#1. This world champion boxer built 1,000 homes for underprivileged people in the Philippines.
Manny Pacquiao grew up in a poor family in the Phillipineps, but went on to become the first fighter in history to win eight titles in different weight divisions.
After winning his first million dollars, Manny returned to the Phillippines to build houses in his old neighborhood. Thanks to him, 1,000 families have a new home.
#2. This Syrian man remained in war-torn Aleppo to care for abandoned cats.
Alaa Jaleel risked his life by staying in the ravaged city of Aleppo, just to provide food and shelter for the pets left behind by his neighbors.
Today, Alaa looks after more than 100 cats, including a kitten bought by a little girl whose family were forced to leave the country. He’s promised to return the cat when she comes back home.
#3. This teacher created a Gentlemen’s Club for boys from single-parent families.
Raymond Nelson bought jackets, waistcoats, and ties for kids who couldn’t afford them and started teaching the boys from tough backgrounds life lessons. He introduced a dress code because “a man wearing a tuxedo won’t behave like a bully”.
“I know a lot of them struggle because a lot of them don’t have men at home, so I just want them to grow up and think of the things that I teach them,” he said.
#4. This runner sacrificed her chance to win a medal to help a fellow athlete.
At the Olympic women’s 5,000-meter race, New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin saw US runner Abbey D’Agostino fall. Nikki helped her up and, as Abby was injured, carried her across the finish line.
They were both awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for showing such kindness and representing the true spirit of the Olympic Games.
#5. This woman rescued a 2-year-old boy abandoned by his parents after being accused of “witchcraft”.
Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Loven found a naked, starving baby boy in Nigeria. He’d been left to die, but she found him a home in an orphanage and named him Hope.
After the story went viral, Anja received over $1 million in donations and was able to open a second orphanage and a hospital in the area. Today, Hope is a happy, healthy little boy.
#6. This homeless man got a job and a home for his one act of kindness.
Woralop, a 44-year-old homeless man in Thailand, found a designer wallet filled with cash at a subway station. Despite his poverty, he handed the wallet in with all the cash. It turned out the owner of the wallet was a wealthy factory owner who was stunned by Woralop’s kindness.
To thank Woralop, the man gave him a job at his factory and provided him with a service apartment. Now, Woralop earns a good salary and has a secure home to go to every night.
#7. These students recreated graduation day for a classmate who was in a car accident and couldn’t attend.
A few days before his high school graduation, Scott Dunn was in a serious car accident that left him in a coma. When he awoke, he was devastated he’d missed the ceremony, but Scott’s classmates put on their gowns once again to recreate the day.
Scott was the only one called up to receive his diploma, while everyone cheered and clapped. “I’m speechless to know that this many people are behind me,” he said at the time.
#8. Thousands of people turned out to support this girl after no one came to her birthday party.
Hallee Sorenson, an 18-year-old girl with autism, invited all her friends to her birthday party but nobody turned up. Her cousin shared a photo of Hallee online, asking for people to send her birthday cards as she was so upset about her party.
Hallee’s local post office was flooded with more than 10,000 cards, letters, and gifts.
#9. This fisherman rescued a drowning moose that had fallen through ice.
Ivan Drachev didn’t stop to think when he found a moose that had fallen through ice. He lassoed the animal and pulled it to safety, and rubbed the shivering animal until it was warm again.
#10. Canadian airlines broke their own rules to save animals for the Fort McMurray fires.
Fort McMurray residents were forced to flee their homes due to wildfires. Instead of leaving pets to die in the flames, airlines lifted the ban on animal transportation in their planes and allowed people to take their beloved animals to safety.
#11. Neighbors repaired an elderly teacher’s home for free.
Retired schoolteacher Anne Glancey was threatened with a $3,000 fine and eviction if she didn’t repair her dilapidated home, but she had no one to help her do the work. So her neighbors, who’d noticed the state of the house and their reclusive neighbor, did it for her, for free.
#12. This flight attendant adopted a dog that waited for her for six months.
Olivia Sievers, a German flight attendant, often flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina. She always saw the same dog outside the hotel she stayed at, and often gave him food and cuddles, and whenever she came back he’d be there waiting for her.
Olivia found the dog a new home, but he ran away to wait for her by the hotel. So she ended up adopting him and taking him to Germany with her.