Your weekly dose of positivity during these unprecedented and challenging times, read on for the kind of good news stories that remind us we are all in this together.
May
• A 95 year-old great-grandmother of 16 great-grandchildren was released from a Toronto hospital last week after beating COVID-19. She had been hospitalized for over a month, and the reunion was joyous. Watch it here.
• 101-year-old Angelina Friedman was born on a ship transporting migrants from Italy to New York in 1918, right in the midst of the Spanish flu. She survived that, and now she’s survived the coronavirus. Read her incredible story.
• We’ve all become accustomed to seeing face masks, but how about masks specially made for the Tooth Fairy? Well, thanks to 7-year-old Kayla, now you have. Take a look.
• In BC, the provincial government is providing housing for more than 200 homeless Canadians while also supporting struggling hotels during the COVID-19 crisis. Read the story.
• Toronto-resident Shelly Berenbaum has also been brightening spirits on her Facebook account by dressing up daily in a costume while self-isolating at home. Read the story.
• Banksy delivered an incredible work of art honouring essential workers to a local hospital with a thank you note attached. Take a look.
• This father and his 3-year-old daughter dress up in a different costume every day to take out their garbage. Watch the video.
April 25: Special Edition – National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week allows us to recognize, celebrate, and thank the over 300 incredible volunteers across the country who selflessly give their time and energy to make invaluable contributions to our work at The Salvation Army Thrift Store, NRO. As our stores remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, these members of our NRO family are dearly missed.
For seven years, Orma Graham has been a welcome sight for team members and regular Guests in Red Deer. As a volunteer, she gives four hours every Monday and Thursday to help the Red Deer Thrift Store care for their community. “Orma always has a bright smile,” says Lorelei Gettle, District Manager of Alberta North. “No matter what she has to deal with she is always positive, upbeat, and up for the task at hand.”
On the other side of the country, Kandy Ingraham is an educational assistant at a local high school in Fredericton. She accompanied her students as they volunteered at the Fredericton Thrift Store as part of a co-op program, and soon found herself helping out at the store on lunch breaks in addition to her regularly scheduled volunteer shifts. “The experience of volunteering has enriched my life,” says Kandy. “It felt great to give time. It was wonderful to make new friends. It was so much fun to volunteer in such a positive environment. I desire to continue volunteering at the store in the future and would suggest to anyone reading this to do likewise. You will be so glad you did.”
We are thrilled to honour and thank Orma, Kandy, and all the faithful and dedicated members of our family during National Volunteer Week, and always. From coast to coast, these volunteers are NRO and community superheroes who help make our work possible!
Are you missing regular visits with volunteers and staff at your local Salvation Army Thrift Store? Say hi and let them know on our Facebook page.
April
• The Salvation Army’s Haven of Hope in Regina is ensuring that no child goes hungry: “When schools closed, principals were concerned about families with limited resources.” Read the story.
• John Krasinski is back with his third episode of Some Good News. Watch the video.
• Did you know The Salvation Army runs 30 general hospitals and more than 200 clinics around the world? Read the story about they are meeting additional needs during COVID-19 and track The Salvation Army’s worldwide response with this interactive map!
• Communities around the country have been teaming up to donate homemade equipment for healthcare workers, like this story about Country Cupboard making headbands for healthcare workers in Renfrew County, and this story about a Winnipeg nurse and teacher who teamed up to provide front-line hospital workers with homemade surgical scrub caps.
• Residents in Copenhagen, Denmark stay physically fit while physically distancing with group balcony workouts. Watch the video.
• An emotional moment is captured when a coronavirus patient gets floor-wide applause from hospital staff while leaving the ICU. Watch the video.
• The Office’s John Krasinski has a new YouTube show called Some Good News to deliver all the positivity we need. “Without question, we are all going through an incredibly trying time. But through all the anxiety, all the confusion, and all the isolation, somehow the human spirit found a way to break through and blow us all away,” he says. Watch the video.
• Ikea’s generous donation of $10,000 worth of furniture, blankets, and other household items has enabled The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Winnipeg to open a second emergency shelter to care for the needs of the community. Read the story.
• Canadian music legend Jann Arden took to Facebook Live for a free virtual concert. As she says, “Do what you’re good at and help other people. I’m a singer and a songwriter and this is what I do best. This is how I’m trying to help my community.” Watch the video.
• This Salvation Army long-term care home is connecting families and loved ones: “The video calls keep families and residents, who may be feeling isolated, more engaged and it gives them something to look forward to during these difficult times.” Read the article.
Amidst all the uncertainty, please know that when this crisis is behind us, we will be here for you. Whether you need an affordable place to shop after the financial repercussions that have affected us all, or simply want to take comfort in the social bonds that our stores share with their communities, we will continue to represent The Salvation Army’s values of hope, service, dignity, and stewardship. Take good care, and keep in touch.
