Hero # 3 - Ted, the Cyclist (Malaysia)

This is Ted, an 80-year old grandpa from a small village in Netherlands who spends 6 months each year cycling in some part of this world. He was doing the South-East Asian leg when we happened upon him while cycling in Malaysia. He's just pure inspiration!

What this means to me is for some time now, I've wanted to write short stories which have a deeper meaning - of simplicity, love & happiness and I finally wrote my first one today based on my experience of meeting Ted..

(And yup, as you can see from his shirt, he said he really hasn't washed himself for a few days!)

Contributor : Ashwin Subramaniam (Singapore)

Hero # 2 - Dada Ramakrishna, the Orphanage Supervisor (Thailand)

This is Dada Ramakrishna (in pink), he has been in charged of the orphanage, Baan Dada in Huay Malai, Thailand (near the Thai/Burma border) for about 16 years. 

At the moment, Dada Ramakrishna is doing a solo walk from Huay Malai to Bangkok and maybe even to Phuket! to raise funds to build a technical school in Sangklaburi, the closest town, about a 20 minute drive from Huay Malai, so everyone has the opportunity for further education! He started on October 23rd and is writing a walking diary to keep us all updated. The last one I received was Day 9 - Oct 31st and he had walked 234 kilometres and reached Kanchanaburi (normally a 4 hour bus ride to the orphanage).

Personally what it means to me? I have spent a total of 2 months volunteering at Baan Dada over the last 2 years and have grown to love all the children there. These children are from Burma and the fact that they would be able to better themselves and their future, rather than just merely surviving would be amazing. 

Dada Ramakrishna is basically a father to 56 children and love that he is so unique and has no boundaries... shown by walking to Bangkok to raise money! This man is truly inspiring and has endured heat, countless blisters, mosquitoes, rain and just sheer exhaustion. He has also met wonderful people along the way who have showed him kindness in a room to stay or some food to eat! 

His spirit keeps him going while his body is slowly failing him.....

Contributor : Erin Sanocky (Melbourne)

Hero # 1 - Peter, the Crossing Supervisor (Melbourne)

This is Peter & he is a volunteer Crossing Supervisor, seen in the leafy suburb of Balwyn every morning. 

He helps pedestrians cross the road in peak hour traffic, especially those nasty left turns where cars more often than not do not pay much attention to pedestrians crossing the road. So what Peter does is when the light turns green, he blows his whistle, stands in the middle of the road & stares those drivers in the eye. According to Peter, 'Mam, I do my very best'! 

What this means to me is I was once knocked by a car on one of those left turns thanks to me being highly engrossed on the phone again. While it's no more than a shoe-flying & highly embarrassing incident, not everyone is as lucky, so thanks Peter! & every morning on my way to work, Peter offers simple but great conversations, a lovely smile & just what I need to kickstart the day ! 

Contributor: Veronica Yow (Melbourne)

About

An initiative to highlight the daily heroes in our lives; the ones you meet on a day-to-day basis or a once-off lucky encounter, someone who puts a smile on your face, someone who believes in what they do, someone who usually goes under the radar; unnoticed, unrecognised but inspires you.


Let's celebrate them, share their stories & say a simple Thank You! 


Starts with a Hero a week, first from Melbourne, then to the rest of the world, 365 Heroes in 365 Days eventually, share your Hero today!