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Kindness

Everyday generosity that compounds.

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KindnessUpworthy

A 16-year-old busboy wrote a motto so legendary he became the co-founder of Ritz-Carlton

Horst Schulze's journey from a 16-year-old busboy in a German resort town to co-founder of Ritz-Carlton is a testament to the transformative power of vision and respect. Inspired by the dignified conduct of a maître d’ he observed, Schulze penned an essay titled 'We Are Ladies and Gentlemen Serving Ladies and Gentlemen.' This phrase encapsulated his belief in the inherent dignity of every worker, which later became the guiding ethos of the Ritz-Carlton brand—one that democratizes respect, ensuring that every employee, from dishwasher to executive, is as valued as the guests they serve.

  • Courage
  • Hope
  • Perspective
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

Andy Grammer shares his fierce, joyful defense of optimism

Andy Grammer's journey from busking on the Santa Monica pier to becoming a multi-platinum artist is a testament to the power of optimism and action. In his conversation with Upworthy, he shares how embracing 'reckless kindness' and pursuing actions that spread positivity have not only shaped his music career but also his approach to life's challenges. His latest album, 'Big Stupid Heart,' serves as both a personal war cry and a public invitation to embrace optimism in a world that often feels overwhelming.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Teen Triathlete Raises More Than $30,000 to Donate Bikes and Riding Lessons to Low-Income Families

In a heartening display of youthful initiative and community spirit, 17-year-old Jonathan Thai from Alpharetta, Georgia, has transformed a simple idea into a significant community movement. Through his Pedal Forward Foundation, Thai has raised over $30,000, secured 400 bicycles, and distributed 500 helmets to low-income families. His efforts don't stop at equipment; he has also organized over a dozen community bike clinics, teaching children essential riding skills that extend far beyond recreation. Thai's work is deeply inspired by his parents' experiences in post-war Vietnam, where transportation can be a critical lifeline.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
TikTok
KindnessUpworthy

Pamela Anderson started her ‘next chapter’ as a gardener, growing fresh produce for local food banks

Pamela Anderson, once known for her iconic role on Baywatch, is now cultivating a different kind of legacy. In her grand 15,000-square-foot garden in British Columbia, Anderson grows a variety of produce that she donates to local food banks, soup kitchens, and First Nations communities. Her gardening project, detailed on her show 'Pamela’s Garden of Eden,' is more than just a personal hobby; it is a vibrant act of community service and personal renewal. Anderson describes her garden as a metaphor for rebuilding her life, finding solace and purpose in the act of nurturing plants.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Elderly Theater Worker Surprised by $146,000 for Her Retirement Crowdfunded by Young Moviegoer

In Maryville, Tennessee, a heartwarming story unfolded when a young moviegoer, Brooklyn Green, noticed an elderly theater worker, Mary, diligently collecting trash at her local AMC. Moved by Mary's tireless work ethic, Brooklyn decided to film a short TikTok video and set up a GoFundMe page with the modest aim of covering a month's rent for Mary. To Brooklyn's amazement, the video went viral, and within a day, over $100,000 was raised, eventually totaling an impressive $146,000, allowing Mary the financial freedom to consider retirement after 45 years of dedicated service.

  • Kindness
  • Gratitude
  • Hope
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Lawyer shares four specific things to do for a friend going through a divorce that actually help

In the often tumultuous aftermath of a divorce, offering support can feel like navigating a complex emotional landscape. James Sexton, a seasoned divorce lawyer, distills his insights into four actionable strategies for those aiming to stand by their friends during such a challenging time. At the heart of Sexton's advice is the emphasis on meeting the individual where they are, rather than imposing one's own perceptions or needs onto the situation. This approach nurtures a more authentic connection, allowing the friend to feel truly seen and understood.

  • Kindness
  • Perspective
  • Empathy
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

A legal secretary rode the subway to work for 67 years. Nobody knew she had $9 million.

Sylvia Bloom's story is a testament to the quiet power of perseverance and discretion. For 67 years, she worked as a legal secretary, living a seemingly modest life, while secretly amassing a fortune of $9 million by mirroring her bosses' stock trades. Her life was a blend of humble dedication and astute financial acumen, a combination that went unnoticed until her passing. Bloom's legacy, however, transcends her remarkable financial success. Her decision to allocate the majority of her wealth to scholarship funds reflects a deep commitment to education and community upliftment, providing opportunities for students who otherwise could not afford college.

  • Perseverance
  • Gratitude
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Teen’s Wish to Return Kindness She Received Sees Her Lemonade Stand Become $5 Million Charity Engine

In a heartwarming tale of giving back, Payton Obert transformed a simple lemonade stand into a $5 million charity endeavor. Inspired by the comfort she received from a teddy bear during a hospital stay as a toddler, Payton, at the age of eight, began selling lemonade to fund toys for children in hospitals. This small gesture blossomed into Payton's Lemonade Stand, a charitable network that now spans multiple states, providing not just toys, but also food, clothing, and educational supplies to children in need.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
Vimeo
KindnessNice News

Meet the Chicago Marathon’s Famous Fundraising Nun, Plus 7 More Inspiring Runners in Marathon History

Sister Stephanie Baliga, known as the 'Fundraising Nun' of the Chicago Marathon, embodies a harmonious blend of faith and athleticism. Since founding the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels' charity team in 2011, she has raised over $3.2 million to support food pantries and community programs in Chicago's underserved neighborhoods. Her journey from a promising collegiate runner to a dedicated nun highlights the power of personal transformation and commitment to a cause greater than oneself.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
Facebook
KindnessGood News Network

Illinois Community Members Honored for Helping Save Woman in Submerged Vehicle (WATCH)

In a heartening display of courage and community spirit, several local residents and police officers in Champaign, Illinois, came together to rescue a 90-year-old woman from a submerged vehicle. On a stormy August afternoon, the elderly driver lost control and plunged into a flooded retention pond. Without hesitation, three community members and four Champaign Police Department officers swam into the fray to save her, demonstrating a profound commitment to their fellow human being.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Gratitude
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

Kansas inmates raised over $4,000 of their own money to pay down a school district’s lunch debt

In a heartening act of community support and personal redemption, inmates at the Norton Correctional Facility in Kansas raised over $4,000 to help alleviate the lunch debt of a local school district, Norton Community Schools. The effort was organized through 'Reaching Out From Within,' a rehabilitation program that empowers incarcerated individuals to contribute positively to society. This initiative not only addressed the immediate issue of student meal debts but also provided the inmates with a profound sense of purpose and connection to the community outside the prison walls.

  • Kindness
  • Empathy
  • Hope
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

11-year-olds mowed 50 lawns for free, so the ‘Lawnmower Man’ donated gear to open a business

In a heartening tale of youthful initiative and community spirit, 11-year-olds Ja'Torrian Taylor and Tevin Rice took on the ambitious 50 Yard Challenge, mowing 50 lawns for free for those in need, including the elderly and veterans. Their commitment did not go unnoticed; Rodney Smith Jr., known as the 'Lawnmower Man,' rewarded their efforts by donating essential lawn care equipment to help them start a business. This gesture not only acknowledged their hard work but also laid the groundwork for their entrepreneurial future.

  • Gratitude
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
TikTok
KindnessUpworthy

Five fishermen spotted a drowning baby elephant. Then they tracked down its mother.

In a remarkable tale of human compassion and interspecies connection, five fishermen in West Bengal, India, took swift action to save a drowning baby elephant from the strong currents of the Teesta River. The calf had been swept away from its herd, but the fishermen, undeterred by the risks, managed to haul the young elephant into their small boat. With three men swimming alongside to stabilize it, they embarked on a mission to reunite the calf with its mother. Their determination and quick thinking not only saved the calf but also ensured a heartwarming reunion with its herd, facilitated by the Indian Forest Service.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

12-yo’s Annual ‘Diaper Drive’ Delivers 30,000 Diapers Off at Arizona Food Bank

In a heartwarming display of youthful altruism, 12-year-old Sloan has once again championed her annual 'Diaper Drive,' this year collecting an astonishing 30,000 diapers for Nourish Phoenix, a food and clothing bank. Since beginning this initiative at the age of seven, Sloan has consistently exceeded expectations, setting a target of 22,500 diapers this year and surpassing it by a significant margin. This endeavor was sparked by Sloan's own observations while volunteering at the bank, where she noticed the persistent shortage of diapers—a critical need for many families.

  • Gratitude
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

A man found a strange egg and incubated it. 28 days later, it hatched and changed his life.

In a tale that seems plucked from the pages of a children's storybook, Riyadh Khalaf, an Irish author and broadcaster, stumbled upon an abandoned egg while walking in Devon, England. With his prior experience in breeding birds and a heart brimming with curiosity, Riyadh embarked on a journey that would not only save a life but also enrich his own. Over 28 days, through meticulous care and nurturing, the egg hatched into a duckling named Spike, setting off a series of events that underscored the profound impact of individual actions on a broader community.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
Instagram
KindnessNice News

Inspired by Pokemon, Teens Create Card Strategy Game to Teach Kids About Cancer

In a heartening blend of creativity and empathy, teenagers Daniel Zhang and Zachary Tou have developed 'Tumor Tactics,' a card game designed to demystify cancer for children. Inspired by their personal experiences with the disease and a shared love for games like Pokemon, the duo created a game that allows players to assume the role of doctors treating patients with tumors. The aim is to educate while engaging young minds in a familiar and enjoyable format, thereby reducing the fear and confusion often associated with cancer.

  • Hope
  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

Mama cat rushed her kittens to a human hospital. Doctors treated them as patients.

In a touching display of interspecies trust, a stray mama cat in Izmir, Turkey, brought her kittens to a human hospital, seeking medical attention for their eye infection. The hospital staff, already accustomed to providing food and water to the local strays, responded with empathy and action, consulting a veterinary clinic to administer the necessary treatment. This heartwarming event underscores the profound impact of human kindness on animal behavior, as the cat’s instinctual trust in people was met with compassion and care.

  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Gratitude
TikTok
KindnessUpworthy

‘I pay for two hour lunches’: Dream boss reveals why he doesn’t care how long you take to eat

In a refreshing departure from the norm, entrepreneur Chris Beecham has adopted a progressive approach to managing lunch breaks, emphasizing trust and autonomy. Beecham's perspective is simple yet profound: as long as employees fulfill their responsibilities and maintain team harmony, the duration of their lunch break should not be scrutinized. This philosophy challenges the traditional, often rigid, time-tracking systems that prioritize clock-watching over productivity and morale.

  • Perspective
  • Kindness
  • Courage
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

63-year-old woman shares daily positive affirmations on her porch. Here are 5 to perk up your day.

Maureen 'Mo' Fitzgerald, a 63-year-old woman, has become a morning beacon of positivity for her online followers, sharing daily affirmations from her porch. Her messages, simple yet profound, offer encouragement and warmth — "Positivity attracts positivity" and "Just showing up is half the win" are among her mantras. Mo's practice began as a personal coping mechanism during her husband's battle with kidney cancer, evolving into a shared ritual that brings hope not just to her but to a growing community.

  • Hope
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
TikTok
KindnessUpworthy

Zipline guide’s quick reflexes save a woman’s hand, but his sweet talk saves her dignity

In a remarkable display of agility and empathy, Averie, a zipline guide at Crater Lake Zipline, saved a woman's hand from potential injury with his quick reflexes and softened the situation with his reassuring demeanor. As the woman approached the platform with her hand in a risky position, Averie acted swiftly to prevent harm, all while maintaining a calm and comforting presence. His ability to manage the physical safety of the situation while addressing the woman's emotional state with gentle encouragement highlights a unique blend of technical skill and emotional intelligence.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perspective
TikTok
KindnessUpworthy

Gate agents refused to hold the plane for a pregnant passenger. Then the pilot stepped in.

In a heartwarming display of leadership and compassion, a pilot took decisive action to assist a pregnant passenger at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Brittany Kamerman and her friends, including a seven-month pregnant Kiley, faced a tight connection due to a delayed first leg of their flight. Despite Kamerman's pleas, the gate agents refused to hold the plane for Kiley. However, the pilot overheard the situation and used his authority to delay the flight, ensuring that Kiley and the rest of the group could board safely.

  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Love
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

On 9/11, hundreds of ordinary boat captains carried out the largest maritime evacuation in history

In the shadow of one of the darkest days in American history, an extraordinary act of collective courage unfolded on the waters surrounding Manhattan. On September 11, 2001, as chaos and fear gripped New York City, a spontaneous flotilla of civilian boats orchestrated the largest maritime evacuation in history. Tugboats, ferries, and private vessels of all kinds answered the Coast Guard's urgent call for assistance, rescuing 500,000 people trapped in Lower Manhattan in just nine hours. This impromptu armada, led by ordinary citizens, displayed a profound act of unity and altruism, transforming a day marked by terror into a testament to human decency.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Good Samaritan Helps Mother After Seeing Her Destroyed Home on the News: “He’s been a blessing”

In an inspiring tale from the Bronx, Scott Evans, a Long Island resident, transformed the life of Nina Chambers, whose apartment and belongings were consumed by a devastating fire. Witnessing her plight on the news, Evans felt compelled to act, contributing $3,000 to help Chambers and her three children regain their footing. This act of generosity not only provided immediate relief but also served as a catalyst for Chambers to rebuild her life, culminating in her graduation with a degree in human services and securing a new home.

  • Kindness
  • Hope
  • Courage
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

Researchers put Batman on a crowded subway to test a fascinating theory about human kindness

In a novel experiment conducted on the Milan metro, researchers sought to explore the depths of human kindness through an unexpected source: Batman. By introducing a man dressed as the iconic superhero onto a crowded subway, they hoped to disrupt the typical commuter autopilot and observe any changes in social behavior. The results were striking—when Batman was present, the number of people offering their seats to a visibly pregnant woman increased from 37% to 67%. Interestingly, many participants who relinquished their seats were not consciously aware of Batman's presence, suggesting that his mere appearance created an atmosphere that encouraged mindfulness and empathy.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Kindness

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HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageCreativityGrowth