Swandeh Terhide

A Massachusetts senior citizen recently experienced a heartwarming turn of events after losing an envelope containing $12,000 at a local supermarket. Seventy-one-year-old Ha was devastated when she realized the envelope was missing after shopping at Market Basket in Shrewsbury. With limited English proficiency, she reached out to her nephew, Truong Huynh, for assistance. Together, they returned to the store to search for the cash, but despite their efforts and inquiries at the help desk, their search proved fruitless. Manager Dan Desfosses reviewed the security footage in hopes of tracking down the lost envelope, but unfortunately, Ha was not captured in any of the relevant footage. Just as they were about to give up and head back to their car, Desfosses and another man, later identified as Skip, rushed out to inform them that the envelope had been found and returned intact. Huynh expressed immense relief and joy at the reunion with the money, stating that they were so happy they almost cried. He praised Skip for his integrity, emphasizing that many people might not have acted so honorably. Skip’s actions were particularly commendable as he had discovered the envelope in the parking lot and promptly turned it in to management. Desfosses remarked on Skip’s character, noting that such honesty is rare and highlights the goodness that still exists in people today. After this uplifting encounter, Ha decided to show her gratitude by returning to Market Basket the following day to reward Skip with a cash gift of $300, which she left with his girlfriend since he was unavailable at that moment. The incident underscores both the importance of community and the value of integrity. Ha had always carried her life savings with her due to fear of misplacement, a strategy fraught with risk given the significant amount of cash involved. Huynh shared his admiration for Skip on social media, stating that his selfless act touched more lives than he might realize.

Idris Hussein, a philanthropist from Kogi State, has made headlines for his generous act of providing free fuel to individuals in various towns. Specifically, he gifted fuel to 300 people in Okene, another 300 in Idah, and 150 each in Anyigba and Ankpa. This initiative reflects his commitment to supporting the community and improving the lives of those around him. As the CEO of Crush Café Hotel located in Gwarimpa, Abuja, Mr. Hussein emphasizes the importance of giving back. He believes that wealth should be utilized to bring joy to others rather than being hoarded for the afterlife. His perspective on philanthropy underscores a philosophy that encourages using resources to foster happiness and support within the community. At a time when the country is experiencing rising cost of petroleum products, his kind gesture brought great relieve to many and also inspired others to reevaluate their philosophies about unreasonable hoarding of material possessions.

Yasmin Sharman, a remarkable 26-year-old, has demonstrated extraordinary kindness by donating 41 eggs to help couples realize their dreams of parenthood. Recognizing the scarcity of black donors, she made a selfless decision at just 18 years old to sign up with TFP Fertility in London. Her journey began with an intense desire to assist those facing emotional challenges in starting a family. Each donation has not only brought joy to others but has also become a significant part of her own life story. Upon learning that her donation led to the birth of a baby boy, Yasmin felt an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment. Every year, she celebrates the birthday of this “donor baby,” surrounding herself with friends who share in her happiness. “Knowing they have a family now makes me so happy,” she reflects, emphasizing the deep emotional connection she feels toward the families she helps. Her annual celebrations serve as reminder of the impact her generosity has had on others’ lives. Yasmin’s journey into egg donation began when she realized that motherhood was not her path. Instead of focusing on her own desires, she sought ways to assist couples struggling with fertility. A simple online search for “egg donation in London” led her to TFP Boston Place Fertility, where she took the brave step of scheduling an appointment. Despite her initial nerves, the supportive staff made her feel welcomed and empowered, reinforcing her commitment to this noble cause. The process of egg donation is not without its challenges; Yasmin undergoes hormone injections multiple times a day for two weeks to prepare her body for egg retrieval. Yet, she approaches this with grace and determination, finding strength in the knowledge that her efforts will bring joy to others. “I find the process quite easy,” she states, highlighting her dedication to helping families in need. Her emotional responses during this journey further illustrate her compassion; even seeing a loving couple can move her to tears. Yasmin’s kindness extends beyond mere donations; she is open to future connections with the children born from her eggs. While 18 years may seem distant, she eagerly anticipates meeting them one day. “It would be interesting and lovely to meet them,” she expresses, showcasing her genuine desire to be part of their lives. Through her selfless actions and annual celebrations, Yasmin Sharman embodies the spirit of generosity and compassion, making a such huge difference in the lives of many families yearning for children.

Coy Featherson, once a celebrated high school athlete and popular student, found himself homeless for the past two decades. In 1971, he was voted “Best All Around Guy” and earned a football scholarship to college, later working with rock legend Frank Zappa. However, a series of tragic events, including the loss of his brother and job, led to his downfall. Since then, he faced the harsh realities of life on the streets. Recently, Featherson’s story took a turn when a photograph of him with his belongings in a grocery cart appeared on the front page of the American-Statesman. This exposure shocked many, including Leea Mechling, a high school friend who immediately set out to find him in Austin, Texas. After four days of searching, she finally located him outside a church, where she embraced him and offered him a ride. Mechling’s efforts were just the beginning. Don Vanderburg, another former classmate, welcomed Featherson into his home, providing him with a mattress for the first time in years. His friends rallied together to help him get new clothes and shoes and assisted him in applying for social security benefits. They also launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $13,000 for more permanent housing. Patrick Judd, who initiated the GoFundMe page, expressed the collective sentiment of their group: “Coy is a smart guy with a real gift for art and music.” Their goal is not only to provide immediate assistance but also to show Featherson that he remains cherished and remembered by those who knew him well. Reflecting on the impact of the photo that reignited hope in his life, Featherson remarked that he had an inkling it would lead to something positive. His story goes a long way to paint in living colours the importance of friendship and the kindness that exists when we embrace each other.

Four American brothers visiting Ireland have returned home as heroes after rescuing a young girl and her father from drowning in the ocean. Eoghan, Walter, and Declan Butler, along with their brother-in-law Alex Thomson, traveled from Washington D.C. to attend their grandfather’s funeral. While enjoying a day at Portmarnock Beach, the brothers heard cries for help as a 6-year-old girl on a flotation device was swept out to sea by a strong current. Eoghan, Declan, and Alex immediately rushed into the water to save her, while Walter stayed on the beach to be ready for any CPR needs. The trio swam for about 25 minutes to reach the girl, who had drifted half a mile from shore—a daunting challenge even for these athletic young men. Upon reaching her, they took turns swimming back to shore with her flotation device, ensuring she remained safe. After successfully bringing the girl back to land, they discovered her father was still in the water, having donned a life vest in an attempt to help. Eoghan and Declan quickly re-entered the water to rescue him as well. The brothers felt immense relief after the rescue but were particularly moved when they met the girl’s mother the following day. Declan shared with The Washington Post, “Seeing her jump around, kiss her mom, that was actually amazing.” The incident took on an even deeper significance for the brothers; they realized they had saved the girl on the anniversary of their grandfather’s brother’s tragic drowning decades earlier. Walter reflected on this connection, stating it felt like a “godly, guardian angel kind of feeling.”

Chef Victor Tartenger, a renowned one-time holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest cook-a-thon, operates the Naira Victor Kitchen in Makurdi. Known for his culinary prowess, he has also garnered attention for his humanitarian efforts. Today, he showcased an extraordinary act of kindness that resonated with many in his community. While going about his daily routine in Makurdi, he encountered a young boy hawking fruits, which prompted a heartfelt response from the chef. Upon noticing the child lying helplessly on the ground at the Morden Market junction, Chef Victor felt compelled to intervene. He approached the boy and gently woke him up, inquiring about his situation. The child’s story was heart-wrenching; he explained that he had fallen ill and was unable to attend school. When asked why he was not in class during school hours, the boy revealed that he had been sent home due to unpaid school fees and a lack of textbooks. The child’s circumstances were dire; his mother was unwell and unable to provide for their needs. To support his family, he had taken on the task of selling bananas for an Igbo woman, hoping to earn some money to buy the necessary school supplies. The boy shared that for every 1,000 Naira he made from sales, only 100 Naira was his profit. This revelation struck a chord with Chef Victor, who decided to take action. After confirming the child’s story by contacting his mother, Chef Victor learned that the boy’s account was indeed true. Although he did not have sufficient funds on hand, Chef Victor generously gave the boy 3,500 Naira to help cover his textbook expenses and urged him to return home immediately. He also expressed his intention to visit the boy’s mother later that evening to offer further assistance. In a message shared on Facebook, Chef Victor encouraged others to reach out if they wished to help the child or connect with his mother. And in no time, a good number of persons indicated eagerness to assist in their own little ways too. Life is hard, times are daunting but if we continue in the spirit of kindness, then this too shall pass. His actions didn’t just provide immediate relief for the child but also inspired others in Makurdi to consider how they might contribute positively to those in need.