Last year, I came across this blog from Smartbrief (SmartBlog on Education)… the author Bill Ferriter, was writing about how to use digital tools to make a difference, especially the kind of difference that has wider reaching impact than delivering meals to homeless shelters or hosting a lemonade stand to help the thirsty, not that there’s anything wrong with those.

He included a list of examples of kids who were making things happen and having a real impact.  You can read his complete blog post here.  These are really impressive stories.  Take for instance, The Ryan’s Well Project.  In 1998, Ryan Hreljac (age 6) learned that people were sick and dying in Africa because they didn’t have access to clean water.  He started doing household chores to earn money so he could pay for a well to be built in Uganda.  This turned into real fund raising and now the Ryan’s Well Foundation does a lot of good.  And he still hasn’t yet graduated from college.

Another kid I like is Kid President… Check this “Pep Talk” out.

Last week, Superstorm Sandy left much devastation in her wake on the Eastern Seaboard and beyond.  Particularly hard hit were New York City and neighbouring New Jersey cities and towns.

Sandy was so harsh in New York that it caused a cancellation of the annual NYC Marathon, a destination “fall classic” for runners from around the world.  A few local runners from my hometown were en route as Mayor Bloomberg made the call.

Yes, runners were disappointed.  Thousands of them… no question about that.  One door closes, another one opens.  A group of runners, organized through Facebook by Dr. Jordan Metzl, decided to head out to Staten Island anyway (this is where the race starts every year) to begin their run.  But this would be a different kind of run because this group (1,300 strong by the way) would bring supplies and good wishes to their fellow New Yorkers affected by the storm.  Full story via CNN.com here.

November 3rd, 2012 wasn’t quite what anyone expected a week prior.  Residents didn’t think they’d be under water, without power or worse… But thanks to 1300 would-be marathoners, their recovery from Sandy’s aftermath found a little bright spot on Sunday morning when there was a knock at the door, a smile and an act of kindness.

Good on you, Dr Metzl and your entire crew last Sunday.  Your actions will leave a lasting impression on all those whom you stopped by to see.

Cheers.