- Charbel X
- Posts
- People Fighting the Good Fight
Happy Sunday from Sydney,
As many of us are preparing to return to work tomorrow, the good news edition is one that I hope brings a smile to your heart.
I love Granny Grommets - maybe I can finally learn to surf; looking forward to a great 2025.
With love,
Charbel
Good Things Happening Around the World
HIV/AIDS Camp Closes for the Best Possible Reason: HIV transmission rates are now under 1% in the U.S. plus a dramatic decline globally
When their only childcare centre shut down, this small town rolled up its sleeves and built a new one
Granny Grommets prove you're never too old to catch a wave and spark a global surf movement
750,000 Trees Planted for Wildlife: Volunteers in Australia worked tirelessly to restore habitat for the Regent Honeyeater
Quebec Goes Green: The province is banning gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035—or sooner
More Good News
Words of Inspiration
HIV/AIDS Camp Closes for the Best Possible Reason:
HIV transmission rates are now under 1% in the U.S. plus a dramatic decline globally
For over three decades, One Heartland in northern Minnesota offered a haven for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Now, the beloved camp is shutting its gates, with its sprawling 80-acre property up for sale.
Although the closure brought a tinge of sadness for past campers, the reason behind it is something to celebrate.
Thanks to remarkable strides in HIV treatment, fewer and fewer children are being born with the virus. T
ransmission rates from mothers to babies—whether during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding—have plummeted so dramatically that the camp’s services are no longer needed.
Simply put, there aren’t enough children requiring this support anymore.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
Apparently, the stats tell a hopeful story:
in the U.S., the rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission has dropped below 1%, thanks to life-changing antiretroviral medications.
Globally, the progress is equally heartening—since 2015, new HIV infections in children under 14 have fallen by 38%, while AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 43%.
One Heartland’s closure is a bittersweet milestone, but it’s proof that medical breakthroughs are rewriting the narrative for future generations.
When their only childcare centre shut down, this small town built a new one
Mungindi, a rural town on the NSW-Queensland border, has been without permanent childcare for a year, earning the title of a "childcare desert."
Parents, like Ashlee Johnston, faced the challenge of driving 300km daily to access childcare, threatening their careers and family life.
The town's Mungindi Community Education Association (MCEA) formed in late 2023 to tackle the issue.
A new pre-fabricated childcare centre is under construction, set to open in 2025, funded by a combination of community donations and government grants.
The project, costing nearly $1 million, has been boosted by a generous harvest donation of grain, supporting final touches like landscaping and playgrounds.
The centre will offer daycare and preschool services, attracting young families and boosting the local workforce, especially in agriculture.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
Mungindi’s community spirit shines bright—against the odds, they’re creating a solution for their children’s future.
A town that can pull together for a project like this is a town with a lot to look forward to.
Granny Grommets prove you're never too old to catch a wave and spark a global surf movement
A vibrant crew of older women, known as the Granny Grommets, have been surfing at Middleton Beach, Albany, for 25 years. They’re not just about catching waves.
They’re about embracing life, friendship, and positive ageing.
The Beginning
Founder Kim Buttfield started it all when she showed a few women how to bodyboard.
Now, the group has grown to include over 100 members, all over 50 years young (and some very eagerly waiting to join).
The Waves & The Wisdom
While they don’t paddle out to the big waves, they sure know how to have fun on the smaller ones.
Their coach, Tony Harrison, has been with them from the start, ensuring everyone gets their wave of joy. The community, the friendships, and the laughs.
Global Ripple Effect
Inspired by the Granny Grommets, similar groups have sprouted up worldwide.
In South Africa, the Nahoon Granny Grommets have grown to 132 members, and in France, the Turbulent Penguins have been braving the cold waters of Brittany since late 2024.
The Granny Grommets are truly a global phenomenon.
Why It's Worth Smiling About
The Granny Grommets are a reminder that life’s too short to sit on the sidelines.
They’ve built a community where age is just a milestone, not a barrier. From their infectious laughter to their fearless approach to the surf, they’re showing the world that joy, friendship, and adventure don’t retire.
750,000 Trees Planted for Wildlife:
Volunteers in Australia worked tirelessly to restore habitat for the Regent Honeyeater
Victorian farmers and volunteers have planted over 750,000 trees to revive habitats for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater.
Regent Honeyeater, a striking black and yellow bird, once abundant from Adelaide to Queensland, is now nearing extinction due to habitat loss.
Volunteers from All Walks of Life
The project, launched in the 1990s, has seen contributions from over 40,000 volunteers, from farmers to doctors and biologists.
Farmers like John Paul Murphy and Rob Richardson have been instrumental, planting trees to restore vital corridors for wildlife.
The project not only supports the honeyeater but also provides shelter for livestock and enhances biodiversity.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About:
This initiative proves that a little bit of effort can go a long way—750,000 trees later, and a critically endangered species is getting a fighting chance.
It’s a win for the environment, the farmers, and anyone who enjoys seeing a healthy, enchanting landscape.
Quebec Goes Green:
The province is banning gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035—or sooner
Quebec is banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Two Phases:
2034 Model Year: From January 31, 2034, advertising of combustion vehicles (including hybrids) will be prohibited.
2035 Model Year: By December 31, 2035, sales and leases of gas-powered vehicles (2025 models and earlier) will be banned.
Emergency vehicles, rental companies, and defective engine replacements will be allowed. No impact on motorcycles, off-road vehicles, or heavy vehicles.
Quebec's goal is 2 million EVs on the road by 2030, with nearly 33% of new vehicle registrations being electric by 2024.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
This is a huge leap towards reducing carbon footprints and promoting greener transportation options.
As electric vehicles become more mainstream, we can expect improved technology and infrastructure, making EVs more accessible and convenient.
We have to give it to Quebec for showing the world how bold policies can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
More Good News
Innovative Sleep Apnea Implant: A first-of-its-kind device offers hope for millions battling sleep apnea in the UK
Kristen Bell Helps Crush Medical Bills: Teaming up with influencer Quentin Quarantino, Kristen Bell donated $100,000 to cover strangers’ medical expenses
Oregon officially says “bye-bye” to Styrofoam takeout containers
Swifties continue their streak of doing good—beyond trading friendship bracelets
21 U.S. states rang in the new year with higher minimum wages
Conquering the Hunt 1000: The cyclist who’s tackled Australia’s toughest ride, thrice
Words of Inspiration
“We have to distrust each other. It is our only defense against betrayal.”
— Tennessee Williams“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.”
— Virginia Woolf“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in new form.”
— Rumi“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela“The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.”
— Nikola Tesla
What I’m working on
 Velvet Onion & Friends We’re in the process of rebranding Velvet Onion & Friends. Why? It’s an important stage in our evolution, and deepens the link between agency, product & education. |  Faster Zebra We’re at the final stages of planning for our pilot program. Working name is “99 Problems But A Pitch Ain’t One;” cute for internal projects, not sure it’s the name. Coming soon! |
