Ours is a period of history where much of our daily lives are consumed by topics that are inherently negative and destructive; terrorism, global warming, natural disasters, incurable disease, the list is endless. The other day, however, I found a real sense of joy in finding a positive and uplifting headline piece in the world news, a story which inspired rather than appalled.
This week, Imtiaz Sooliman, an Indian born man, received the Order of the Baobab in Silver award, from South African President Jocob Zuma, "for his excellent contribution through the Gift of the Givers Foundation to humanitarian aid in South Africa and humanitarian relief missions in various countries."
Sooliman set up the ‘Gift of the Givers Foundation’ over a decade ago which has since provided humanitarian aid to people in countries all over the world which have been torn apart by war or natural disaster. The Foundation’s most recent effort was in providing aid to the victims of the earthquake which killed over 250,000 people in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It was with the help of Sooliman’s team that the first survivor of the disaster was found.
In an age where there is such a huge barrier between those who have and those who need, isn’t it wonderful to see the stories of those who give, honoured for what they do and put up on the front page where they belong?
The day is not far when newspapers and TV channels will dedicate a section of their space and air time on do-gooders and positive news.
Contributed by Jenny Wren-Charlton
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