Last week, we explored five amazing things that were happening in the world right now despite the wide-spread struggle and sadness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are five more amazing things that are happening right now.
1. FUNDRAISING
It’s no secret that the wonderful NHS, emergency services and key workers are under immense strain right now in their incredible efforts to protect their patients and communities.
To support and thank this selfless work, many people, communities and businesses have focused their efforts on fundraising and donating to causes that help health, emergency and key workers.
People are proving that extravagant events and huge crowds are not needed to raise vital funds when the cause is so significant and valuable.
One of this week’s, and century’s, most sensational and inspirational fundraisers, was orchestrated by the legendary Captain Tom Moore. With his birthday party cancelled due to lockdown, the 99-year-old, World War II veteran, decided to mark his 100th birthday by walking 100 laps of his garden in the hopes people would help him celebrate his milestone by donating to his Just Giving Page for NHS Charities Together. The goal was £1000.
Tom’s fundraiser has resulted in an astonishing £18 million + in donations for NHS Charities Together, from his admirers all over the world.
Captain Tom Moore is the greatest testament never to underestimate an act of kindness, no matter how small you think it is.
2. INNOVATION
Again, Captain Tom Moore is an example of this. He couldn’t celebrate or fundraise in a typical way, so he did something challenging with the resources he had, his garden and walking aid. And Captain Tom is not the only one pulling their resources to innovate something essential in this crisis.
Manufacturers and universities across the world are using their skills and equipment to produce urgently required supplies such as PPE, ventilators and sanitiser.
Software developers are creating new apps and communication platforms to keep people connected and entertained while they cannot meet in person. A single pub quiz can now have players in different counties taking part in their living rooms. It’s not life-saving, but it is some much needed light relief.
And the majority of us cannot begin to fathom how the scientists and medical experts are working around the clock to create a successful vaccine and treat those affected by COVID-19.
3. PRODUCTIVITY
Health, emergency and key workers have never been busier or more relied upon. But for those non-essential workers, who are albeit forced to, but are fortunate enough to stay at home as much as possible, seem determined to resist lockdown laziness.
Cleaning out a kitchen cupboard does not compare to keeping someone alive, but productivity is key to looking after our mental health which is heavily compromised during lockdown and isolation.
The news and social media are constantly showcasing people making the most of their free time at home by spending it on gardening, cleaning and home improvements that never would have occurred before.
Front windows across the country are displayed with messages and symbols of gratitude to essential workers. Exercise is no longer a chore, it is a luxury and highlight of a day. And instead of missing fast food, people are enjoying home cooking or a Spring barbeque.
4. ENVIRONMENT
Lockdowns and social distancing measures across the globe have drastically reduced vehicle emissions, energy consumption and other pollution.
Air quality around the world has improved, with a decrease in tiny particle pollution and nitrogen dioxide which are the two pollutants that inflict the biggest health impacts on people.
The COVID-19 virus is not directly impacting our air quality, but how we combat it is impacting human behaviour and restricting environmentally harmful actions.
By protecting ourselves, we’ve helped the environment – what could we do for the planet when committing to a conscious effort?
5. COMMUNITY
Our neighbours, our clinics, our shops, our pharmacies, our salons, our restaurants, are our communities.
It’s perhaps the biggest tragedy our communities have endured, but they’ve also never been so strong and united in the face of it all. People are caring for their neighbours, supporting open local businesses best they can and living in anticipation to come together again.
For non-essential workers, seeing their neighbours, at a safe distance, will be one of the few social interactions they can have. Whether you considered yourself close to your neighbours before or not, communities are heavily reliant on those close by for contact and support during lockdown.
The able are helping the vulnerable, and we’re remembering communities are based on people and their actions, not where they are located.