After almost two months of being in quarantine, we’ve come to realize that while it is good for us to stay informed during this rather unusual time, it is also important that we focus on the good things in life.
And if there’s one good thing to come out of this global pandemic, it’s the absolute flood of goodness we’ve seen in response to it. Alongside the scary statistics, pain, and grief that many are going through, there has also been an outpouring of incredibly inspiring tales of human kindness: stories of communities supporting each other even though they’re apart, love overcoming hate and everyday heroes caring for the most vulnerable in our society.
So, we invite you to venture into our round-up of goodness guaranteed to put a smile on your face and remind you that there’s an antidote to the doom and gloom and this too shall pass.
1. Giveback.my for vulnerable populace during COVID19
Giveback.my, a BAC-MIRM crowdfunding initiative has emerged as a source of support for people in need and an inspiration for people to donate or volunteer in the wake of restrictions due to the COVID19. This site has been gaining its momentum of giving back to vulnerable communities who might have otherwise fallen through the cracks. Since its inception on April 30th, 2020, GiveBack has been coming to the aid of animals, refugees, women, children, and more. Fundraisers on the site focus on bare necessities like sterilization equipment for a government hospital in Sabah, food, and even a hands-on skills training programme for youth with special needs to make them employable and ready to live independently. If you like to be a hero and help those in need, reach out to giveback.my.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_mcn0ngOPF/
2. ‘Artortoise’ builds community through Art
Whether it is social media or official telegram channels for Majlis Keselamatan and CPRC Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, most of you probably have seen some cute comic or illustration associated with the current Covid-19 pandemic situation in Malaysia. Thanks to Mohd Ikhsan Kamarudin, 36, Mohd Ikhwan Kamarudin, 30, and Nur Sarah Adilin Mohd Darus, 35, We are inspired by the illustrations – the style, the accuracy of the situation is creatively described, and most importantly they are educational. We could not thank @artortoise enough for helping the nation and healthcare team to #fightcovid19 through their educational cartoons, especially this song featuring Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s latest single Basyirah’ which means ‘Good Tidings’. Nicely done guys! #memangohsem
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAFK0bvlhUp/
3.” Soleram” – a Lullaby of Compassion and Encouragement for all
While we adjust to life’s new reality under self-quarantine in the midst of the pandemic, UiTM Chamber Choir (UCC) from the Faculty of Music, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia dedicated a tribute video to Malaysia’s frontline staff for their services in countering the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece was put together very creatively under the watchful guidance of the UCC director, Associate Professor Dr. Masashi Kishimoto, who visualized, initiated, and completed the project within six days. The footage highlights the importance of social distancing and the students performed remotely from the comfort of their homes. As the world embraces distancing as the new social order, the song accurately depicts an alienation from others but also shows the yearnings for physical and emotional solace. Included in the footage is an appreciation to the university and the people of Malaysia for providing support to the students’ welfare and wellbeing throughout these troubled times. Well done UITM!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-TUQBzJ2i3/
4.How #KitaJagaKita came to inspire our nation
#KitaJagaKita is a “one-stop-shop” for Malaysian civil society COVID19 efforts. They match people who want to help (the rakyat, corporate sponsors) with people who need help (affected individuals, groups, medical community) via various civil society initiatives. Author Hanna Alkaf first mooted the idea on Twitter on 17 March 2020. She then collaborated with some volunteers (including former members of the pulangmengundi.com team) to gather organizations and individuals to assist those badly affected by the movement control order. Find out more on their Instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAW5uOKn0At/
5. #FesDuRu Fundraising for Frontliners
https://www.facebook.com/FesDuRu/videos/515747909112762/
6.Wise. Competent. Strong Leader. That’s Dr. Noor Hisham
The voice we have all have grown to love and respect. The calm in the chaos and our daily dose of COVID-related news and updates. Dr. Noor Hisham, a national treasure respected worldwide, who has been helping the nation deal with COVID19. Leading through a crisis is no doubt a challenge, especially when handling something as severe as the Covid-19 global pandemic and Dr. Hisham through his tireless effort getting all of us on our toes in pursuit of a healthy life is nothing less than admirable. Last April 21 2020, it was his 57th Birthday and here we share wishes of love and hope by his former classmates of MBSKL. #terbaik
7. A Charity within a charity – Masala Wheel
Granted, the MCO affected Masala Wheel’s revenue but that did not stop them by starting the initiative called “Food Without Borders”. Their priority is to keep delivering meals to beneficiaries which include hospital frontlines, refugee communities, urban poor homes, welfare homes, and enforcement officers, while also paying staff salaries. Masala Wheel staff comprise of youth at risk and by pricing each meal at MYR5, they were able to retain so they do not fall back into social ill traps. Above and beyond the impact that is created through food delivery, Masala Wheels reinforces the idea that everything we see today is a product of someone’s dream and for the youths working there, it is the reminder that their dreams are valid is testament to the success of Masala Wheel. #maketherightreal
https://www.instagram.com/p/CANPT-6HpQE/
8. Applauding COVID19 Frontliners in Parliament
Last May 18, The King and MPs across the divide in the Dewan Rakyat and rose to their feet and clapped for health and security front liners in the Covid-19 epidemic as a sign of appreciation. At the meeting of the 3rd season of the 14th Parliament (shortened for the first time in history in just one-day sitting) – DDYM Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said in his address the front liners sacrifices have not known fatigue or fear until they even sacrificed their own lives and personal safety for the interest of the general public. It’s so important to try and spread some joy, which is why we feel such a gesture goes a long way. Daulat Tuanku!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAUm5sFndvZ/
9. Let the Festive Spirit of Hari Raya Begin!
They say the toughest times lead to the greatest innovations. This Hari Raya 2020, let’s hear it for the folks at Pusat Maklumat Pemakanan Terengganu and their genius feature of maintaining a healthy calorie intake this festive season in the wake of COVID19. Just like the other aspects of life, the Raya celebration follows the new normal, beginning this year and perhaps for some years to come and this enthusiastic video just showcases that it’s a great Aidilfitri after all – with good calorie count! Holiday plans = sorted
https://www.facebook.com/2232415060405035/posts/2543734685939736/
10. PPAP Happy Hour!
Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen, aka PPAP song by Japanese comedian Daimaou Kosaka was silly enough to make one cringe. Undeniably though, this catchy song went viral in 2016 and catapulted his fictional singer persona, Pikotaro, to global fame with over 92 million YouTube views to date. Well, he’s back with a timely reboot to introduce PPAP 2020, a spin-off with modified lyrics and music video to remind you to wash your hands! With the PPAP acronym redefined to mean “Pray for People And Peace”, Kosaka’s return is just in time to spread laughter and advice (displayed by new hand choreography that teaches you the proper way to wash hands) during troubling times. Enjoy!
See you next week, for your weekly dose of good news.
