Good News 2020_BLOG HEADER

A Good News Round Up From 2020

By NCS

Include this article in your Skills Builder Journal. It could help you develop... Staying Positive Badge

 

What a year this has been. We’ve been living in unprecedented times, and have seen a lot of tragedy, heartache and fear. It’s been hard to get away from at times. BUT, along with all of the strange, there has been plenty of amazing. So, to end the year on a positive note, here’s a look back at all the good news that’s also come out of 2020…

January - Funds raised for Australia

As raging bushfires in Australia caused mass destruction of the country, people all over the world came together to raise funds for the emergency services and wildfire relief efforts. Leonardo DiCaprio’s environmental organisation Earth Alliance donated $3million, Chris Hemsworth and Elton John each offered $1million, Metallica donated $750,000 to a firefighting agency and Phoebe Waller-Bridge auctioned off her Golden Globes outfit to raise funds to donate. Read more about it here. 

February - #notestonhs

Andy Leek, the artist most commonly known as ‘notestostrangers’ on Instagram, usually fills the streets with kind words and bright posters. His works are found all over the country and are just as his name suggests - notes, to strangers. Kind words that people can find, take on and treasure. As coronavirus started to put a strain on the NHS, Andy thought of a way to let all the essential workers know just how much they were appreciated. He made 600 handmade posters to send to and be put up in NHS staff rooms, corridors, break rooms and offices. The posters were then photographed and reposted all over Insta with the hashtag #notestonhs! 

March - We’re going on a bear hunt

March saw the beginning of lockdown for everyone in the UK. Restrictions were tight and people were only allowed to go out when necessary - or for exercise. And for many people across the country, finding ways to keep young children entertained throughout the day became a little harder. But people started to get creative, and, inspired by Michael Rosen’s children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, stuffed toys were placed in windows to give children a fun and safe activity while walking around their neighbourhood. This also later inspired the rainbow hunt to show support for the NHS! Read more about it here. 

April - Social dis-dancing

As lockdown and social distancing continued, people started to find more ways of entertaining themselves and breaking up the monotony. In Bridgenorth, Shropshire, Steve Chase decided to bring a little fun to his community. He set up some decks in his driveway and got everyone out - at a safe distance of course - in their own gardens or driveways for a bit of a boogie! Check the video out here. 

May - The legend of Captain Tom 

In April, the country fell in love with Captain Tom Moore - an army vet who made a plan to walk 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, and raise £1000 for NHS Charities. Cut to one month later, Tom had raised over £32million and became a national treasure! So much so that in May he was awarded a knighthood to become Captain Sir Tom Moore. He has since gone on to become a huge inspiration around the world, and started a mission to ‘get as many people as possible walking, talking, spreading hope and easing loneliness.’ Read more about his story here. 

June - Marcus Rashford makes a difference

Man United footballer Marcus Rashford made sure that school kids all over the country wouldn’t go hungry in June. Marcus campaigned for the free school meal vouchers that are provided during term time to be continued throughout the holidays, and his success meant that 1.3million children would be able to have meals. Read more about it here. 

July - Five year old Tony makes a million

Five year old double amputee Tony Hudgell was inspired by Captain Tom Moore and decided to walk 10km on his new prosthetic legs in the hope to raise £500 for the hospital that saved his life. Once again, the country came together and helped Tony raise more than £1million! Tony’s mum said, when he crossed the line, “It is incredible to think that just a few weeks ago Tony could barely take a few steps. He is such a strong and determined boy and we are so proud. We’d like to thank everyone who has been so generous in supporting Tony’s fundraising and we couldn’t be happier that the money is going to a place that is so special to our family.” Find out more about Tony here. 

August - Chocolate rain

It seems like something only dreams are made of, but residents of a Swiss town woke up to chocolate rain in August! Due to a ventilation malfunction at the nearby Lindt & Spruengli factory and strong winds, it literally started raining a fine mist of cocoa powder. Delicious! Check it out here. 

September - Drum roll please...

Ten year old Nandi Bushell, a British and Zulu drummer became an internet sensation this year, playing drums with Lenny Kravitz, starring in an advert on TV and even appearing on the Ellen Degeneres Show. But it was in September, when things really kicked off for her. She took to Twitter to challenge her hero, Dave Ghrol, to a drumming battle. And not only did he take on the challenge, but he also wrote a song just for her: A Superhero Theme Song! Check out the full story here. 

October - The World Food Program

The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded this month, and it went to the world’s largest humanitarian organisation that feeds the hungry. The World Food Program (WFP) won the award “for its efforts to combat hunger and bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas by seeking to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon.” Read more about it here. 

November - Passing it McForward

When six year old Blake Durham and his mum were waiting for their McDonald’s drive through order, Blake decided to spread a little kindness and make someone ‘feel happy and let them have a good day.’ He told the server he would use his pocket money to buy the food for the man in the car behind him. And this started a chain of kindness, with car after car paying for the meal of those next in line! Take a look at the full story here. 

December - It’s December..!

There may have been times this year where it didn’t look like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. But, we’ve made it through guys. It’s the final month of an eventful twelve months, both good and bad. And a new year is just around the corner. So, three cheers to all of us...and byeeeeee 2020! 

 

Related content

REGISTER NOW LIVE CHAT
On a scale of 1 to 5, how enjoyable have you found the content you've viewed today?
(1 - Not at all enjoyable, 2, 3, 4, 5 - Very enjoyable)
On a scale of 1 to 5, how likely are you to share any of the content you've viewed today on your socials?
(1 - Not at all enjoyable, 2, 3, 4, 5 - Very enjoyable)