Breaking good news Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/breaking-good-news/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:56:39 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Breaking good news Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/breaking-good-news/ 32 32 Professor Donates $1 Billion So Students’ Tuition Will Be Free! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/professor-donates-1-billion-so-students-tuition-will-be-free/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/professor-donates-1-billion-so-students-tuition-will-be-free/#respond Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:00:24 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=119431

In incredible international news, a widow who was left a fortune has decided to donate $1 billion dollars to fund medical students’ tuition! Full story:   New York City, USA...

The post Professor Donates $1 Billion So Students’ Tuition Will Be Free! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

In incredible international news, a widow who was left a fortune has decided to donate $1 billion dollars to fund medical students’ tuition! Full story:

 

New York City, USA (29 February 2024) — It’s not every day that a widow receives a billionaire’s fortune. But it’s even rarer to learn that she would make the decision to donate $1 billion (over 19 billion rand) to fund medical students’ tuition. Well, in a literal wealth of good news from New York City, this is exactly what happened thanks to Dr Ruth Gottesman.

Ruth Gottesman is the widow of David ‘Sandy’ Gottesman—a billionaire who made a big part of his fortune by investing in Bershire Hathaway Inc. It is believed that this saw him quietly reach a net worth of around $3 billion in his lifetime.

When David passed away, his wife of over seven decades was reportedly left with the stock David had and instructions.

“Do whatever you think is right with it,” the instructions said as per Forbes.

93-year-old Ruth got to thinking about what she could do and found the answer in her roots. Ruth is a former professor of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, based in New York City’s Bronx. Knowing the institution and its student’s challenges well; Ruth returned to her old professional stomping ground with a once-in-a-lifetime gift: a donation that would change the futures of students in a way that has never been seen before in the United States medical school history. Ruth decided to donate the $1 billion so that medical students would have their college tuition covered. Historically, tuition at the college will now be free; and no student will have to pay tuition costs in the future either! Not to mention, all spring tuition will be reimbursed, as the college shared.

“I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Gottesman for this historic and transformational gift. I believe we can change healthcare history when we recognize that access is the path to excellence. With this gift, Dr. Gottesman will fund excellence in perpetuity and secure our foundational mission of advancing human health,” said Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Montefiore Einstein.

Dr Gottesman has only added to her legacy of impact with this gift. While she was working at Einstein’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Centre, she was a huge force in developing screening and help for children with learning problems. In the ’90s, she began the Adult Literacy Programme and continued her work in treating learning disabilities and, alongside David, created an institution for stem cell research.


Sources: Various (Linked Above)
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

The post Professor Donates $1 Billion So Students’ Tuition Will Be Free! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/professor-donates-1-billion-so-students-tuition-will-be-free/feed/ 0
5 Dogs Rescued From Cambodian Dog Meat Trade Land in Cape Town! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/5-dogs-rescued-from-cambodian-dog-meat-trade-land-in-cape-town/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/5-dogs-rescued-from-cambodian-dog-meat-trade-land-in-cape-town/#respond Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:41:44 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=118764

5 dogs who were part of a group rescued from the Cambodian dog meat trade have made it safely to Cape Town thanks to animal heroes FOUR PAWS and TEARS....

The post 5 Dogs Rescued From Cambodian Dog Meat Trade Land in Cape Town! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

5 dogs who were part of a group rescued from the Cambodian dog meat trade have made it safely to Cape Town thanks to animal heroes FOUR PAWS and TEARS. Now, the next part of the mission hopes to safely home them!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (16 February 2024)—Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS in collaboration With TEARS Animal Rescue have done something awesome in the space of international rescues. Thanks to their team-up, a heartwarming mission is giving 5 dogs a chance at life and love in Cape Town after they were rescued from the Cambodian dog meat trade.

Gamora, Shadow, Falcon, Drax, and Maximoff are part of the 61 dogs that safely arrived at Cape Town International Airport on Valentine’s Day. The hope now is that they will each find their loving forever homes with the help of the TEARS Adoption Team!

These dogs were part of a group of 61 who, in 2021 had their lives saved from some of the most tragic circumstances. Per FOUR PAWS, a minivan had been carrying the live animals to a slaughterhouse in Cambodia; almost a year after authorities had banned the trade of dog meat. Local authorities luckily intercepted the vehicle, and soon called on FOUR PAWS to assist with the rescued animals.

“This was an exceptional case due to the situation on site. Adoptions of stray animals do not have a long tradition in Southeast Asia and are only slowly establishing themselves,” says the organisation.

“In the case of the 61 dogs seized in Cambodia, only 31 have found a new home locally. To ensure that the animals quickly find a loving home after their traumatic experiences, FOUR PAWS through its offices globally decided to place these animals in those countries as an exception. Some of them went to Switzerland and the United States.”

In more good news, all the other dogs have found their new homes. Now, it’s the last five’s turn.

“These five dogs are ambassadors for dogs who remain in those circumstances, and for other dogs in South Africa and globally that are subjected to cruelty. FOUR PAWS remain commited to implement humane and sustainable dog and cat population management programs in South Africa where we support communities and partners to participate in our stray animal management solutions,” adds Fiona Miles, FOUR PAWS Director in South Africa.

The five dogs are the only ones still searching for homes, and hopes are high that Cape Town will give them exactly that. They have all received a clean bill of health but will be kept in quarantine between 7-14 days as part of the standard travel regulations for dogs travelling between countries. The TEARS kennel can be contacted on 021 785 4482!

As for Four PAWS, the organisation has been pivotal in making the ban happen after working closely together with the Cambodian government since 2018, and continues the fight to end the dog and cat meat trades for good in many ways, like:

  • Supporting political lobbying and engagement in our target countries [Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam] and internationally
  • Improving public perceptions at both national [target countries] and international levels
  • Working with international and national health and veterinary authorities to highlight the public health risk posed by the dog meat trade
  • Supporting local organisations through their Southeast Asia Partnership Program who are working tirelessly to end trafficking in their communities
  • Working with the tourism industry in and outside destination countries to identify and highlight the risks that the dog and cat meat trade poses to travellers and local communities
  • Implementing humane and sustainable dog and cat population management programmes in Southeast Asia and supporting veterinary training wherever possible to ensure the success of such programmes

You can show your support to end the dog and cat meat trade here.


Sources: Supplied; FOUR Paws 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

The post 5 Dogs Rescued From Cambodian Dog Meat Trade Land in Cape Town! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/5-dogs-rescued-from-cambodian-dog-meat-trade-land-in-cape-town/feed/ 0
Africa’s Largest Vulture Relocation Marks a Conservation Milestone! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/africas-largest-vulture-relocation-marks-a-conservation-milestone/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/africas-largest-vulture-relocation-marks-a-conservation-milestone/#respond Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:00:44 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117437

A massive milestone in conservation has been achieved thanks to the relocation of 160 vultures in the Eastern Cape! The vulture relocation mission is imperative in securing the future of...

The post Africa’s Largest Vulture Relocation Marks a Conservation Milestone! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

A massive milestone in conservation has been achieved thanks to the relocation of 160 vultures in the Eastern Cape! The vulture relocation mission is imperative in securing the future of these wild populations in Southern Africa:

 

Eastern Cape, South Africa (23 January 2024) — The first phase of a project to secure the future of wild vulture populations in Southern Africa has successfully been completed with 160 Cape and African White-backed vultures settled at Shamwari Private Game Reserve—their new home.

The birds are the vanguard of a two-year project to establish a breeding facility, VulPro (the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind in Africa founded by Kerri Wolter) at Shamwari, for sick or injured vultures that have been rehabilitated and are able to breed, but aren’t releasable. Future hopes are that the offspring of the Cape Vultures will be released at Shamwari where they will help restore the indigenous fauna on the reserve.

In what is the largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken, the birds were transported 1042km from VulPro’s facility in Hartebeespoort to their new bespoke enclosures at Shamwari.

The move involved over 50 people and took 18 hours. All 160 birds loaded in just 3 hours. NGO WeWild Africa, who specialises in animal rewilding and translocation, made sure the loading went smoothly and funded the crates!

Other everyday heroes involved were Professor Katja Koeppel from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Dr Johan Joubert from Shamwari.

This is the beginning of more good news to come, with a second phase on the horizon later this year. Then, the relocation of breeding pairs of non-releasable, Lappet-faced, White-headed and Hooded Vultures and some White-backed Vultures will be part of the second big release.

What is Causing Widespread Population Collapse of These Savanna Raptors?

According to a study recently published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution by Dr Phil Shaw, raptors, including vultures, are at “considerable risk from habitat conversion, prey-base depletion and persecution, driven principally by human population expansion.”

Why is This Conservation Milestone so Important?

Joe Colette, Shamwari’s CEO puts it succinctly:

“To put it in perspective, in conservation terms I consider this as significant as relocating 160 rhino. Vultures are vital for a healthy ecosystem and are severely threatened. I cannot overstate how reintroducing Cape Vultures to Shamwari is crucial to our conservation journey and enhancing the ecological importance of the reserve and the Eastern Cape.”

Watch the Relocation Mission!


Sources: Supplied 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

The post Africa’s Largest Vulture Relocation Marks a Conservation Milestone! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/africas-largest-vulture-relocation-marks-a-conservation-milestone/feed/ 0
Barber Cuts Over 800 Kids’ Hair for Free as Selfless Birthday Gift https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/barber-cuts-over-800-kids-hair-for-free-as-selfless-birthday-gift/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/barber-cuts-over-800-kids-hair-for-free-as-selfless-birthday-gift/#respond Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:31:34 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117181

Barber Keolan Hewitt knows that it’s tough being born in Janu-worry. So, for his birthday, he decided he wanted to bet on a different kind of wish list. Earlier this...

The post Barber Cuts Over 800 Kids’ Hair for Free as Selfless Birthday Gift appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Barber Keolan Hewitt knows that it’s tough being born in Janu-worry. So, for his birthday, he decided he wanted to bet on a different kind of wish list. Earlier this month as the new school year loomed, he decided to offer free haircuts to children in his neighbourhood with a wish to bring about change one fresh cut at a time. The result was joy for hundreds:

 

Eastern Cape, South Africa (19 January 2024) — As parents and children get back into the swing of school and many celebrate their first day as done and dusted, one barber made sure that over a hundred children got to attend school looking their very best at no cost to their parents.

Keolan Hewitt’s free haircut initiative was his birthday gift to the children of South Africa. Without bows or wrapping paper, his gift made 150 children smile, gave hundreds of parents relief, and inspired even more members of his community with his kindness.

“We live in the kasi, so there’s a lot of money shortages and people can’t always afford to pay for things such as haircuts as it is an unnecessary expense to some, but living in 2024, it takes a mental toll on most underprivileged children,” Keolan tells Good Things Guy. 

“My birthday was on 7 January, and I wanted to celebrate it a bit different. People always expect gifts, and birthday wishes, but I was born in a month where money wasn’t always around.

“I always thought that birthday gifts come in boxes and packages, but I didn’t know that it comes with being alive, being grateful, and being aware of one’s blessings. I looked around my room and saw that I have a roof over my head, not a lot of food to eat but there are those with less. Clothes on my body. I suddenly became more gateful and then had this idea—that instead of expecting things from people, let me do something nice for someone.

I immediately thought of cutting hair, but I had to write down the idea to make it stick. I quickly grabbed my phone and didn’t think twice to post of Facebook and invite 150 kids from my neighbourhood to come to my house a day after my birthday and get a free haircut. I was very determined and sure the job could be done, but what I didn’t expect was my post going viral. This was genuinely just a selfless act, and a lesson as well.”

Keolan reached out for assistance from other local barbers—Liam, Duwaine, Robyn and Kylo— who didn’t hesitate to help and shared Keolan’s excitement.

“It was astonishing how many kids really needed a haircut,” he adds. 

Soon, Trinity Baptist Church was brimming with excitement from both the kids, families and barbers.

“I told my mom, ‘Ma, I think God might be using me to do something here, I can feel it,” Keolan recalls. 

For the barber, preparing children to lead the future proudly and confidently can start with something as empowering as a haircut. Because when you look your best, you feel your best.

But, there was also another gift present that day; something Keolan refers to as a lesson that didn’t just impact him, but thousands o people.

“The lesson was ‘give, without expecting’.” 

Overall, 800 children’s hair was cut. 400 girls got their hair done in plats thanks to Theoline Rulf and other helpful hands. A huge difference was made. And all it took was one selfless decision.

Keolan has since founded Guardians of The Youth, where selfless acts are growing and any day is an opportunity to give someone a gift of kindness that money can’t buy.

Photo Credit: PVO Photo & Videography

Sources: GTG Interview
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Barber Cuts Over 800 Kids’ Hair for Free as Selfless Birthday Gift appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/barber-cuts-over-800-kids-hair-for-free-as-selfless-birthday-gift/feed/ 0
Grade 1 Reunited with Mom After a Very Tough First Day of School  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/grade-1-reunited-with-mom-after-a-very-tough-first-day-of-school/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/grade-1-reunited-with-mom-after-a-very-tough-first-day-of-school/#respond Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:30:12 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=117148

Grade 1 got off to a rocky start for little Lindokuhle Ntsethe after he accidentally took the wrong taxi home. Luckily, this story has a happy ending!   KwaZulu-Natal, South...

The post Grade 1 Reunited with Mom After a Very Tough First Day of School  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Grade 1 got off to a rocky start for little Lindokuhle Ntsethe after he accidentally took the wrong taxi home. Luckily, this story has a happy ending!

 

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (18 January 2024) — The first day of school is a daunting time all on its own. But for Grade 1 Lindokuhle Ntsethe, that daunting feeling only became amplified after the little learner accidentally took the wrong taxi home.

17 January was his very first time attending Sydenham Primary School; a time filled with newness, big emotions and a lot of things to remember as first days often are. But, when school was reportedly closed early because of hectic weather (intense rainfall), home time would take Lindokuhle a little longer than expected.

Lindokuhle’s mom, Olwethu, became very worried about her child when he didn’t come home, not knowing at the time that her little one had taken the wrong taxi. After many visits to the authorities, Olwethu eventually called on the public to help her find her son through the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, Sydenham SAPs and social media.

Luckily, the search is over as Lindokuhle was reunited with his mom this morning back at school. According to Dasen Thathiah of eNCA, a woman had reportedly kept Lindokuhle overnight and brought him back to the Primary School in the morning.

Lindokuhle is now said to be safe and sound. What a first day!


Sources: Various (Linked Above)
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

The post Grade 1 Reunited with Mom After a Very Tough First Day of School  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/grade-1-reunited-with-mom-after-a-very-tough-first-day-of-school/feed/ 0
Guardian Angel Gives R1 Million to Make Life-Changing Heart Surgeries Possible!  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/guardian-angel-gives-r1-million-to-make-life-changing-heart-surgeries-possible/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/guardian-angel-gives-r1-million-to-make-life-changing-heart-surgeries-possible/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 09:00:30 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=115597

Three little lives’ just had their futures transformed for the better thanks to life-changing heart surgeries made possible by a guardian angel and a donation of many lifetimes:   Durban,...

The post Guardian Angel Gives R1 Million to Make Life-Changing Heart Surgeries Possible!  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Three little lives’ just had their futures transformed for the better thanks to life-changing heart surgeries made possible by a guardian angel and a donation of many lifetimes:

 

Durban, South Africa (08 December 2023) — Three children with congenital heart diseases received life-changing surgeries at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre in Durban as the happy ending to a story sparked by a miracle.

Four-year-old Olwethu Ntshangase’s life with an atrial septal defect (a heart hole), five-year-old Wandile Memela who came into the world with poor oxygen flow and limited blood pumping abilities (Tetralogy of Fallot) and 13-month-old Thingolwethu whose condition was not disclosed but also falls under congenital heart disease, will now get a beautiful chance at life.

Thanks to the Angel Network Durban, hardworking medical teams and the hospital’s non-profit, The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, these little ones went from waiting-list to wonder-list status. However, none of this would’ve been possible without a bolt from the blue moment sparked by kindness and generosity.

According to Rachel Kinloch of the Angel Network, a donation worth literal lifetimes got the ball rolling. One day, the Network was contacted by an anonymous donor who wished to make a R1 million donation/sponsorship. The one condition of the generosity was that the money needed to be used for surgeries that would change or save the lives of children in South Africa.

Rachel, Tanya Altshuler and Rachel Maehler of the Angel Network gladly and quickly took on the task of finding organisations that help children facing these circumstances, with a focus on those who were born with life-threatening health issues.

After connecting with Umduduzi, an organisation that helps children facing life-threatening and limiting illnesses in KwaZulu-Natal, they were pointed to the Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa which had a big waiting list from Albert Luthuli Hospital.

For the young lives for whom the surgeries were a success, this triple miracle has changed the outlook of their futures to healthy and fulfilled ones. For their parents, it was just as life-changing.

Rachel shares that the experience of working with all those involved, especially the foundation and the medical staff, was inspiring.

“We are so happy to see how government health care and the foundation are working alongside together to save lives. We hope to be able to find ways in which we can provide more life-saving heart operations.

She adds that organisations like the Children’s Cardiac Foundation have the ability to do so much with the help of more miracle moments.

“We would love to create more awareness about the Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, and the incredible need for more sponsors, so more children can be able to receive the life-saving cardiac surgeries.”

You can find out more about the Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa and the Angel Network on their respective websites.


Sources: GTG Interview 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Guardian Angel Gives R1 Million to Make Life-Changing Heart Surgeries Possible!  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/guardian-angel-gives-r1-million-to-make-life-changing-heart-surgeries-possible/feed/ 0
SA World Record Holder to Swim 160th Icy Crossing for Baby Sanctuary https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/sa-world-record-holder-to-swim-160th-icy-crossing-for-baby-sanctuary/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/sa-world-record-holder-to-swim-160th-icy-crossing-for-baby-sanctuary/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:00:09 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=110071

South African World Record Holder Howard Warrington is up to his icy antics for good again! Set to tackle the Robben Island to Blouberg crossing for the 160th time, his...

The post SA World Record Holder to Swim 160th Icy Crossing for Baby Sanctuary appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

South African World Record Holder Howard Warrington is up to his icy antics for good again! Set to tackle the Robben Island to Blouberg crossing for the 160th time, his next swim is dedicated to adding a warmth of support to the lives of little ones in need.

 

Cape Town, South Africa (08 September 2023) — For most of us, embracing icy waters with next to no armour once or twice, is enough for a lifetime. But when you’re Howard Warrington and have hundreds of these accomplished crossings under your belt (and are a world recorder holder) another icy dive merely means another opportunity to do some good in the world!

Come September’s end, the local world record holder will be back at it again; set to complete his 160th Robben Island to Blouberg crossing.

The endurance sport icon became the 4th person in the world to swim from Robben Island to Blouberg a hundred times in 2022, and pledged to raise R100 000 to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for his efforts (he raised well over that amount). Adding another 50 to that tally, Howard became the first to complete 150 of these missions, earning world record status.

More icy channels later and he’s gearing up for another testing swim, this time for another cause in need of a hero willing to embrace extraordinary efforts to beget extraordinary results.

Howard will be swimming for Heartlands Baby Sanctuary based in Somerset West which offers care for up to 25 lives; supporting little ones in desperate situations until they are 6 years old.

“They are in dire need of funds to keep the organisation going,” shares Howard.

Beyond Howard’s incredible dedication, the baby sanctuary’s plight has also tugged on the hearts of the champion swimmer’s friends who have also signed up to go the extra mile and opted to join him in tackling the brave assignment. Each is tasked with raising R5000.

The big swim faces temperatures most Capetonians won’t leave their houses in, ranging between 10 to 14 degrees. It can take anything from 2 to over four hours to complete and Howard’s only armour is his speedo.

You can support Howard’s swim and the lives it will undoubtedly change for the better, here.

Those donating can also put Robben Island in as a reference along with their email addresses to get an S18A certificate issued for tax purposes.


Sources: Supplied 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post SA World Record Holder to Swim 160th Icy Crossing for Baby Sanctuary appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/sa-world-record-holder-to-swim-160th-icy-crossing-for-baby-sanctuary/feed/ 0
Toni McCann Becomes the First South African to Win Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/toni-mccann-becomes-the-first-south-african-to-win-ultra-trail-mont-occ/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/toni-mccann-becomes-the-first-south-african-to-win-ultra-trail-mont-occ/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:00:40 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=109922

Toni McCann just became the queen of one of the world’s toughest marathons; becoming the first South African to win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC!   Global (06...

The post Toni McCann Becomes the First South African to Win Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Toni McCann just became the queen of one of the world’s toughest marathons; becoming the first South African to win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC!

 

Global (06 September 2023) — For Toni McCann, becoming the queen of one of the world’s toughest marathons took “just a little bit of bravery” coupled with a lot of support from her home on the other side of the world. Winning the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC was a dream she hardly dared to dream, and one that now sits in the history books of South Africa’s reality.

Toni is the first South African to win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC, which for those who aren’t familiar, is over 50km in length with an elevation gain of over 3200m.

Needless to say, it is not a run through the park, but a tough test of body and dedication alike, stretching through France and Switzerland.

According to faces.africa, Toni first tackled the marathon back in 2021 where she finished 14th. She tried again in 2022 where her 5th place finish led her to consider really going for gold.

However, before the big race, Toni actually put the dream of winning aside to relieve some anxiety-induced pressure on herself that might’ve weighed her performance down.

Trusting the process triumphed over a pressure overload, resulting in an incredible victory for her and her country.

Toni placed first in an emotional finish in just 5 hours and 28 minutes. The race lends itself to a time extent of over 14 hours.

“This one was for back home,” she shared in a nod to South Africa. 

Back home, Mzansi couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishment, as are the Old Girls of St Mary’s who are singing Toni’s praises as high as her elevation gains.

For Lauren Rapson who shared the incredible news on behalf of the Old Girls’ Guild of St Mary’s with Good Things Guy, the moment is one to drink in not just for South African sports, but for women in sports who inspire—an area Lauren rightly shares is always deserving more of the spotlight.

Toni will reportedly return to South Africa where she’ll get to run in her favourite places again back home in Cape Town.


Sources: Various (Linked Above)
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Toni McCann Becomes the First South African to Win Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/toni-mccann-becomes-the-first-south-african-to-win-ultra-trail-mont-occ/feed/ 0
Little Edison’s Big Act of Lemonade Kindness Goes a Long Way https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/little-edisons-big-act-of-lemonade-kindness-goes-a-long-way/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/little-edisons-big-act-of-lemonade-kindness-goes-a-long-way/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:31 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=109890

5-year-old Edison was moved by the impact of the Maui wildfires and wanted to do his part to help. Dedicating himself to a humble lemonade stand, little Edison made a...

The post Little Edison’s Big Act of Lemonade Kindness Goes a Long Way appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

5-year-old Edison was moved by the impact of the Maui wildfires and wanted to do his part to help. Dedicating himself to a humble lemonade stand, little Edison made a big difference and taught adults everywhere a thing or two about taking positive action!

 

Seattle, USA (06 September 2023) — Little Edison’s humble lemonade stand has made a big difference in relief efforts for people impacted by the Maui wildfires in Hawaii. At the tender age of 5, Edison Juel heard the news that the places he had visited with his family not long before (Lahaina) were in trouble and became extremely concerned.

His childlike innocence couldn’t believe that something so awful was happening. As his mom shared:

“He’d ask if kids had really lost all their toys, or their bed, and then drop it, the issue clearly on his mind, but hard to process.”

However, Edison wanted to take positive action so he pitched the idea of a lemonade stand to his family.

The humble stand stood tall in late August where it showcased more transparency than most (what his mother shares as ‘delightful honesty’ and conveyed that the yellow lemonade isn’t all that good). Its biggest message in bright yellow shared that all the sales would be matched in donations from his parent’s companies.

Regardless of the yellow lemonade’s honesty, people came out to support little Edison in hoards. Through lemonade variations, popsicles and toys, he was about to raise over R30,000 ($1600) from stand visitors and people outside of the area, and with his parent’s companies’ matching donations, R153 859,20 ($8000).

Soon, that amount went up even more as more donations rolled in after people caught on to Edison’s mission. In total, over R300,000 went to the Maui Community Fund.

“Thanks for reminding us that generosity begets generosity, and letting us spend one of our best summer days watching our kiddo learn about helping and working hard. We are keenly aware that many in Lahaina are having some of their worst days, and we will continue to try and help them with resources and prayer. Thanks to everyone from the bottom of this sweet little 5 year old’s heart and mine as well.”—Ami Juel.


Sources: Various (Linked Above)
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Little Edison’s Big Act of Lemonade Kindness Goes a Long Way appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/little-edisons-big-act-of-lemonade-kindness-goes-a-long-way/feed/ 0
Watch: SA Cancer Survivor on Britain’s Got Talent Advances to the Finals! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/watch-sa-cancer-survivor-on-britains-got-talent-advances-to-the-finals/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/watch-sa-cancer-survivor-on-britains-got-talent-advances-to-the-finals/#respond Tue, 30 May 2023 15:20:47 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=104116

The talented Musa Motha, a South African cancer survivor who left Britain’s Got Talent Judges in awe after his audition, has made it to the competition’s finals!   Global (28...

The post Watch: SA Cancer Survivor on Britain’s Got Talent Advances to the Finals! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

The talented Musa Motha, a South African cancer survivor who left Britain’s Got Talent Judges in awe after his audition, has made it to the competition’s finals!

 

Global (28 May 2023) – Musa Motha has been the talk of the global stage since his performance at the 2023 Britain’s Got Talent auditions. His dance was so beautiful, crowds were torn between tears and cheers. Thereafter Simon Cowell invited all the judges to give Motha a ‘group golden buzzer’—a historic decision.

Not that Cowell needed to twist anyone’s arm. All the judges were in favour.

What made Motha’s performance so exceptional—beyond the incredible fact that he is a resilient cancer survivor who outperformed his adversities with a single leg—was his infectious spirit. His ability to translate hope through dance in a way that anyone in the crowd or watching at home could feel the beat of a fighter.

Moving people through movement, that is Motha’s superpower.

“This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in all the years on this show. Genuinely. I’ve never ever heard a reaction like that in my life,” Simon Cowell himself shared. 

In brilliant and unsurprising news for a talent like this, Musa has made it to the finals of Britain’s Got Talent after another top-tier performance during his semi-final showcase.

Watch: Musa Motha’s Semi-Final Performance Electrifies Audiences Again

King of the crowd! Before announcing his advancement to the competition’s next and final stage, the suspenseful silence was filled with chants of Musa’s name from the crowd.

Musa was swiftly crowned the overall winner of Monday’s semi-final, and we’re at the edge of our seats anticipating his final act.

South Africans everywhere share a similar sentiment as crowds continue to chant Musa’s name on the streets of social media, enveloping him in support.


Sources: Britain’s Got Talent
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Watch: SA Cancer Survivor on Britain’s Got Talent Advances to the Finals! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/watch-sa-cancer-survivor-on-britains-got-talent-advances-to-the-finals/feed/ 0