Good News From Around The World

“This Week’s GOOD NEWS From Around the World (Oct. 22/16)” By Dallas Jeffs, Wisdom Pills

Communities and Government

Scotland to Adopt Finland’s “Baby Boxes” Aid Program

Dating back to the 1930’s, every baby born in Finland has received a state-funded “baby box.” The box is full of necessities including clothing, sheets and a thermometer, and the box itself can even be used as a makeshift crib. On New Year’s 2017, Scotland will also be adopting this “baby box” program – taking a cue from Finland’s infant mortality rates, which are currently the lowest in the world. (Sunny Skyz)

Thousands of Gay and Bisexual Men Posthumously Pardoned

An amendment to the current Policing and Crime bill in the U.K. will posthumously pardon thousands of gay and bisexual men who were accused of so-called “indecency crimes” due to their sexual preferences. The new amendment will be called the Alan Turing Law, in honor of the famous WWII Engima codebreaker, who was also gay. Turing’s family had delivered a petition asking for these pardons in 2015. (The Independent)

Rent-to-Own Homes for Homeless in Detroit

In Detroit, a nonprofit organization called Cass Community Services is launching a project to build an entire neighborhood of tiny homes that the city’s homeless will be able to rent-to-own. The 25 projected homes will range in square-footage from 250 to about 400, just enough space to comfortably house one or two people. A total of 7 homes are expected to be fully built by the end of 2016. (Business Insider)

Illinois Town Comes Together to Help Dying Farmer

When Illinois farmer Carl Bates realized he could no longer harvest his crops after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, the people of his town stepped up to help. It took 40 volunteers about 10 hours to harvest Bates’ entire crop – much faster than the man would have been able to manage on his own, even in optimal health. (Indy 100)

People Helping People

Black Cosplayer Instills Confidence in Young Batman Fan

Georgia cosplayer Charles Conley is all-too familiar with the prejudiced backlash that is often faced by black cosplayers dressed as characters who are portrayed as a white in mainstream western media. Conley recently attended Dragon Con dressed as batman, where he met a young African-American boy who was also dressed as Batman. After sharing a high-five, Conley also assured the boy that he “could be any superhero [he] want[ed] to be”, and not to let anyone tell him otherwise. (9News)

Fan Helps Swimmer Avoid Serious Illness

Australian Olympic swimmer Mackenzie Horton’s life may have been saved by a fan with an eagle eye. The swimmer’s team doctor reportedly received an email from a concerned fan who had noticed a mole on Horton’s chest that looked like it might be malignant. This week the swimmer posted an Instagram photo indicating that he’d had the mole removed, and thanking the fan for their foresight. (Today)

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