Worth Sharing

WS

Stories That Matter

# World

Iranians Erect 'Kindness Walls' to Warm Up Winter for the Poor

avatar By Jim Stout

18 Jan 2016 41 views
Size Print
Email
Iranians Erect 'Kindness Walls' to Warm Up Winter for the Poor
Brightly painted "Kindness Walls" let Iranians leave clothes, shoes, and food for the needy to take.

Even as the UN removed a virtual wall of sanctions from around Iran this weekend, the Iranian people were busy transforming the actual walls in their country into destinations for clothing the cold and feeding the hungry.

No one is quite sure who started the trend, but "Kindness Walls" are spreading across the country.

WANT MORE GOOD NEWS? …GET OUR NEW APP->Download FREE for Android and iOS

#photooftheday Iranians walk past Wall of Kindness, encouraging people to donate clothes to those in need, #Tehran pic.twitter.com/xWa7UIDpC0

The first ones started with splashes of bright color and bold letters saying "Wall of Kindness" above a row of hooks. Instructions inform people to leave "what you don't need" and "take if you need" it.

Coats, jeans, dresses, and shoes have appeared on the pegs and hooks - and disappeared whenever the needy find the items they can use.

"Wall of kindness" set up by #Iran. And they ask me why do I love Iran ! Iran ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/10xFQgsmyj

The trend isn't just limited to walls; The Guardian reports a shop in Tehran put out a box with a  sign reading, "Bread is free for those who can't pay," and Iranians have posted pictures of a "Fridge of Kindness" to feed the hungry set up inside a store.

From the 'wall of kindness' to the 'fridge of kindness' - Iranians looking out for the needy this winter. #Iran pic.twitter.com/QrWKHSma8D

The idea is catching on outside Iran, too, inspiring similar Kindness Walls in Pakistan and Kurdistan.

The NGO, Humanitarian Relief Foundation built one in Istanbul, Turkey over the weekend, drawing huge crowds.

A "kindness wall" set up by IHH in Uskudar Square is welcomed warmly by Istanbulites. pic.twitter.com/DbyLVwg9aM

Some Iranian charities had found it difficult to import medicine and food during the years of international sanctions set up because of the country's nuclear weapons program. Lifting those is expected to create a resurgence of the country's charitable organizations, but Kindness Walls show the Iranian people's spirit of giving is already strong.

(WATCH the video below from Aparat)

 

Photos: Humanitarian Relief, Twitter

Hang This Story Out For Your Friends To Take, Share It…[icopyright_one_button_toolbar]

Tags:
avatar

About author

More posts

# World

Saving The Earth With Help From Above

The European Space Agency (ESA) has approved the funding to launch a copy of its lost Cryosat Satellite to give us an accurate global picture of the climate’s affect on Earth’s ever-changing ice sheets.

# World

Sunflowers Planted in Japan to Absorb Radiation and Lift Hopes

To combat excessive radiation levels in the agricultural regions surrounding the Fukashima nuclear plant, monks at a Japanese Buddhist temple began growing and distributing sunflowers, which are known to absorb radiation. Hundreds of thousands of flowers are now in bloom, spurring deeper connections between people in Fukushima and the rest of the country.

You might be interested in

Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Recent Stories
  • A Heartfelt Reminder to Appreciate the Ones We Love
    05 Sep 144 Views
  • Cherish the Woman Who Stands by You
    05 Sep 111 Views
  • Breaking Generational Cycles of Pain
    05 Sep 124 Views
  • Living by Your Own Values, Not Others' Approval
    05 Sep 167 Views
  • When Life Brings Rain, It’s Okay to Rest
    05 Sep 611 Views
  • Before You Judge Someone's Life, Take a Moment to Walk in Their Shoes.
    05 Sep 293 Views