Good News Sunday: an act of kindness and other good news
Good news is hard to come by. But here are some snippets of goodness that were in the news this past week.
Every week I try to collect some good news. I know, I know, these snippets of goodness are no match for the torrent of badness that decends upon us every week. But still, it is something to be cherished. Join me.
Toronto, Canada
A bulldozer operator in Toronto happened upon plant life that had been buried under concrete for a century. To the surprise of scientists, the plants then burst into life!
Creatures buried in soil for over a century burst back to life in Toronto waterfront
That a bulldozer operator who from his perch in the cabin can tell plant species apart is already brilliant. But to stop his work and inform authorities is quite another. I would say, that’s an act of kindness and very good news.
Protests in Madagascar
Soldiers in Madagascar aligned themselves with protestors for a change.
Soldiers from elite Capsat unit join protests against Madagascar’s president
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It’s true that the military group themselves supported the coup that brought the current government to power. And yes, It’s probable that they have anterior motives. But still, they understand that the positive momentum brought by gen z in other parts of the world is coming. And that’s a good thing.
Christchurch, New Zealand
My favourite city in the world (and where I grew up), Christchurch is set to become a major New Zealand hub, surpassing Auckland and Wellington is not in population then in spirit.
‘Feel the energy’: Move over Auckland and Wellington, this thriving city is the place to be
I felt the energy when I was in Christchurch this summer. Having grown up there I’m obviously biased, but please bear with me.
Christchurch was heavily affected by the earthquake of 2011. According to some reports one fifth of the population left due to uninhabitable homes and broken businesses.
When we were in Christchurch we stayed in one of the townhouses built around the new arena, that was being finished at the time.
Thanks in part to the influx of foreign migrants that have come to help in these efforts, the population of Christchurch has now exceeded pre-earthquake levels
Gaza: Peace at last.
Finally, finally, finally, some form of peace coming to Gaza.
Agencies prepare to bring aid to starving people in Gaza as ceasefire appears to hold
This of course is totally good news. The return of aid to the stricken region is a hopeful sign that the peace treaty will hold.
These couple of weeks, I am spending some time In my home country of New Zealand after attending the funeral of a family member. As always, the sad is accompanied by smiles, as I stay in their homes and talk about the old days.
For each of the 8 billion of us, something has happened in the past week that would qualify as good news. Our youngest child has had their therapy approved. It doesn’t reach the papers, yet for us, it’s the best news we’ve had in a time.
