4 Heartwarming Stories to Restore Your Faith in Humanity
Updated: Nov. 26, 2018
With so many terrible news developments around the world, these inspirational stories are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
The Inclusive Café
“I’m really happy,” says Charles. “I’ve wanted to cook for a long time, so my dream has come true. I was sick of just being a dishwasher.”
Charles is 36 and has just become a commis chef at a restaurant in central Paris. But what makes this story a little different to an everyday tale of fulfilled ambition is the fact that Charles has autism. And his fellow members of staff at Café Joyeux in the city’s Opera district also have autism, Down’s syndrome or other cognitive disabilities.
The café is one of a growing chain founded by green energy entrepreneur Yann Bucaille Lanrezac, who wants to show that “different” people have a place in the world of work. The first branch opened in Rennes last December, Paris opened in March, and more are set to follow.
“Personally, I get much more joy being with people who are different than in a world of the survival of the fittest where everyone’s trying to win, to succeed, to be the best,” says Bucaille Lanrezac.
This woman’s beautiful ode to her sister will change the way you think of people with special needs.
Robots to Root out Weeds
Current farming methods mean large amounts of weed killer are sprayed indiscriminately over fields of crops that have been genetically modified to resist the chemicals. It’s an expensive and wasteful process. But the new science of artificial intelligence could change that.
Robots are now being designed that can roll through fields, identifying and targeting individual weeds as they go. Swiss company EcoRobotix claims its autonomous, solar-powered robot will use 20 per cent less herbicide than conventional methods and has 95 per cent accuracy. Other companies are also working on similar projects.
“A lot of the technology is already available. It’s just a question of packaging it together at the right cost for the farmers,” says Richard Lightbound of robotics research company Robo.
Meet the woman working with First Nations elders to preserve Canada’s most important plants.
Busking Goes Cashless
London has introduced a contactless payment system for buskers. As well as tossing loose change, passers-by can now make use of card readers that allow tap-to-donate fixed charges.
According to busker Charlotte Campbell, the scheme is already boosting her earnings. “More people than ever are tapping to donate whilst I sing,” she says.
Here are 30 acts of kindness you can do in two minutes or less.
Paramedic Risks Life in Bid to Save Stab Victim
Hassan Zubier was enjoying a holiday stroll with his girlfriend in the Finnish city of Turku when he heard a scream. He saw a woman lying on the ground, badly injured. A terrorist wielding a knife was on the rampage.
The trained paramedic rushed to the woman and attempted to stop her bleeding. But then the attacker returned. “He tried to stab me,” says Zubier. “I kicked him off. Then I felt someone like hitting me in the back.”
The terrorist was arrested by police. Sadly, the injured woman died in Zubier’s arms. Zubier himself sustained injuries that mean he will need to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
“I did what I was trained for,” he says. “I would do it again, anytime. The world is such a dark place and if we don’t help each other, who’s going to help us?”
Next, check out more inspiring news stories from around the world.
