Cape Town – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are continuing their tradition of focusing on charities and organisations making a difference in the world – but for January 2020 they're focusing on just one thing: spreading good news.
"Happy New Year!" they wrote on Instagram. "For January, we would like to shine a spotlight on @goodnews_movement. This journalist run-page covers and celebrates acts of kindness and good news in our global community. We hope it brings you joy!"
And it did! So I thought I'd share some of their more recent inspiring posts with you. Here are eight stories by Good News Movement that'll make your day:
1. Free Internet for Guilherme
10-year-old Guilherme didn't have internet access at home to complete his homework, so when store employees in his nearest mall saw him instore doing research for an assignment, they invited him back and said he could come through whenever he needed, giving him two tablets to work on. Another employee later stepped up to provide him with a computer and internet access so he could work from home.
2. Greyhound gets runaway teens back home
According to a press release from the National Runaway Safeline (NRS), Greyhound, a transport company in the US, is helping "runaway, homeless and exploited youth" to return home safely by giving them free tickets. Their only requirement: Recipients must be willing to be reunited with their families if they're choosing to go home.
3. A Christmas bonus for a hardworking pizza guy
A man in California was completely moved when he delivered his last pizza before calling it a day. The family he delivered to each contributed to a $211 (R3000) tip – and his reaction was priceless!
4. A police officer's kind gesture that made all the difference
Lanell McGee James recalled the moment trooper Ross Bates pulled her and her husband over on the road. They were speeding. But instead of a fine, in a genuine act of kindness after hearing her husband was on his way to his brother's funeral, the officer did something completely unexpected.
"He removed his hat asked to hold our hands, and he prayed with us. I have never had this happen before, but it was everything that we needed in that moment," Lanell wrote on Facebook.
5. A bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter
These words aren't an act of kindness, per se, but it meant the world to a granddaughter whose grandmother has Alzheimer's disease: "It was nice remembering you..."
6. Anu shows off her new prosthetic leg – and her friends couldn't be happier for her
Seven-year-old Anu was all smiles on the playground showing off her new prosthetic leg – and her friends couldn't wait to run to her and give her a hug.
7. A happy dance for snacks
This delivery guy found himself working over through the holidays, so one family decided to spread the Christmas cheer by making sure he has enough snacks to keep him going.
"Thank you for making holiday shopping easy," they wrote on a note by the treats – and he was so thrilled he did a happy dance that the family managed to catch on camera.
8. Oprah Winfrey celebrates the future of South Africa
On 1 January 2007, Oprah Winfrey opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Gauteng, South Africa. 13 years later here she is with the 9th grade graduating class.
The Good News account shared a video of the class celebrating by playing marimba's and added a quote by the 65-year-old. "When you invest in a young woman, you are investing in the future, not only of South Africa but also of the world. So these young ladies are a symbol and a beacon of light, of what is possible."
(Photo: Getty Images)