There is no denying that many had to deal with the effects of COVID-19 in 2021. Nevertheless, 2021 was still packed with inspiring and feel-good stories that warmed and encouraged many Canadians.
Here are highlights of the inspiring and motivational stories that made the news last year in Canada.
Giant Jackpot Won from a Dream
A 57-year-old Toronto woman, Deng Pravatoudom, won a $60 million jackpot in a Canadian lottery. Deng, who is from Toronto, won the lottery based on the numbers that her husband dreamed about 20 years ago. Deng migrated to Canada with her 14 siblings from Laos, where she and her husband worked as general laborers for 40 years.
Unfortunately, the mother of two was laid off from her work in Canada on December 1 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Deng is grateful to a local church that supported her family over the years. She says that the money will certainly help make their lives easier. Besides pampering herself with some diamonds, Deng and her husband intend to pay their bills and help their children.
Intense Love
A savvy Montreal barbershop has asked the internet to help identify a couple caught on camera kissing passionately that they burst through the shop’s glass door. The video of the incident on Monday morning went viral after the barbershop posted it on its Facebook page with the caption,’ Love hurts.’
The police contacted the barbershop co-owner, Dave Lechasseur, reporting a break-in. After checking the security footage, they realized it was not a break-in. According to the barbershop’s owners, they will willingly pay for a night’s stay for the couple if they identify themselves. Nevertheless, co-owner Mike Rose, said that there was something romantic about not identifying the mystery couple. He added that they would remain as part of their history forever.
Viral Videos
- Adorable Art Lesson Goes Viral
A TikTok video featuring 7-year old Bella Thomsom doing an art lesson at home went viral, garnering over 10 million views in just 24 hours. The video also caught the attention of American pop star Halsey who commented and added to its view count.
Bella suffers from a bowel condition known as Hirschsprung disease that caused her to be born without nerve cells in her large intestine. Although she has undergone several surgeries to get a bowel transplant, Bella remains a happy soul, and this is evident in the video.
- Try Not to Smile Challenge
Borzay Yankey has earned millions of views on his TikTok channel, all thanks to his smiling. In the video, Yankey is seen panning the camera on his serious face before making a wide smile. His smile has won the hearts of both adults and children. Most parents have tried the ‘Try not to smile’ challenge with their kids. They used the duet feature to make their children smile after seeing Yankey’s smiling face.
Four-Legged Friend
Will Finch of Mississauga has, over the last four years, raised over $40,000 on his birthday for the Good Will Good Karma initiative. This initiative is intended to help rescue animals and was inspired when the 11-year old lost his puppy.
A family dog stopped a motorist after her owner suffered a seizure while walking her. A neighbor’s surveillance camera shows Haley Moore suddenly collapsing before her one-and-a-half-year-old dog, Clover, blocking an oncoming truck. This prompted the truck owner to attend to Haley.
Sports
Leah Goldstein made history after cycling 4,800 kilometres in a record time of 11 days, 3 hours, and 3 minutes. The 52-year-old woman became the first woman in history to win the race across America after crossing the finish line 17 hours earlier than her closest competitor. Only three cyclists competed after other candidates retreated due to high temperatures. According to Leah, the race is 60% mental and 40% physical.
