Hey guys, I’ve got a quick question for ya. On a scale from 1-10, just how familiar are you with the refugee crisis and human rights issues facing North Korea?
I, sadly, was but a lowly1.2…for real. That is, until I stumbled across LiNK, a beautiful site devoted to educating people (such as myself) about these hugely important issues. This website, dedicated to putting an end to these crises, provides background on humanitarian and refugee issues as well as information about LiNK’s programs at both home and abroad to aid North Korean people.
The September LiNK will send four teams of “nomads” to travel the US and Canada to raise awareness of the North Korean refugee crisis. These nomads will show a 50-minute documentary called the “Seoul Train” - catchy, eh? This documentary will follow 3 groups of refugees escaping to China through the “modern day underground railroad.” Should be pretty neato!
A little birdie tells me that the LiNK team is currently looking to book as many venues as possible to show this powerfully informative documentary, as well as recruit tons of viewers so they can spread their message far and wide! So, in the spirit of Daily Challenge… I challengeyou to view the Seoul Train Trailer and consider either hosting a screening event or attending one yourself!
We’ve always said it’s never too early to start changing the world! And today, Joshua Bayer - an eight year old native of La Plata, Maryland - is showing us just that.
Joshua is a big-time animal lover. In fact, his entire family is, as they have a total of 4 pets: 3 dogs and 1 cat. That’s why it shook him to the core when he ‘googled’ and found out that more than 3,000 dogs are dying a year from either not being adopted or dying on the streets.
Taking matters upon himself, Joshua has recently written and illustrated a book entitled “M-M-M-Monster!!!” to raise money for animal rescue efforts. The book will be sold for $10 a pop and - as per Joshua’s request - the proceeds being equally divided between Whipkey’s group, the Charles County Humane Society, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
To read more about this amazing little Do-Gooder and his efforts to boost animal rescue efforts, please check out this article from DailyGood.org!
Well, it looks like the people in London are onto a little something when it comes to random acts of kindness…
Recently, a group of 20 former pickpocketers have turned over a new leaf in the name of ‘brightening up people’s lives in unusual ways.’ Yep, as a kind alternative to their usual hobby, they have begun practicing the art of ‘putpocketing’ all over London’s tourist hotspots!
What does it all mean? Well, throughout the end of August, this band of do-gooding Londoners will be taking part in an initiative that requires them to casually slip anywhere from 5 pounds to 20 pound notes INTO the pockets of unsuspecting passersby. The initiative, funded by a broadband provider, is scheduled to rollout country-wide and give away nearly 100,000 pounds worth of putpocketing. Not too shabby, eh?
To read more about this pretty AWESOME initiative, click here.
On Thursday, June 18, Julian Brass and the Notable team are organizing a massive gathering at Yonge and Dundas square in Toronto to support this year’s National Kids Cancer Ride. Taking advantage of New York Fries’ donation day – where $1 of every regular fries or meal sold will go directly towards the ride – supporters of the cause will purchase fries at either of New York Fries’ two Eaton Centre locations and gather at the square for a great altruistic networking event. If you’re unavailable to make it to the meet-up the contributions are happening at New York Fries locations the city.
“We want to create the biggest fry meet-up the city has ever seen,” says Brass of the event. “This fun networking event will lead to hundreds of dollars going to support kids living with cancer, thanks to New York Fries’ donation day.”
The goal is to have over 600 people attend tomorrow’s event, so indulge in some fries tomorrow after work and invite all your friends!
The plan is as follows:
5-6pm: Jack Astors in Toronto Life Square is hosting a young professional happy hour which is sponsored by Corona; free Corona upon arrival!
6-6:15pm: Meet at Dundas Square and together as a massive group go to the Eaton center and get some New York Fries. There will be some Notable TV/ New York Fries ambassadors (wearing Gold and Brown referee-like uniforms) helping to direct everyone to 1 of 2 NY Fries locations.
6:30-7:30pm: Head back to Dundas Square to enjoy some delicious New York Fries, shmooze, network and of course … CELEBRATE!!!
RAIN PLAN: There are 2 New York Fries locations in the Eaton Center - one in each food court, at the Queen Street south end and at the Dundas St. north end. If it’s raining out, just meet at one of these two locations.
Have you watched some of the movies that Daily Challenge member, Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman, has suggested in his guest post series? We have and we thank him for directing us to these stimulating reminders of how powerful giving can be.
Here are the final 3 films from my list of 15 movies to inspire you to be a more thoughtful, altruistic person:
13) The Shawshank Redemption 1994
There is a scene in this film where Tim Robbins’s character makes a deal with a prison guard that surprises his fellow inmates. While tarring a roof on a hot day he helps the prison guard with his financial advice in return for just a few cold beers for his work crew. While his crew drinks happily we see Robbins’s character just smiling blissfully.
14) The Ultimate Gift 2006
This movie is chock full of motivational messages about an irresponsible, spoiled young man who must accomplish a series of video taped tasks in order to receive his inheritance. With each task, he learns the true nature of being a thoughtful, altruistic human being.
15) Yes Man 2008
This movie stars Jim Carrey and is based on a true story where a man spent a whole year saying yes to everything. The lesson Carrey learns is that by acknowledging and giving whatever he has to total strangers, great abundance comes back to him in unexpected ways.
I hope you enjoyed reading this list of 15 movies that can motivate you to be a better person. Watching your favourite movies over and over again is a great way to build a more generous and thoughtful mindset.
And the rewards for giving to others can transform your soul and enrich your spirit! In the end you’ll feel good for taking the time to make others feel good!
Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is an award-winning illustrator, recording artist and motivational specialist. The Washington Post has featured his blog as a recommended resource for motivational tips and inspiring movie examples. Emmanuel offers empowering keynotes and seminars to organizations to help build optimistic mindsets during the current economic challenges. More info: www.motivatorman.com
Although it’s 17 years old, the message hasn’t changed. Severn Suzuki speaks on behalf of the world, especially for those with no voice.
She represents E.C.O., the Environmental Children’s Organization, a group of Canadian 12-13 year olds trying to make a difference. In 1992, Vanessa Suttie, Morgan Geisler, Michelle Quigg and Severn traveled 5,000 miles to emplore the United Nations for change.
She says, “I am only a child yet I know that we are all part of a family, 5 billion strong, in fact 30 million species strong. And borders and governments will never change that. I am only a child yet I know we are all in this together and should act as one single world towards one single goal.”
If you want your heart strings tugged and your sense of responsibility emboldened, watch Severn Suzuki speak to the United Nations in this 6:30 minute video:
Please pass this on and keep the message strong and clear!
For more information on Robin Sharma and his Leadership Institute Click Here
Here is a summary of what Tiffany can expect from the event:
This revolutionary 2.5 day program, set in an intimate setting, will provide you with the skills necessary to reach your highest potential, see the world in a new light, inspire you to take immediate action.
* Discover how to recognize challenges as opportunities for wealth creation and rich relationships
* Learn strategies for happiness, personal and professional success
* Discover how thoughts and belief impact success and how to turn this to your advantage
* Break through barriers and limitations
* Discover your passions and a deep sense of purpose
* Have more fun and achieve health and inner wealth
Thank you to everyone who participated and completed the challenge, and for your hard work!
The power of giving can lift you up when you are down. So can movies, says motivational specialist, movie lover and Do Gooder, Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman. In this 6 part post series, Emmanuel shares with us some of his favourite movies that inspire giving.
Here are 3 more films from my list of 15 movies to inspire you to be a more thoughtful, altruistic person:
10) Ocean’s 13 2007
This 3rd part in the movie trilogy is more like a Robin Hood story where they steal from the rich and give to the poor. See the fun scenes near the end where the thieves give millions of dollars away!
11) Pay It Forward 2000
This powerful movie illustrates the amazing model of committing 3 random acts of kindness and having those 3 individuals do the same with others. It shows how fast a chain reaction of good deeds can spread and help change the world. And the concept all originated from a young boy played by Haley Joel Osment.
12) Peaceful Warrior 2006
A young gymnast is taught how to achieve his dreams and goals by first changing his selfish attitude. Nick Nolte’s character is a mystical mentor who helps him while working at a service station. His occupation at a gas station is a powerful metaphor for an important life message for being of service to others. And there’s one scene where he literally gives someone the shirt off his back!
Let these movies help you visualize how you can give to someone today! For more movie ideas to help invoke the power of giving in you, please see the next blog post.
Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is an award-winning illustrator, recording artist and motivational specialist. The Washington Post has featured his blog as a recommended resource for motivational tips and inspiring movie examples. Emmanuel offers empowering keynotes and seminars to organizations to help build optimistic mindsets during the current economic challenges. More info: www.motivatorman.com
Come back to the Do Gooder Daily one week from today for Part 6 of 15 Inspiring Movies About Giving.
Background music by U2 - “Mothers of the Disappeared”
“She was an angel…” - Tara McDonald, mother of Tori Stafford
“As a father of a young daughter, I know that everyone in this country has the family in their thoughts and prayers.”
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper, May 22, 2009
With such a tragic end to the abduction of Victoria (Tori) Stafford and six long weeks of subsequent negative news coverage, I wanted to keep this as positive and empowering as possible under the circumstances ~ to honour the memory of this beautiful child.
Those arrested on May 20, 2009 for this heinous crime are not even worthy of mention here, and their unconscionable depravity cannot tarnish the memory of this young, innocent soul we have lost at their hands. Despite the profound rage and an ocean of tears shed over this grave injustice, my hope is that we can CELEBRATE TORI’S LIFE rather than focusing on the sad circumstances of her death.
Click Here for the history and time line of the case (April 8th to May 20)
Who Was Tori Stafford? (Taken from news report by Patrick Maloney Sun Media)
“She loved animals of all kinds — cats, dogs, horses. Her favourite colour was purple and she loved to sing and dance. She often watched Barbie movies.
She liked school and also attended Sunday school, where days before her abduction she wrote on a heart-shaped piece of paper about the importance of loving your enemies.
Though a bit afraid of the dark, she was a feisty kid. Artsy and creative but also a tomboy, Tori was a study in contrasts, a kid still figuring out who she was and would become.
Her hand-written “resalushon” list for 2009 included getting A’s, or at least B’s, in school.
By all accounts, Tori was a happy, healthy, typical, normal, well adjusted and loved little girl. What happened to her is every parent’s worst nightmare. We must educate and “street proof” our children to recognize red flags, without making them overly fearful or suspicious of everyone. Tori’s parents did this with both of their kids, but it is not 100% foolproof. Children don’t yet have the life experience and “radar” against false appearances. Unfortunately, evil can disguise itself, to break through that shield, unless we keep street proofing our kids on a regular basis. Tori could have been anyone’s child.
On Easter Sunday, more than a thousand people rallied to hold a candlelight vigil in Woodstock for one of their own. They wore purple ribbon badges, and released dozens of purple balloons - Tori’s favourite colour ~ carrying their love, hope and prayers.
Bad things are not supposed to happen to innocent children in our schools where they should always be safe. Perhaps we need to have a “buddy system” in place at all times. The flag at Tori’s school continues to fly at half-mast, while her classmates are given ongoing grief counseling to help cope with the devastating loss of their friend.
Sympathy cards, lit candles, stuffed animals and other memorials from the community have appeared outside Tori’s home to help heal the sorrow of the family, as well as their own. She was such a bright light in so many lives. One of Tori’s neighbours ~ Emma’s mother ~ has set up a small table on her lawn, with stuffed animals placed in the little chairs, commemorating the many tea parties Tori loved to share with her best friends Emma Baker and Angel Murray.
Tori was last seen wearing a black ‘Hannah Montana’ jacket with a white fur-lined hood, green sweater with pink lettering, black skirt, black leotards and black shoes ~ popular fashion that any little girl in grade 3 might wear. When they are found ~ then tagged as evidence ~ we hope it speaks volumes in court on her behalf to convict the accused.
There is an online petition to the Canadian government for changes to the criminal code, amber alert criteria, as well as increasing the penalties for the abduction, interference or murder of a child.
In remembering Tori, the full scope of our emotions cannot be measured. No amount of rational thought or explanation could ever justify what took place that fateful day. May it never happen again. The sad reality is that it could. Collectively, we can channel this energy to do more to save other children ~ by staying vigilant about any and all predators around our communities, reporting suspicious behaviour, supporting the efforts of police against pornographic images on line, communicating better with our children, actively monitoring their use of technology, their friends, safeguarding their activities, speaking up for all children against neglect and abuse, never forgetting those who have been taken from us, advocating for change in our criminal laws to better protect the innocent while severely punishing the offenders. Our children are the most precious legacy we have ~ and they deserve no less.
Tori was only eight years old.
This July 15th, 2009 would have been her ninth birthday.
Rest in Peace, Sweet Angel.
Do you want an extra boost of energy? Try giving! If you’re not convinced this is an effective cure, why not watch a movie first? But not just any movie, says motivational specialist, movie buff and Daily Challenge member, Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman. In this guest post series, Emmanuel suggests movies that will stimulate your urge to give.
Here are 3 more films from my list of 15 movies to inspire you to be a more thoughtful, altruistic person:
7) Meet John Doe 1941
This Frank Capra classic is about Gary Cooper’s character who unwittingly becomes a spokesperson for a major newspaper. He ends up inspiring a nation with his messages of helping out a neighbour in need.
Millions 2004
A young boy finds a bag full of money and you see how naturally thoughtful he is about others in need. The film also shows how others behave (bad and good) when it comes to receiving sudden abundance. This movie was directed by Danny Boyle who also directed Slumdog Millionaire.
9) Mr. Deeds Goes To Town 1936
This Frank Capra classic is about a small-town man who inherits millions of dollars and is thrust into the big city life of New York. You see how his small-town values for being thoughtful of others leads him to helping hundreds in need of work with his new money.
Let these movies help you visualize how you can give to someone today! And see next blog post for 3 more movie ideas to bring out the giver in you.
Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is an award-winning illustrator, recording artist and motivational specialist. The Washington Post has featured his blog as a recommended resource for motivational tips and inspiring movie examples. Emmanuel offers empowering keynotes and seminars to organizations to help build optimistic mindsets during the current economic challenges. More info: www.motivatorman.com
Come back to the Do Gooder Daily one week from today for Part 5 of 15 Inspiring Movies About Giving.
This is the official blog for Do Gooders. It is the vehicle for the Daily Challenge story and the tool to get you directly involved in the project so you can become part of the story, too.
Hey guys, I’ve got a quick question for ya. On a scale from 1-10, just how familiar are you with the refugee crisis and human rights issues facing North Korea?
We’ve always said it’s never too early to start changing the world! And today, Joshua Bayer - an eight year old native of La Plata, Maryland - is showing us just that.
Have you watched some of the movies that Daily Challenge member, 
The power of giving can lift you up when you are down. So can movies, says motivational specialist, movie lover and Do Gooder, 
“She loved animals of all kinds — cats, dogs, horses. Her favourite colour was purple and she loved to sing and dance. She often watched Barbie movies.
Do you want an extra boost of energy? Try giving! If you’re not convinced this is an effective cure, why not watch a movie first? But not just any movie, says motivational specialist, movie buff and Daily Challenge member, 
Millions 2004
