6 good news stories from around the world to brighten your day

Apr 1 2020, 11:53 pm

Sometimes catching up on daily news can be a daunting task; with a multitude of negative, fear-inducing headlines, it’s enough to make anyone feel discouraged.

While staying informed on both local and international news is necessary, it’s essential to remind ourselves that it’s not all bad in this world.

To assure you that all is not doom and gloom, we’ve rounded up a few good news stories from around the world that are sure to put a smile on your face.

New York couple gets married in the street during lockdown

 

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Reilly Jennings and her partner, Amanda, were supposed to get married in October. After filing for a marriage license, the pair was ready to get hitched, when it was announced that the marriage bureau of New York was closing immediately. The couple, understandably distraught, was delighted when a friend contacted them to say that he was ordained and would be able to marry them. They were joined in matrimony below their friend’s fourth-story window in the presence of friends who stayed in their cars because, you know, physical distancing! Read more.

Young girl surprised by parade of neighbors celebrating her last chemo treatment

Courtney (AKA Coco) finished her final chemo treatment on March 24. Already a momentous occasion, Coco’s neighbors decided to make it even more special by throwing a surprise social distancing welcome home parade in her honour. The video has garnered over four million views! Additionally, Coco’s nurses also celebrated her accomplishment by creating a sign with their own rendition of Frozen’s Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Congratulations, Coco! Read more.

British tavern owner creates a virtual pub for her community and attracts thousands of global customers in the process

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Joanne Bowtell from Leicestershire in the UK created The Virtual Pub (AKA The Hope Inn) on Facebook to entertain and engage her community. Little did she know that the group’s influence would expand far beyond what she imagined and eventually transcend borders. The group has over 17,000 members from all over the world participating in live music, quiz nights, comedy nights, and other unique activities. To bring her community together, Bowtell inadvertently created her own! Read more.

Man runs half-marathon from his balcony for charity

 

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Sam Hustler was supposed to participate in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on March 29. However, due to government restrictions, the event was canceled. Hustler, determined to continue his fundraising and not forgo his training, took matters into his own hands and decided to run the 21 km half-marathon from his balcony at his quarantined home in Essex. He completed the feat in three hours. Not only that, but he raised £1,965 ($3,432 CAD) for Haven House Children’s Hospice, and his fundraising page is still open for donations! Read more.

Lieutenant Dan, the two-legged hound, has been named the next Cadbury Bunny

 

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Just in time for Easter, popular chocolate brand Cadbury has named its new bunny, and this time, it’s not a rabbit! Aptly named Lieutenant Dan, the two-legged hound from New Richmond, Ohio, complete with his stylish pink bunny ears, won the CADBURY Bunny Tryouts contest. “Lieutenant Dan was born different, but hasn’t let it slow him down!” the company said on its website. “He has a joy for life that is infectious and inspiring!” Read more.

Dolly Parton will be reading to children online

 

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Country music superstar Dolly Parton announced on Facebook that, beginning April 2, she will be launching “Goodnight with Dolly,” an online series where she will read stories to children from the Imagination Library — Parton’s non-profit organization — every Thursday evening at 7 pm ET on Facebook Live. Though it is targeted towards children, “Goodnight with Dolly” is open to everyone. Read more.

 

Do you know a local Good Samaritan? Send in your stories, photos, or videos of positive things you see in your community to [email protected]

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