Giving Back in Corona Times

There are so many ways to give back.  During corona times the act of giving is even more important.  So many people have suffered in so many different ways that truly any type of giving would be appreciated. Even if one thinks they have nothing to offer, they would be surprised at just how many opportunities exist.

Take Mozes Victor Konig for example.  An Israeli based photographer, Konig’s work has definitely slowed down during the pandemic.  But rather than rest on his laurels or get depressed about the situation, Konig has been using the opportunity to give back to his community as well as those in other parts of the world.

“In the first lockdown I saw that people were scared, hunkering down and there was an increase in depression and anxiety,” Konig recalls.  “I initially started taking pictures of the ‘world without people’ as it looked to me but that was not helping my own personal mental health.  So I asked around and found that people would love to have socially-distanced photos.  I saw an opportunity and went for it,” Mozes Victor Konig says, explaining how his volunteer work was able to put a smile on people’s faces.

Konig went out and took photos of all sorts of people.  And houses. And dogs.  And then he sent them to their email addresses and refused payment.  “Take it as a gift.  Take it without money.  Just pass it on.  Pay It Forward.  Do a good deed for someone else during this time,” Konig said.

Animals: Making the Difference During Covid-19

So many people have been positively influenced by pets this year. While we’ve all be forced to socially distance and stay inside, the pets by our side have made all the difference. That’s why it was so nice to see this week, on Giving Tuesday, that Petco Foundation and the BOBS from Skechers gave $860,000 in grant awards to animal welfare organizations throughout the country.

The grants were given out based on stories that people submitted about their pet adoptions. 50 of the best stories were selected, and the money (ranging from $5,000 to $100,000) was given to the organizations that facilitated the adoption of those pets. The stories are all quite heartwarming and many can be seen here: petcofoundation.org/vote.

While reading the stories, people can also vote in the People’s Choice competition where the best five stories with the highest number of votes will get even more grants. Voting is until December 16th.