On The + Side: Comfort Pies, Baby Koalas and Wellness Sessions

Welcome back to On The + Side! We know that the world has its challenges, and we are here to stand by our community in good times and bad. Although the state has begun to reopen, we still recognize the hardships taking place throughout the country and aim to serve as a helpful resource for all. This week, we’ll dive into more uplifting stories and tools we can use to make our world a better place.

Positive Focus

Doing our part and taking an active role to serve our community is key. We are inspired by those who are making a difference, and proud to shine light on their stories.

In an effort to advance social justice, Disney has pledged $5 million to NAACP and other organizations that work to support equity and stand against racism.
To help out in his community after protests took place, one teen in Buffalo spent 10 hours sweeping the streets and cleaning up so that others could safely drive to work. As a thank you, he is receiving a college scholarship and a new car from a grateful neighbor.
In Minneapolis, one woman has been baking her signature Sweet Potato Comfort Pies to give out to those in mourning at the memorial site for George Floyd. Each pie is packaged with a comforting poem by her daughter.
After the bushfires that devastated New South Wales, the first baby koala was born. Check out the video to meet sweet baby Ash!
FedEx has committed $1 million to provide small business grants. Each business will receive $5,000, plus a $500 credit for products and services at FedEx. You can learn more about the grant program and apply here.

Wellness Boosts

Maintaining our health and well-being is crucial no matter what is going on in the world, and during a pandemic is no different. Check out our latest resources to keep you healthy and in better spirits.

On Being has curated some resources for those who are exhausted and overwhelmed in these times. From podcast episodes to essays and poems to music, this collection is here to help you process.
Every Wednesday, Goop is offering free In Goop Health one-hour wellness sessions, which will be livestreamed on YouTube. The sessions include yoga flows, sound bath meditations, fitness classes and various health workshops. Learn more about the series and tune into some of the previous sessions here.
As businesses continue to reopen, AdventHealth Centra Care is providing resources to help them do so safely.
For those planning to travel soon, Orlando International Airport (MCO) has released this video detailing their latest safety measures.

For the most up-to-date guidelines on taking care of yourself during this global pandemic, visit the CDC’s website.

Additional Resources

Whether you’re looking to educate yourself on social justice issues or simply in need of some entertainment to get through the pandemic, we’ve got you covered! Here are some new favorites to help you get started.

In order for us to take meaningful action, it is important to start having conversations about race early on. This list features 31 children’s books to help empower our youth and teach them about the fight for social justice.
The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian offers free digital lessons and educational resources on their website. Visitors can learn about different Native American cultures, treaties and other historical topics from the comfort of their own home.
The Library of Congress is offering cool virtual resources for audiences of all ages, including volunteer opportunities, poetry readings, webinars and even “how to draw” video tutorials with Dave Pilkey, the author and illustrator who brought us Captain Underpants.
During the pandemic, many of us have developed new hobbies that we’ll take with us long after life goes back to normal. Major League Soccer players share their newfound skills and interests on their MLS Unites page. Check out cooking tutorials, dance lessons and other new talents in their video series!
Bring out your inner rock star! Fender is offering a 14-day free trial for guitar or ukulele lessons. What are you waiting for?

We’ll be back next week with more positive stories and resources to make this time a little easier for everyone. To get notifications when we post a new issue, subscribe to On The + Side.

For the latest COVID-19 updates from Addition Financial, please visit our response page.