Weekly Uplifting Stories - October 30th, 2023

Welcome to this week's edition of Uplifting Stories!

“Kindness can transform someone's dark moment with a blaze of light. you'll never know how much your caring matters. make a difference for another today.”
― Amy Leigh Mercree

No matter where you are from or what you're going through, remember that you are not alone. Help is out there. 

Every week, we bring you uplifting stories in an attempt to promote acceptance, compassion, and kindness. We encourage you to share your stories and messages so that we can look out for each other and actively work towards fostering empathy.  

This week we hope you enjoy these stories about:

• Hundreds of families benefit from a school uniform exchange 
• Rescued animals get a second chance at the Kindness Ranch
• Young boy is committed to saving four-legged friends 
• Anti-bullying campaign helps children overcome bullying issues 

Parents commit to being more sustainable around school uniforms

In schools all over the world, uniforms are still required - which can lead to a hefty bill for parents, and a pile of clothes going to the dump after they're no longer needed.

Resourceful UK parent, Jade Ugur, from Chippenham took this into her own hands earlier this year, creating the Chippenham Uniform Exchange.

Chippenham Uniform Exchange collects donations of school uniforms, hosts pop-up shops, and also provides a direct request service.

"I think people really are making more conscious choices about the steps they can do to help the environment and help the planet," said Jade Ugur.

Since its inception, this Uniform Exchange has helped over 300 families in Chippenham.

More and more people are making the conscious choice to buy reused items to help the environment. Also, with the rising cost of living, having access to free uniforms is a blessing for many families. 

Anna Slade, who has been using the uniform exchange for her children, said, "They're up for it. They're quite aware of the impact that buying new uniforms and new clothing in general has on the environment".

Rescued animals receive rehabilitation and compassion at the Kindness Ranch

Located in Hartville, Wyoming, the Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary is one of a kind facility that is home to hundreds of rescued animals.

This sanctuary takes in animals previously used for clinical testing and research, providing a place of rehabilitation for animals and helps them find loving homes. Those who remain on the ranch are free to live out the rest of their days in peace. 

These animals, who are used to living in a controlled environment, get to experience a whole new world - be it walking on grass for the very first time, interacting with other animals, or jumping on the couch. 

"These animal heroes, that have given so much under the guise of scientific research deserve a comfortable retirement and if I can offer that to them out here, I am honored to be able to do so," said John Ramer, the executive director of the ranch. 

 The facility is spread out over 1200 acres and is the only facility of its kind in the US.

12-year-old boy with a strong compassion for dogs sets an example

Since 2016, Roman McConn has been on a mission to connect unwanted, abandoned dogs with forever families. 

Roman was only 4 years old when he first learned that not all dogs in shelters get out alive. Even at such a young age he understood the importance of helping vulnerable animals and decided to do everything he could to help dogs.

"I've just always had a love for dogs," - Roman

Created by Roman and his family, Project Freedom Ride helps transport dogs from high-kill shelters to rescue facilities where they eventually get adopted. 

Roman has helped change the lives of nearly 5,000 dogs so far and he's not stopping anytime soon!  

He also posts adorable videos on social media to help dogs in the shelters find loving families. 

Multicultural event brings attention to youth mental health

A multicultural event was hosted by the non-profit Motivated To Act to support youth mental health and anti-bullying. 

11-year-old Alex Yang and the Tiger Cub Dance Club performed a special dance to help raise awareness for bullying prevention.

“I didn’t fit in with everyone. (It) made me feel bad, and I don’t want others to be treated like that,” said Alex. 

Stephen Tako, the co-founder and CEO of Motivated To Act, an anti-bullying organization, designs programs that help promote healthy mindsets in children. 

He believes that showcasing cultural differences is the key to fostering empathy and inclusion and preventing discrimination among children.

“It’s a great understanding — a multicultural way of helping children learn that we are all here and yes, we are different and that’s good that’s a good thing,” Tako said.

Tako's program is taught through storytelling for kids in kindergarten to third grade, aimed at helping the children with their self-esteem. A child with a higher self-esteem is much less likely to be bullied, due to skills they have built, or being able to turn away from the bully altogether.

Have a Great Week Everyone! 

Did you see someone making a difference in the world? 

As always, if you have an uplifting story of your own to share, please comment below the article, or message us on our Instagram account. 

Take care, and see you next week!

Photo by Ron Lach