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PositiveNews.com | Robin Eveleigh | December 20, 2021| Ordinary People | Start A Quote Today!

From the pages of our print magazine this year, here are 10 people whose visionary thinking made a difference in 2021

Our alternative honors list celebrates the everyday heroism, incredible feats, and visionary thinking that made 2021 a standout year – for all the right reasons. In no particular order, from our coverage, this year, here are 10 ordinary people who made 2021 extraordinary

1. Justyna Green, the illustrator behind 100 Days of Gratitude

The great pandemic reset has provided time for grateful reflection on the simpler pleasures in life. London-based illustrator Justyna Green set out to capture 100 of the small mercies that helped us through these monumentally trying times – from beloved pets and family members to wild swimming, cheese, and yoga. Her series, 100 Days of Gratitude, is a heartwarming result.

2. Darren O’Brien and Rail to Refuge

Just making the decision to flee an abusive relationship can be daunting enough, without even considering the practicalities. But a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, or – in this case – a train trip. The lifesaving Rail to Refuge scheme, which was dreamt up by station manager Darren O’Brien, was extended in March. It provides free travel for adults and children who are fleeing abuse and has helped more than 1,000 journeys into a brighter future.

3. Sol Escobar of Give Your Best

The gift of giving is forefront in our minds at Christmas, but Sol Escobar’s innovative online project extends the sentiment to bring about year-round cheer. A Calais refugee camp volunteer, Cambridge-based Escobar set up Give Your Best, an online fashion shop where the clothes are donations and the ‘customers’ are refugees and asylum seekers, who receive items for free (as well as – more often than not – a friendly note of welcome). Already, more than 6,000 fresh threads have been delivered along with a welcome confidence boost. Escobar told us how a priority of hers is to offer people not charity, but the dignity of choice.

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