant Textiles-University of Pittsburgh Released — Photo by University of Pittsburgh

Masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for protecting healthcare workers—however, the textiles and materials used in such items can absorb and carry viruses and bacteria, inadvertently spreading the disease the wearer sought to contain.

When the coronavirus spread amongst healthcare professionals and left PPE in short supply, finding a way to provide better protection while allowing for the safe reuse of these items became paramount.

Thankfully, researchers from the LAMP Lab at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering may have a solution. The lab has created a textile coating that can not only repel liquids like blood and saliva but can also prevent viruses from adhering to the surface. The work was recently published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

“Recently there’s been focus on blood-repellent surfaces, and we were interested in achieving this with mechanical durability,” said Anthony Galante, PhD student in industrial engineering at Pitt and lead author of the paper. “We want to push the boundary on what is possible with these types of surfaces, and especially given the current pandemic, we knew it’d be important to test against viruses.”

What makes the coating unique is its ability to withstand ultrasonic washing, scrubbing and scraping. With other similar coatings currently in use, washing or rubbing the surface of the textile will reduce or eliminate its repellent abilities.

“The durability is very important because there are other surface treatments out there, but they’re limited to disposable textiles. You can only use a gown or mask once before disposing of it,” said Paul Leu, co-author and associate professor of industrial engineering, who leads the LAMP Lab. “Given the PPE shortage, there is a need for coatings that can be applied to reusable medical textiles that can be properly washed and sanitized.”

Galante put the new coating to the test, running it through tens of ultrasonic washes, applying thousands of rotations with a scrubbing pad (not unlike what might be used to scour pots and pans), and even scraping it with a sharp razor blade. After each test, the coating remained just as effective.

LOOK: 3D-Printing Teen Makes Hundreds of Ingenious Devices to Alleviate Ear Pain for Healthcare Workers

The treatment consists of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanoparticles in a solvent thermally sintered to polypropylene microfibers. PTFE is stable and nontoxic at temperatures lower than 260 °C (500 °F).

The researchers worked with the Charles T. Campbell Microbiology Laboratory’s Research Director Eric Romanowski and Director of Basic Research Robert Shanks, in the Department of Ophthalmology at Pitt, to test the coating against a strain of adenovirus.

“As this fabric was already shown to repel blood, protein and bacteria, the logical next step was to determine whether it repels viruses. We chose human adenovirus types 4 and 7, as these are causes of acute respiratory disease as well as conjunctivitis (pink eye),” said Romanowski. “It was hoped that the fabric would repel these viruses similar to how it repels proteins, which these viruses essentially are: proteins with nucleic acid inside. As it turned out, the adenoviruses were repelled in a similar way as proteins.”

The coating may have broad applications in healthcare: everything from hospital gowns to waiting room chairs could benefit from the ability to repel viruses, particularly ones as easily spread as adenoviruses.

MORE: LEGO Factory is Now Producing Thousands of Protective Plastic Face Masks for Medical Workers

“Adenovirus can be inadvertently picked up in hospital waiting rooms and from contaminated surfaces in general. It is rapidly spread in schools and homes and has an enormous impact on quality of life—keeping kids out of school and parents out of work,” said Shanks. “This coating on waiting room furniture, for example, could be a major step towards reducing this problem.”

The next step for the researchers will be to test the effectiveness against betacoronaviruses, like the one that causes COVID-19.

“If the treated fabric would repel betacornonaviruses, and in particular SARS-CoV-2, this could have a huge impact for healthcare workers and even the general public if PPE, scrubs, or even clothing could be made from protein, blood-, bacteria-, and virus-repelling fabrics,” said Romanowski.

MORE: Irish Researchers Have Developed Hospital Robot That Uses UV Light to Kill Viruses, Bacteria, and Germs

At the moment, the coating is applied using drop casting, a method that saturates the material with a solution from a syringe and applies a heat treatment to increase stability. But the researchers believe the process can use a spraying or dipping method to accommodate larger pieces of material, like gowns, and can eventually be scaled up for production.

Reprinted from University of Pittsburgh

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11-Year-old Skateboarder Makes History From Quarantine By Landing World’s First 1080-Degree Turn

By

McKinley Corbley

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May 14, 2020

While many people have been left twiddling their thumbs for the duration of the novel coronavirus shutdowns, this 11-year-old athlete took advantage of his free time spent in quarantine to make skateboarding history.

This week, Gui Khury became the first skateboarder to ever land a 1080-degree turn on a vertical ramp.

For perspective, the Brazilian youngster had not even been born when 22-year-old Tony Hawk completed the first 900-degree turn back in 1990. Gui completed his first 900-degree turn at just 8 years old.

Now two decades after Hawk’s accomplishment, Gui says he was able to complete the jaw-dropping 1080-degree feat by using his time off from school amidst the pandemic to train. Upon expertly landing the triple-turn earlier this week, Gui says he could hardly comprehend his achievement.

“I was like, oh my God, what did I just do?” Gui Khury told Reuters. “I was just like OK, I landed it. Now I am going to celebrate.”

Gui later told reporters that he celebrated by sharing a bowl of macaroni and cheese with his family.

(WATCH the amazing video below)

Be Sure And Share This Gnarly Story With Your Friends On Social Media…

Tina Fey Brought to Tears After Reading Total Amount Raised in Star-Studded Telethon for Struggling New Yorkers

By

Andy Corbley

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May 14, 2020

This week’s star-studded “Rise Up New York!” virtual telethon hosted by comedic icon Tina Fey helped to raise more than $115 million for New Yorkers whose lives have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19—and the actress could hardly contain her emotions over the outpouring of support.

Robin Hood, New York’s largest poverty-fighting organization, and iHeartMedia joined together this week to air the citywide “virtual telethon” to raise funds for Robin Hood’s relief and recovery efforts to help fellow New Yorkers rebuild their lives in the wake of the COVID-19 economic shutdown.

One hundred percent of donations raised are being deployed directly to the front line organizations providing food, shelter, cash assistance, health and mental health, legal services, education, and other supportive resources.

Figureheads from across New York’s most beloved entertainment industries all participated in the telethon that was broadcasted across different radio and television channels, as well as several Time Square billboards. The special opened with Robert de Niro reminding COVID-19 that NYC has recently been attacked several other times, and that the virus “can take its best shot, but it cannot break our spirit.”

David Chang and other figures of the New York City restaurant industry talked about its importance both as a cultural and economic sector for the city. Several musical performances were broadcast from artists like Mariah Carrie, Billy Joel, and Sting.

Broadway stars joined Barbara Streisand in lamenting the closure of NYC theaters, and reminded New Yorkers of their iconic productions’ places in the history of the city.

Sports stars like Michael Strahan and Eli Manning announced a contest whereby donators can win a game of touch football with the New York Giants.

MORE: Kroger Buys and Redirects Dairy Farmers’ Excess Milk, Sending 50,000 Gallons Per Month to Food Banks

New York City faith leaders Rev. Dr.Terry Troia, and Queens’ Swami Durga Das were also highlighted for their charitable work with helping homeless and disadvantaged communities.

The benefit closed with Governor Andrew Cuomo surprising viewers by introducing a special performance of “Miami 2017” by Billy Joel, which took over 13 of Times Square’s iconic digital billboards. At the same time, the Empire State Building debuted a choreographed lighting spectacle that will repeat at 9PM EST every night throughout this week.

This is just one of many inspiring stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage on the outbreaks, click here.

(WATCH the tear-jerking video announcement below)

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Monty Python ‘Silly Walk’ Signs Around the World Are Encouraging Pedestrians to Laugh in the Face of COVID

By

McKinley Corbley

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May 14, 2020

Pedestrians all over the world are being encouraged to loosen up on their daily strolls through their neighborhoods by showing off their best silly walks reminiscent of the iconic Monty Python sketch from 1970.

Homeowners from Michigan to Ontario have been erecting signs in their front yards asking passerby to strut their goofy stuff similarly to the original “Ministry for Silly Walks” comedic sketch.

LOOK: Quarantined City Residents Are Celebrating Ramadan by Decorating Their Homes With Stunning Light Displays

This is not the first time that Monty Python fans have implemented their own real-world silly walk directives; back in 2014, a town in Norway published a now-viral montage of local pedestrians busting a move in front of their own public silly crosswalk sign.

Now amidst the novel coronavirus outbreaks, people like Liz Koto in Detroit have been encouraging people to find joy in these turbulent times by showing off their best silly walks.

Since putting up the “jurisdiction of silly walk” signs in her yard several weeks ago, she has launched an Instagram page dedicated to sharing the dozens of amusing walks that have been captured by her doorbell camera.

Cynda Fleming told CTV News that her own silly walks sign in Leaside, Toronto has resulted in a similar source of endless entertainment, which she says is “better than Netflix”.

“I just wanted to do this to bring some positivity into this crazy situation we’re in right now and it just, I think, gives permission for people to be positive and silly,” she told the news outlet.

This is just one of many inspiring stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage on the outbreaks, click here.

(WATCH the CTV interview below)

Be Sure And Share This Amusing Story Of Fun With Your Friends On Social Media…

“Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating—these are the keys to successful performance in almost anything.” – Wayne Dyer

Quote of the Day

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Good News Network

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May 14, 2020

Quote of the Day: “Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating—these are the keys to successful performance in almost anything.” – Wayne Dyer

Photo: by veeterzy, public domain, cropped

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quote of the Day page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

Gym Owner Gives Out All His Equipment So Members Can Work Out At Home

By

Michael Goonan

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May 13, 2020

For many of us, it takes a long time to build good exercise habits, and with gyms closed across the country, many people have seen their exercise routines disappear.

A generous gym owner in Illinois anticipated that, and did his part to make sure that customers stay active and meet their fitness goals.

Drew Whitted, owner of the Be Strong Gym in Bloomington, Illinois, allowed his members to sign out more than $40,000 worth of workout equipment to use at home, free of charge, during the state’s stay-at-home order.

He said that he didn’t want people to miss their workouts—and he’s gratified to see how it’s bringing families together.

“Now I see a whole family, getting through this shelter in place, getting through this tough time doing these workouts together, bonding together, becoming healthier and happier together as a family unit,” he told CNN.

About 80 members took him up on the offer, signing out equipment, but Drew held some back, so he could hold online training sessions every day.

The small business owner has promised to retain and pay all eight of his employees, and has offered members a free month when the quarantine is over.

Gym member Paulette Cocco was blown away by the generosity: “He had recently put a lot of money into getting new equipment,” she told CNN. “I mean, his equipment is really beautiful, so it was a big sacrifice.”

She added that she would personally be paying him for the lost month, anyway. The rest of Paulette’s family has recently started working out at home with her, and they are planning to join the gym when it reopens.

Whitted has expressed no worries about the equipment making its way back to the gym when it reopens, saying that members will be excited to work out together again.

Inspire Others By This Act of Generosity By Sharing on Social Media…

Need more positive stories and updates coming out of the COVID-19 challenge? For more uplifting coverage, click here.

A Curious Baby Whale Gives Passengers Their Moment of a Lifetime With its Mother Watching Nearby

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Good News Network

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May 13, 2020

This remarkable video shows a once in a lifetime moment for a lucky whale watcher—petting a wild baby grey.

Sofia Isaac recorded the touching moment that an inquisitive calf swam up to her boat to say ‘hello’.

A passenger reached out to pet the playful whale, and it appeared to like the attention.

The video was taken at a whale breeding ground in Ojo de Liebre, Baja, California, USA.

Sofia, from Guadalajara, Mexico, said, “The video shows a baby grey whale being curious. You are able to touch them, here.”

“The mother whale was behind the baby at all times protecting him,” she says.

“This is my meaning of happiness and enjoying the present.”

WATCH the video below… (Photos and video from SWNS)

SHARE the Amazing Encounter on Social Media…

Know a Healthcare or Frontline Worker? These Companies Are Offering Wonderful Free Stuff to Say Thanks

By

Andy Corbley

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May 13, 2020

The private sector, though affected by worldwide closures of brick-and-mortar locations, is still coming out strong to reward healthcare and frontline workers across America and across the world.

Many corporations recognize that nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff like custodians, are heroes—and that the risks they are taking and sacrifices they making need rewarding.

Here are 11 great offers we learned about on the web (contact them for more details, though)…

Plan a Vacation With Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is giving away 100,000 roundtrip plane tickets for any of its network destinations as a way of giving healthcare professionals a “much-needed break” from their life-saving work. Medical workers will get a unique coupon code to use at checkout, good for 2 return tickets— and 35% off any purchase in Qatar Airways duty-free stores. All one needs to do is fill out this form, and tickets come on a first come first serve basis.

WHO: Medical Professionals. WHEN: Closes May 18 at 23:59 (Doha time).

Need New Crocs?

If you’ve ever been to a hospital, you’ll have likely seen medical professionals wearing easy to clean Crocs shoes during long hours on their feet. Crocs is giving away 10,000 pairs of shoes every day, and the only thing you need to do to claim your pair is get in this virtual queue at 12 PM Eastern Time everyday.

WHO: Healthcare Workers. WHEN 12 PM Eastern Time everyday.

Free Oil Changes on Any Car—From Mazda

Participating Mazda dealers are offering free oil-changes and other standard care services for America’s healthcare workers through June 1st. You are not required to own a Mazda, and other makes and models are accepted. A list of participating facilities nationwide can be found here, and a list of services here.

“We understand the important role vehicles play in people’s lives, and by partnering with our dealer network, we hope to make a meaningful impact in communities around the country.” MNAO President Jeff Guyton said.

WHO: American Healthcare Workers. WHEN April 16th – June 1st.

Samsung Phone Repair

Samsung is offering free repairs on Samsung phones, including battery replacements and cracked screen repair for healthcare workers with valid hospital IDs—anyone from a janitor to a surgeon. Details on the offer can be found here.

WHO: Healthcare Workers with valid hospital ID. WHEN: Through June 30th.

Free Tax Prep From H&R Block

H&R Block is offering Tax Pro Go—their expert-prepared virtual tax service—absolutely free for all police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and healthcare workers during the month of May. It includes the filing of both federal and state tax returns for free with H&R Block’s Tax Pro Go. You will need to upload a photo of your work ID. Visit here for more details.

WHO: Police, Firefighters, EMTs, and Healthcare Workers WHEN: Month of May

Free Legal Trust and Will

Working in a hospital during a pandemic is obviously a very dangerous profession, and Trust and Will is offering their services in creating a digital, state-specific, and legally binding last will and estate plan, a $129 value, free to those Americans risking their lives to protect ours. It may take 48 hours to begin the process due to the high volume of applicants, but you can start the process here.

WHO: American Healthcare Workers.

Lyft Scooter in 6 Cities

First responders, healthcare workers, and transit workers can ride Lyft Scooter for 30 minutes free of charge in the cities of Austin, Los Angeles, Denver, Metro DC, Denver, and San Diego. More information can be found in a press release here.

WHO: Transit, healthcare, and emergency service workers. WHEN: The month of May.

Shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club Without a Membership

As the name suggests, BJ’s requires a membership, much like Costco. In response to grocery shortages, on April 19th BJ’s began holding dedicated shopping hours for people in the medical industry – every Sunday from 8AM to 9Am – no membership required. For those who like shopping there, they are also giving away free four-month memberships to anyone with a valid hospital or emergency service ID number.

WHO: Emergency service or medical care workers with valid ID. WHEN: N/A.

Free Wax Grooming For All Essential Workers

Through July 31, frontline heroes can receive a free wax service from European Wax Center locations. Frontline heroes looking to shape up for a possible summer reopening can choose from any service (other than full leg) on their website as a one-time complimentary service. Register on the link here to receive a certificate to use when your local center reopens.

WHO: Healthcare, pharmacy, postal service, grocery, and emergency service members. WHEN: Now until July 31st

NOMINATE A HERO TO WIN:

Free AC / Heating Equipment

Lennox International, manufacturer of premier heating and cooling systems, is inviting community members across the US and Canada to nominate deserving homeowners to receive new heating or cooling equipment free of charge. Lennox’ annual Feel The Love program, which has expanded this year to also bring hope and support to those on the coronavirus frontlines, is now accepting nominations at FeelTheLove.com through August 31th, 2020. You can nominate anyone regardless of their work, with deserving winners selected during the beginning of autumn. Lennox will supply new high-efficiency heating or cooling systems for selected nominees during Feel The Love Weekend, October 8th – 11th, at no cost in U.S. and Canadian homes.

WHO: Anyone you feel is a neighborhood hero or deserving of help. WHEN: Nominations taken through the end of August.

Heroes Fly Free with JetBlue

And, finally, you can nominate a healthcare hero for a free vacation flight from JetBlue. The American airliner is giving away 100K pairs of roundtrip airline tickets so that healthcare heroes can enjoy a much needed vacation after they’re done saving lives and helping people. Use this link to describe someone you think is deserving of a free vacation through this link, where you can describe their work and actions.

WHO: Healthcare heroes or anyone you feel is worthy of nomination.
WHEN: Now until 11:59 PM on May 15th.

Need more positive stories and updates coming out of the COVID-19 challenge? For more uplifting coverage, click here.

SHARE This With Essential Workers and Friends on Social Media…

Parents Recreate McDonald’s Drive-thru in Lockdown to Give 2-Year-old Her Favorite Birthday Treat (WATCH)

By

Aletheia Jurado

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May 13, 2020

While countries were still in lockdown and most places were closed, these parents decided to go the extra mile to make their daughter’s second birthday special.

With a lot of imagination, and help from a close friend, they recreated a McDonald’s drive through experience at home in New Zealand.

Marekura’s favorite treat is a cheeseburger from the famous fast food restaurant, but since they were all closed, they devised a plan to install their own social-distancing ‘drive thru’ window.

“What are we doing in the car?” her Māori-Italian parents asked.

“I don’t know,” their two children replied.

The good vibes began as the kids saw the uniform—with golden arches—on their friend in the window—and the bags that were passed to them in the car. The food was all homemade and wrapped with the M logo.

Of course, the parents didn’t forgot the toy, included with every Happy Meal.

WATCH the drive-thru fun…

Need more positive stories and updates coming out of the COVID-19 challenge—for more uplifting coverage, click here.

Make Sure you Take Out Some Smiles by Sharing This Good News with your Friends on Social Media…

Seagulls on Empty Roman Streets Have Rediscovered Their Wild Side

By

Gayathry

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May 13, 2020

seagull in Rome bird city Italy-pubdomain-Anastasia Dulgier — –Anastasia Dulgier

Animals are changing their habits as we change ours. The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred many of us to adopt habits that help us cope with the new reality. Meanwhile, on the empty streets of Rome, the city’s feathery sky divers are going back to their natural ways.

Italy has been under lockdown since March 9, including the restaurants and cafes where seagulls normally pick from among scraps of food. Starved of these usual tidbits, the gulls are now turning into hunters again and fending for themselves.

Bruno Cignini, a zoologist from the Rome University Tor Vergata, told local newspaper Corriere della Sera that the species, known as Yellow-Legged Gulls, “are going back to being predators”.

“They are catching mostly pigeons but also swallows, black birds. They’re also going after the fish in the Tiber,” he said.

“Luckily, they are also eating rats.”

While the gulls aren’t entirely unfamiliar with eating rats or pigeons, previously they only pecked at them as roadkill. Now however, they are actively hunting down their prey—and earning Italian brownie points for putting a cap on the rat population.

The city has had a waste management problem that attracts a number of unwelcome visitors—seagulls being one of them. The gull population in Rome has grown to tens of thousands and they are scorned as pests by locals and tourists alike, as they snatch food straight out of the hands of pedestrians.

MORE: Italian Student Stranded in Spain Finds Hero in Cab Driver Who Drove Her 900 Miles Home for Free

As we notice cleaner rivers and smog disappearing from city skies, another silver lining of the worldwide quarantine may be the animal species that are forced to take a walk on the wild side, as we wait for better, brighter tomorrows.

This is just one of many positive stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage, click here.

SHARE The Unexpected Silver Lining With Friends on Social Media…

“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision… We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.” – Stevie Wonder (turns 70 today)

Quote of the Day

By

Good News Network

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May 13, 2020

Quote of the Day: “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision… We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.” – Stevie Wonder (turns 70 today)

Photo: by chester wade, public domain, cropped

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quote of the Day page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

82-Year-old Grandpa Dances With a Broom Because He Isn’t Going to Let COVID-19 Ruin This Senior’s Fun

By

Good News Network

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May 12, 2020

Frank Cicorelli is a very social guy, and he so misses being with his friends in Charlotte, Michigan.

His wife passed away about 7 years ago at age 75, so he’s alone—but he’s been creating his own fun during this pandemic.

A Facebook post from April shows him carrying an umbrella enjoying his two-mile walk and looking on the bright side: “I was lucky, no wind”—even in the “miserable cold and rain.” He added, “Rain or snow you keep on Goin.”

He recovered from open heart coronary bypass surgery and a shoulder injury four years ago. He decided to work with a trainer and got back full range of motion on his shoulder.

“He takes lots of pictures and posts them on his Facebook page,” his daughter, Connie Cicorelli Ricci, told GNN. “My husband (a high school teacher) says he spends more time on his phone than most teenagers!”

WATCH: 89-Year-Old Sews 600 Masks While Listening to The Beatles

The couple, who lives outside of Philadelphia, call Frank a few times a week on Facetime. But he needs more social time than that.

He sent this video to Connie and her brother via text showing him getting his groove on to Achy Breaky Heart and grabbing the nearest partner to dance—a broomstick.

“My dad is my HERO and he still lives one of his core values—to make the best out of whatever situation you have!”

WATCH the adorable video below…

SHARE The Fun With Your Friends and Seniors on Social Media…

This is just one of many positive stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage on the outbreaks, click here.

Guy Fieri Giving $22 Million He Raised to Restaurant Workers; Plans Nacho Battle With Bill Murray to Give More

By

Andy Corbley

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May 12, 2020

Food Network star, Chef, and lifetime restaurateur, Guy Fieri has raised more than $22 million to help restaurant employees that have been unable to work during the COVID-19 shutdowns across the country.

Fieri has created the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, into which has poured large donations from the heaviest-hitting CEOs involved in the restaurant business like Pepsi, Coke, and Uber Eats.

“My entire career has been in the restaurant business,” said Fieri. “From bussing tables to flambe captain to dishwasher to chef… I have done it all. I’ve also spent the better part of the last 15 years traveling this great country meeting other folks who’ve dedicated their lives to this business, and let me tell you something, they are the hardest working, most real-deal workers you’ve ever met… the heartbeats of their communities.”

Fieri’s Fund has already provided 40,000 workers across the country with $500 grants to help them get through this difficult period—and more flows into their pockets every day.

WATCH: Cast of ‘Parks and Rec’ Raises $3M for COVID Relief After Reuniting for Quarantine Episode

Nacho Showdown

Bill Murray is the latest celebrity to join the herculean effort to raise more money for the Restaurant Employee Fund, and it is an absolute must-see; a webcast nacho-making competition between Fieri and Murray and their sons.

Dubbed the “Nacho Average Showdown,” Guy and Bill along with their sons Hunter Fieri and Homer Murray will square off in a 4-way nacho making competition live on the internet, judged and officiated by Basketball Legend Shaquille O’Neal.

The Showdown will take place on Friday May 15 at 5pm ET, and can be watched live on the Food Network Facebook page.

While some restaurants and diners have closed temporarily or permanently due to COVID restrictions, some still provide curbside pickup and takeaway, and Fieri is urging everyone to order from small mom-and-pop restaurants, which likely will be the type of business that suffers the most.

“They need your takeout!” (And, donate your tax-deductible dollars to the Fund, here.)

SHARE the Nacho News With Everyone on Your Social Media Feeds… (Murray photo by David Shankbone, CC license)

This is just one of many positive stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage on the outbreaks, click here.

Hero Teen is Rewarded for Returning $135,000 He Found Next to ATM

By

Michael Goonan

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May 12, 2020

A trip to a bank’s ATM machine is usually a mundane affair, but for Jose Nuñez Romaniz, his visit on Sunday is one that he will remember for the rest of his life.

The 19-year-old was helping his grandfather buy a pair of socks online when he noticed his account balance was low. So he drove to the nearest Wells Fargo to his home in Albuquerque to make a deposit. Little did he know, he was about to make an incredible discovery.

When he arrived to make his deposit, Jose noticed a clear plastic bag on the ground filled with cash. It turned out to be $135,000 worth of $50 and $20 bills.

“When I first saw it, I kind of stared at it for a few seconds, not knowing what to do,” Jose told the New York Times. “I was very shocked. I’ve never seen so much money.”

Crazy thoughts raced through his head. Was someone going to kidnap him? Was this some kind of practical joke? After taking a moment to collect himself, Jose did what he knew was the right thing: he called the police. They soon discovered that the money had accidentally been left behind by a worker tasked with refilling the ATM.

“This money could have made an incredible amount of difference in his life if he went down the other path, but he chose the integrity path and did the right thing,” Office Simon Drobik, a spokesman for the Albuquerque police told CNN.

Officer Drobik later told The Times: “I’ve seen a lot of stuff in 21 years, but this was unique and refreshing for the department and city.”

Police think it is the biggest amount of money ever found—and returned—in Albuquerque history.

Jose’s childhood dream has been to work in law enforcement himself, as a crime scene investigator and currently studies criminal justice at Central New Mexico Community College. On Tuesday, he received an unexpected call from Officer Drobik, asking him what it was like to be considered a “hero” in his community—and even though Jose said he didn’t feel like a hero, the mayor and police chief held a ceremony to honor him, anyway.

Mayor Tim Keller praised the young man’s honesty in returning every penny of the money, saying, “Man, we all know that temptation. Even just to take a little, just one of those bundles off the top. I mean that had to be really hard.”

Local businesses have showered Jose with rewards. He has received gift cards from local restaurants, sports gear, and season tickets for University of New Mexico football courtesy of ESPN radio. He was also given a $500 scholarship from an electric company.

And, perhaps best of all, the police chief invited Jose to apply for a job as a public service aid for the department.

It was also the best gift for Mother’s Day. “She called me and almost started crying… She told me I did the right thing and that she was proud of me.”

(WATCH the local news coverage of the ceremony in the video below)

Inspire Your Friends With This Story Of Honesty By Sharing It To Social Media…

From Hong Kong to New Zealand, Hawaii and Montana, Officials Celebrate No New Cases of COVID-19

By

Andy Corbley

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May 12, 2020

Across the world, many countries are seeing the number of new cases of COVID-19 wind down into single digits over the last week. Four places—including a huge city like Hong Kong that was hit hard by the pandemic—are even celebrating zero new cases.

One of the most densely populated cities on earth, Hong Kong has now gone 22 days as of Monday without re-circulation of the virus within the country. The last new case was reported April 20th.

Medical experts have warned that people should keep their guard up, as hiking trails, restaurants, beaches, and parks open with fewer restrictions.

After easing restrictions in February, Hong Kong experienced a surge in new cases, suffering from the often-warned of “second wave” but has contained the virus very well since then.

Hong Kong’s chief executive Carrie Lam is in talks about freeing citizens from quarantine and travel restrictions between Macau and the Chinese Province of Guangdong according to South China Morning Post.

No COVID for Kiwis

Another nation that will likely soon declare mission accomplished against COVID-19 is New Zealand, which has ended stringent lockdown procedures less than a week ago after Monday passed without any new cases of the virus.

Arriving in mid-March, the coronavirus was responsible for 20 deaths in the Pacific island nation, and although lockdown restrictions are eased, many restaurants remain closed and social distancing is still encouraged.

However the director-general of health, Ashley Bloomfield says the milestone of no new cases is a cause for celebration and is “symbolic of the effort everyone has put in.”

New Zealand currently has a little over 1,000 cases confirmed in the country, and her westerly neighbor Australia is likewise carrying a light viral burden of 6,800 cases and 94 deaths according to Al Jazeera. Talks between the two nations may result soon, according to the New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters in a trans-Tasman travel arrangement, whereby visitors of one country can visit the other freely, saying such an arrangement could work “seriously well.”

No New Cases in Montana or Hawaii

The islands of Hawai’i as recently as May 8th reported no new cases of the novel coronavirus. It’s the first time in two months the spread has halted completely.

Beginning May 18, governors will allow residents to seek reimbursement for expenses if people were impacted by official shutdown measures, which include rent and child care. These orders are beginning to be lifted, with low-risk business reopening.

Honolulu’s Director of Community Services Pamela Witty-Oakland says the capital is working with nonprofit groups like Aloha United Way, Helping Hands Hawaiʻi, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement to provide financial support to the most vulnerable communities.

MORE: FDA Approves Emergency Use of Nation’s First Drug Treatment Against COVID-19

“These organizations will work with the families, and those affected. [They] will collect receipts and provide reimbursement of eligible household expenses of up to $1,000 a month, and eligible child care expenses of up to $500 a month,” she said.

Also free of new cases is Montana. The Big Sky State reports no new reports of patients with the virus. COVID-19’s effect in Montana has been so limited, that on May 7th schools were given the option of resuming normal operations.

SHARE the Positive Trends With Friends in Lockdown on Social Media…

This is just one of many positive stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage on the outbreaks, click here.