Zlatan Ibrahimović is one of the most famous soccer players in the world. A fan favorite, he’s instantly recognizable, and people chant his name everywhere he goes. But for him, this is a problem. Not because he’s shy or unappreciative of his fans — but because there are over 800 million people around the world whose names should be chanted instead. Before the February 14, 2015 match between Paris Saint-German and Caen at Parc des Princes, he put the finishing touches on 50 names that are symbolic of a global crisis. During the game, he removed his jersey and brought these names to the forefront. What they represent will break you heart. To support the United Nations World Food Programme and Zlatan Ibrahimović’s fight against world hunger, make sure to donate here. This isn’t just a good cause. It’s an issue that, if solved, will help heal our entire planet. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/millions-of-names/
When we were little, our stuffed animals served as fluffy confidantes. They sat with us at our tea parties, they stayed close at night to fend off bad dreams, and they comforted us when we were sick. What they didn’t typically do, however, is teach us important lessons that would ultimately stick with us for a lifetime. But one Japanese organization aims to change all that. Second Life Toys allows parents to send their kids’ damaged stuffed animals in for “transplants” to teach them about the beauty of organ donation. While thousands of people are registered organ donors in the States, the issue gets little attention in Japan. Second Life Toys There are quite a few reasons why Japanese people have mixed feelings about organ donation. For one, belief systems in Japan dictate that bodies should be whole upon cremation, which understandably discourages them from registering. Second Life Toys Along with that, the 1968 Juro Wada case, which involved harvesting organs from a braindead patient at a point when the determination of brain-based death was still hotly contested, embedded an association between organ donation and unethical activity deeply into the cultural consciousness. Representatives from Second Life Toys believe that they can flip the script on this pressing issue by teaching kids the importance of organ donation at a young age. Second Life Toys Their program walks little ones through the process in a way that they can understand. Here’s how it works. Second Life Toys A parent sends photos of their child’s damaged toy to the company, and upon approval, they mail the stuffed animal in for “surgery.” Using parts from donated toys that look much different than the rest of the recipient, they repair the defect and mail it home. Second Life Toys And the program works the other way, too! Those who choose to donate unused toys receive letters from the company explaining how their toys were used to save stuffed animals in need. Their goal is to help young people develop positive attitudes toward organ donation. Second Life Toys For more information about the initiative, check this out! The best way to make change is to work from the ground up. After all, children are the ones who will build a better future someday. If you want to learn more about this project, be sure to check out the company’s website. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/organ-donor-toys/
Many people think that they are helping the elderly by donating money to charities or volunteering at local food drives. While these are excellent displays of solidarity, more direct acts of kindness are usually the most effective. With that in mind, these people got their hands dirty when one of their neighbors needed help. A 90-year-old woman named Agnes turned to her neighbors when she found herself in a bad place. She was facing steep fines because her house was deemed “too dirty,” and she was told that the government would take action if she didn’t clean up. Luckily for Agnes, some kind people came to the rescue. (via Wimp) Who could possibly fine her now? Never underestimate the generosity of strangers! Kudos to these people for helping out a woman when she needed them most. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/elderly/
