Weekly Uplifting Stories - December 11, 2023

Every person you come across in your life has a unique story.

You never know what someone is struggling with. For people going through tough times, acts of compassion and kindness can be life-changing. We all could use more love and compassion in this world.

“It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime." - Joan Marques

Make good use of every opportunity to bring a smile to someone's face.

This week, we've collected some heartwarming stories about:

• Family recipes bring students together
• Joey's holiday cards spread cheer in the Maritimes
• This restaurant is serving free meals to those in need
• Teen supplies families with 7,000 pounds of veggies

Students celebrate cultures and cuisines from around the world

Students at Stony Brooks University participate in the Cooking from Home program, where they share authentic recipes that connect them with their culture.

Students work alongside the culinary team at SBU Eats to bring the entire campus community together for a celebration of cuisines from around the world.

First-year student Samiha Khan prepared her great-grandfather’s recipe, khichuri and beef bhuna, a hearty and comforting dish that is part of a 130-year-old tradition in her family.

Samiha believes that through food, she can create a ripple effect that can transform the lives of those around her.

“I believe that the power of kindness can transform the world, one small act at a time and that social status does not make you any different because we are all humans,” says Khan.

Food breaks cultural barriers and brings people together. The simple act of sharing a meal can foster an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives.

A 12-year-old boy has sent over 2000 holiday cards to people, and groups around the Maritimes

Earlier this year, Joey received thousands of cards after his parents shared on social media that he was being bullied at school and all he wanted for his 12th birthday was 100 cards.

After receiving overwhelming support from people all over the world, Joey decided to return the kindness.

Joey the "Card King", has created and sent more than 2,700 postcards to organizations around Maritimes, Canada.

"It really just was a fun adventure, an opportunity for Joey to give back, to get his name out there that this is what he loves, is what he's passionate about, and show what someone with autism loves to do," said Renee Connolly, Joey's mom.

Joey's love of cards has helped him to make new friends, as well as do better at school. The Connollys plan to keep up with this tradition, with a new goal of a whopping 6,000 holiday cards next year.

This Toronto restaurant is making an impact with its pay-it-forward initiative

Amid the rising food prices, many people are feeling vulnerable as they are barely able to afford one meal per day. The number of people relying on food banks is increasing at a staggering rate. And as a result, food banks are struggling to keep up.

Through a pay-it-forward initiative, Samaira's Kitchen is bringing the community together and encouraging people to look out for each other.

Good Samaritans pre-purchase the meals, which are delivered to people in need via meal tickets displayed on the restaurant’s windows.

“It’s giving me a good moment when you see people who are in need, and you see a smile on their face, and they have no place where they can go when they are hungry.” - The restaurant owner, Rajesh Chamoli

Over 350 meals have been given away so far and Rajesh isn't stopping anytime soon.

This young girl grew 7,000 pounds of vegetables to give to families in need

Pumpkins, cauliflower, jalapeños, beans, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cherry tomatoes - it's raining vegetables at Lauren Schroeder's garden.

Lauren has put in more than 1,000 hours of growing vegetables to donate to families in need.

She meticulously cares for her vegetables every spring and summer, spending two to three hours every day checking her crops and watering them by hand. She then delivers it to local nonprofits and food banks so that families in need can get easy access to fresh vegetables.

“Not only is she helping our mission of ending hunger, she demonstrates the selflessness and philanthropy that is so wonderful to see in younger people,” Nancy Renkes, president, and CEO of River Bend Food Bank.

Lauren started her veggie project following a volunteering experience where she noticed there weren't enough fresh vegetables being donated.

Till now, she has donated more than 7,000 pounds of produce.

Lauren plans to grow another 13,000 pounds of produce over the course of the next two years.

“I’m learning a lot as I go, and I love giving back, I’m happy to do it. Everyone deserves to have something healthy to eat,” said Lauren.

Have a Great Week Everyone! 

Hopefully, these stories remind you that there are a lot of people who care about you - even if they don't know you. From volunteers, to charities and even just every day people going out of their way to be friendly or do something courteous - these are the small gestures that make a big difference. 

Now, go forth and be kind! We're wishing you a marvelous and positive week ahead. 

Photo by Zen Chung