#Charities

I'm pissed off and disappointed.

I just received a #telemarketing phone call on behalf of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, #soliciting #donations.

It sounded pretty human-ish -- I believe it was using actual recorded sentences of a human being - but they were edited/glued-together in a slightly unnatural way. I believe it was an #IVR system.

So in the middle of one of its speeches, I interrupted with "You're actually a #recorded announcement, aren't you?"

And it replied with some meaningless interjection followed by "No, I'm a real live #agent". And it wasn't. It definitely wasn't. I tested it further and it immediately failed, giving nonsensical replies and then suddenly switching to a "thank you for completing..." (which I hadn't) announcement and disconnecting.

Legitimate #charities shouldn't be employing telemarketing #robots which lie and claim to be #humans. Full stop.

#Shame on the CNIB.

#CNIB #CanadianNationalInstituteForTheBlind

World news | The Guardiantheguardian_world_news@halo.nu
2026-03-03
Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-03-02
<img alt="B&amp;Q Completes Nationwide Rollout of Stoma-Friendly Toilets in Partnership with&#xA0;Colostomy UK" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Image-1.jpg" /><p><strong>By Charities Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>B&amp;Q&#xa0;has confirmed it has introduced stoma-friendly toilets across its stores nationwide, enhancing facilities to better support people living with a stoma.</strong></p><p>The improved toilets include thoughtful features such as hooks for clothing or bags, a shelf or flat surface for medical equipment, a disposal bin within the cubicle, and a mirror to allow users to clearly see their stoma and bag during changes.</p><h2 id="the-initiative-supports-the-broader-campaigning-efforts-of-colostomy-uk-to-improve-toilet-accessibility-in-retail-and-other-public-environments">The initiative supports the broader campaigning efforts of&#xa0;Colostomy UK&#xa0;to improve toilet accessibility in retail and other public environments. </h2><p></p><p>The charity&#x2019;s specialist knowledge and lived experience have helped inform both the design and delivery of the upgraded facilities.</p><p>With more than 200,000 people in the UK estimated to be living with a stoma, B&amp;Q says it understands the importance of offering accessible and dignified amenities for customers and staff alike. </p><p>As part of its work with <a href="https://www.colostomyuk.org/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">Colostomy UK</a>, the retailer will also introd
Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-03-02
<img alt="Gen Z Flocks to&#xA0;Save the Children&#xA0;Shops as Under-25 Volunteers Surge" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Image-1-1-1.jpg" /><p><strong>By Charities Correspondent </strong></p><p><strong>A new wave of young volunteers is breathing fresh life into&#xa0;Save the Children&#xa0;charity shops &#x2014; with under-25s signing up in record numbers and clocking up thousands more hours on the shop floor.</strong></p><p>In 2025 alone, volunteers poured more than 324,000 hours into running the charity&#x2019;s stores across the UK &#x2014; a jump of over 46,000 hours (17%) on the previous year. It&#x2019;s a major boost for high streets at a time when many retailers are still feeling the squeeze.</p><h2 id="and-it%E2%80%99s-young-people-leading-the-charge">And it&#x2019;s young people leading the charge.</h2><p></p><p>Last year, a striking 42% of new shop volunteers were aged 18&#x2013;24, up from 28% in 2021. Over the same period, the average age of a new retail volunteer dropped by 14 years to just 28 &#x2014; proof that Gen Z is stepping up to give back.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img alt="Gen Z Flocks to&#xA0;Save the Children&#xA0;Shops as Under-25 Volunteers Surge" class="kg-image" height="800" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Image-2.jpg" width="1200" /><figcaption><i><em class="italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">L-R: Sheila, Anneliese, 19, Chemara, 22, Ashleigh, Francisco, a
Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-27
<img alt="Ice Warrior&#x2019;s Royal Honour: Craig Mathieson Wins Polar Medal" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Image-12-1.jpg" /><p><strong>By Charities Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>From dragging sledges to the South Pole to transforming the lives of vulnerable teenagers, Scottish explorer&#xa0;Craig Mathieson&#xa0;has now added a royal honour to his list of achievements.</strong></p><p>The founder of&#xa0;<a href="https://www.thepolaracademy.org/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">The Polar Academy</a>&#xa0;has been awarded the coveted Polar Medal in the King&#x2019;s New Year Honours List 2026 &#x2013; one of the UK&#x2019;s highest recognitions for polar service.</p><p>Mathieson is no stranger to extremes. He man-hauled to the South Pole in 2004, stood at the Geographical North Pole in 2006, and has kayaked along Greenland&#x2019;s unforgiving east coast. </p><h2 id="but-while-the-frozen-frontiers-are-impressive-it%E2%80%99s-what-he%E2%80%99s-done-for-young-people-back-home-that%E2%80%99s-capturing-hearts">But while the frozen frontiers are impressive, it&#x2019;s what he&#x2019;s done for young people back home that&#x2019;s capturing hearts.</h2><p></p><p>Since launching <a href="https://www.thepolaracademy.org/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">The Polar Academy</a> in 2013, Mathieson has taken more than 270 teenagers&#x2014;many battling trauma, loss of confidence or feeling invisible at school&#x2014;and put them through
Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-27
<img alt="BBC One Show Stuns Charity Founder with Star-Studded Surprise" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-29-1.jpeg" /><p><strong>By Charities Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>It was meant to be a simple puncture repair.</strong></p><p>Instead, last week,&#xa0;The One Show&#xa0;delivered a jaw-dropping &#x201c;One Big Thank-You&#x201d; to&#xa0;Mike Grisenthwaite&#x2014; the man who has helped thousands of children living with cancer get back on their bikes.</p><p>With a little help from presenter&#xa0;Alexander Armstrong&#xa0;and cycling legend&#xa0;Chris Hoy, the BBC pulled off an emotional surprise that left the charity founder completely speechless.</p><h2 id="grisenthwaite-started-cyclists-fighting-cancer-cfc-20-years-ago-from-his-kitchen-table">Grisenthwaite started&#xa0;Cyclists Fighting Cancer&#xa0;(CFC) 20 years ago from his kitchen table. </h2><p></p><p>What began as a deeply personal mission has grown into a nationwide force for good, with four charity bike shops in Cheltenham, London, Manchester and its headquarters in Stratford-upon-Avon.</p><p>The shops breathe new life into donated bikes and parts, sell new cycling accessories, and service all types of bikes &#x2014; with every penny raised going straight back into helping children living with and beyond cancer.</p><h2 id="the-impact-is-staggering">The impact is staggering. </h2><p></p><p>Since launching, <a href="https://cyclistsfc.org.uk/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="norefer
Modern Classic Motorcycle Newsmodernclassicbikes
2026-02-27

Triumph Reveals New Triumph Motorcycles X The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride: 2026 Collection

Celebrating 13 years of support for one of the most inspiring riding events on the calendar, Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled a new 2026 limited edition clothing collection.

...
modernclassicbikes.co.uk/trium

Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-26
<img alt="M&amp;S and Jigsaw Hit the Streets for Youth Mental Health" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-28-1.jpeg" /><p><strong>By Mental Health Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>More than 40 runners laced up in Dublin on Valentine&#x2019;s Day as Marks &amp; Spencer joined forces with Jigsaw for a high-energy 5K fundraiser supporting youth mental health.</strong></p><p>Led by popular fitness coach Chris Connolly (Get Better With Chris), the run kicked off and wrapped up at the M&amp;S Caf&#xe9; on Grafton Street, drawing members of his run club and the wider fitness community. </p><p>Award-winning chef and M&amp;S x <a href="https://jigsaw.ie/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">Jigsaw</a> ambassador Mark Moriarty was also on hand to show his support.</p><h2 id="the-event-forms-part-of-ms-ireland%E2%80%99s-three-year-partnership-with-jigsaw-aimed-at-expanding-access-to-vital-mental-health-services-for-young-people-aged-12%E2%80%9325">The event forms part of M&amp;S Ireland&#x2019;s three-year partnership with Jigsaw, aimed at expanding access to vital mental health services for young people aged 12&#x2013;25.</h2><p></p><p><strong>Eddie Murphy, Country Director for M&amp;S Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: </strong></p><blockquote>&#x201c;Partnerships like this work because they&#x2019;re rooted in real communities. Over the past two years, our partnership with Jigsaw has helped young people access vital mental health support more qui
Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-26
<img alt="Work Begins on Groundbreaking Patient Hotel for Bristol Children" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-24-1.jpeg" /><p><strong>By Community Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>Construction has officially started on a pioneering new Patient Hotel that will support families of children receiving ongoing treatment in Bristol.</strong></p><p>The charity&#xa0;<a href="https://www.grandappeal.org.uk/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">The Grand Appeal</a>&#xa0;has broken ground on the new facility, known as the Jingle Jam Building, marking a major milestone for the project.</p><p>On 24 February 2026, representatives from <a href="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/m-s-and-jigsaw-hit-the-streets-for-youth-mental-health/" rel="noreferrer">The Grand Appeal</a>,&#xa0;<a href="https://www.jinglejam.co.uk/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">Jingle Jam</a>,&#xa0;Bristol Children&#x2019;s Hospital, and West of England Mayor&#xa0;Helen Godwin&#xa0;gathered to take part in a ceremonial first dig, signalling the official start of construction.</p><h2 id="the-purpose-built-patient-hotel-will-provide-accommodation-for-young-patients-and-their-families-once-they-no-longer-need-24-hour-inpatient-care-but-still-require-therapy-and-rehabilitation">The purpose-built Patient Hotel will provide accommodation for young patients and their families once they no longer need 24-hour inpatient care but still require therapy and rehabilitation. </h2><p></p><figu
The Mirror: News, Sport, Celebrity & Entertainmentmirror.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-26

Mum handed £1,000 fine for leaving bag of donations at charity bin

fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirr

Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-25
<img alt="Brentford Fans Net Nearly &#xA3;2,000 for Chiswick Lifeboat Heroes" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Image-5-3.jpg" /><p><strong>By Charities Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>Generous Brentford supporters have helped raise almost &#xa3;2,000 for Chiswick RNLI during the latest match day collection.</strong></p><p>In the two hours before kick-off on Saturday 21 February, volunteers and crew from&#xa0;<a href="https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/chiswick-lifeboat-station?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer"><strong>Chiswick RNLI</strong></a>&#xa0;collected &#xa3;1,946 through bucket donations and card payments &#x2014; with more than half given in cash, proving notes and coins are still very much in circulation.</p><p>The fundraising drive forms part of the long-standing partnership between the lifeboat station and&#xa0;<a href="https://www.brentfordfc.com/en?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer"><strong>Brentford F.C.</strong></a>, which dates back to the club&#x2019;s days at&#xa0;<strong>Griffin Park</strong>. </p><h2 id="now-a-premier-league-side-the-bees-play-at-the-gtech-community-stadium-just-a-short-distance-from-the-river-thames-where-chiswick%E2%80%99s-volunteer-crew-regularly-train">Now a Premier League side, the Bees play at the Gtech Community Stadium, just a short distance from the River Thames where Chiswick&#x2019;s volunteer crew regularly train.</h2><p></p><p>Many fans gathered in riverside pubs ahe
Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-24
<img alt="Hearts Stolen in Sidmouth: Vet Students Meet the Donkeys" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/BEVS-students-with-DAA-donkeys---credit-The-Donkey-Sanctuary-v-1-1.jpg" /><p><strong>By Animals Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>Even for students of equine medicine it can be a surprise to learn about how different donkeys and mules are from horses, as one group of visitors recently found out during a day at The Donkey Sanctuary in East Devon.</strong></p><p>The first port of call for the students from the <a href="https://bristolequineveterinarysociety.weebly.com/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">Bristol Equine Veterinary Society </a>(BEVS) was the charity&#x2019;s dedicated donkey hospital near Honiton. </p><p>Here they met Head Nurse Emily Buckley and Lead Veterinary Surgeon Vicky Grove, and were given a tour of the facilities, including the clinical building and the main operating theatre.</p><h2 id="the-hospital-treats-donkeys-and-mules-from-inside-and-outside-of-the-sanctuary-as-well-as-training-vets-from-all-over-the-world">The hospital treats donkeys and mules from inside and outside of the sanctuary, as well as training vets from all over the world. </h2><p></p><p>Its surgical facilities include a diode laser for sarcoid surgery, a DR x-ray system, and mobile and hospital-based ultrasound machines.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img alt="Hearts Stolen in Sidmouth: Vet Students Meet the Donkeys" class
2026-02-24

Rare Commodore rebuilt by 700 apprentices to be auctioned for charity
By Hannah Ross

Fifteen years, 700 apprentices and now the potential to save several lives, this classic VL Holden Commodore has become more than the sum of its parts.

abc.net.au/news/2026-02-24/lif

#CarEnthusiasm #Charities #TAFEInstitutes #HannahRoss

Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-23

Edelweiss the Gromit Finds Forever Home at Bristol Airport as Iconic ‘Bristol’ Sign Unveiled

fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.good

<img alt="Edelweiss the Gromit Finds Forever Home at Bristol Airport as Iconic &#x2018;Bristol&#x2019; Sign Unveiled" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-20-1.jpeg" /><p><strong>By Charities Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>An eye-catching Gromit sculpture has made its new home at Bristol Airport taking pride of place inside the Public Transport Interchange (PTI) - with millions of people being able to enjoy seeing him as they pass through.</strong></p><p>The sculpture will not only be a hit with locals &#x2013; particularly those that enjoyed the summer Gromit Unleashed 3 trail &#x2013; but also provide a west country welcome to visitors to the region.</p><p>As well as the Gromit, a huge &#x2018;Bristol&#x2019; sign also now greets customers to the Airport &#x2013; adding place identity and a focal point for pictures taken by tourists arriving for the first time.<br /></p><h2 id="bristol-airport-successfully-bid-for-the-gromit-named-edelweiss-at-an-auction-last-year-where-%C2%A32-million-was-raised-for-the-grand-appeal">Bristol Airport successfully bid for the Gromit, named Edelweiss, at an auction last year where &#xa3;2 million was raised for The Grand Appeal. </h2><p></p><p>The funds will support the <a href="https://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/your-hospitals/bristol-royal-hospital-for-children/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">Bristol Children&#x2019;s Hospital</a> and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael&
2026-02-21

With the US #penny on the way out, I decided it was time to get them out of my house. Took 68 of them to a Coinstar kiosk and donated the proceeds to the Red Cross. There are other #charities you can choose.

coinstar.com/findakiosk

Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-20
<img alt="New Defibrillator Installed on Weston Street Thanks to Generous Local School" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/unnamed-3-1.jpg" /><p><strong>By Josh Bell, Charities Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>Residents in&#xa0;Weston-super-Mare&#xa0;have some welcome news after a new life-saving defibrillator was installed on Eastcombe Road.</strong></p><p>The device has been funded by a donation from&#xa0;<a href="https://www.walliscoteprimaryschool.co.uk/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">Walliscote Primary School</a>, meaning another piece of vital emergency equipment is now available in the area if someone suffers a cardiac arrest.</p><p>The defibrillator has also been registered with&#xa0;The Circuit, the national database that links devices to ambulance services. This allows 999 call handlers to direct people straight to its location in an emergency.</p><p>The cabinet has been placed outside the home of Kim, a former Emergency Care Assistant with&#xa0;South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. </p><h2 id="the-spot-was-chosen-carefully-as-it%E2%80%99s-close-to-nearby-woodland-where-walkers-regularly-pass-through">The spot was chosen carefully, as it&#x2019;s close to nearby woodland where walkers regularly pass through.</h2><p></p><p>Thanks have also been given to&#xa0;<a href="https://donatefordefibwsm.co.uk/?ref=goodnewspost.co.uk" rel="noreferrer">Donate For Defib</a>&#xa0;for supporting the installation, and to Caroline
Good News Post - inspiring stories, hope, positivity, well-being, and a happier outlook on life.goodnewspost.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-20
<img alt="Swindon Hostel Residents Benefit from Generous Lego Donation from Local Toy Shop" src="https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-11.png" /><p><strong>By Community Correspondent</strong></p><p><strong>Residents at&#xa0;Booth House Lifehouse, a Salvation Army-run hostel in Swindon that provides assisted accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, are receiving a boost to their wellbeing thanks to a substantial Lego donation from&#xa0;The Entertainer&#xa0;toy shop in Swindon.</strong></p><p>The hostel, located at 1 Spring Close, recently introduced a&#xa0;Lego club&#xa0;as part of its holistic recovery programme. </p><h2 id="following-a-call-for-community-support-the-team-was-thrilled-to-receive-6-kilograms-of-lego-from-the-local-store">Following a call for community support, the team was thrilled to receive&#xa0;6 kilograms of Lego&#xa0;from the local store.</h2><p></p><p>Chloe Kirwan, Program Manager at Booth House Lifehouse, explained that the contribution comes at a particularly important time. While structured group sessions have proven very popular, staff identified a need for&#xa0;creative activities during quieter periods.</p><p><strong>Chloe said:</strong></p><blockquote>&#x201c;On behalf of the residents, we say thank you to The Entertainer for their generosity and support of the Swindon community. Evenings are often quiet in the building and this can be a vulnerable time. Residents often come down to our communal area because they d

Client Info

Server: https://mastodon.social
Version: 2025.07
Repository: https://github.com/cyevgeniy/lmst